Scratch Night is a curated evening of short works-in-progress, showcasing four developing pieces across two halves. It offers artists the chance to test new material in front of a live audience and gather feedback, while audiences get an early look at bold new work in a relaxed, social setting.
APPLICANT CALLOUT:
Have an idea you’ve been wanting to test? Working on a new show? Looking for a space to experiment, play and receive feedback and discussion? Scratch at Shakespeare North is now taking on artists to share their work for our scratch night on the 22nd September.
We’re looking for 4 Knowsley and Liverpool City Region based artists/companies to share up to 20 minutes of new works in progress before taking part in a supportive audience feedback session where we explore the work further.
Whether you’re:
we would love to hear from you!
We welcome applications from artists working across theatre, spoken word, comedy, musical theatre, and more. This is a collaborative space to experiment take risks and ask questions to develop your work alongside a friendly audience and fellow creatives.
Deadline: 25th August
For more information and to apply, click the Opportunity Info link below!
Southwark-based artists are able to apply for free use of Canada Water Theatre to support the development of creative ideas through rehearsals and closed R&Ds.
Bookable spaces for a given month are released via the form below during the first week of the previous month. The deadline to complete this form will be the 15th of each month and we will be in touch in the following week to confirm if we’re able to assign you space.
For more information and to book, click the Opportunity Info link below!
Shape Arts has partnered with The Literary Consultancy for another year to facilitate their Free Reads scheme which provides opportunities for professional feedback for low-income writers from underrepresented backgrounds. TLC, the UK’s leading literary consultancy, run the scheme every year, helping hundreds of writers on to publication, but its main aim is to support writers developing their work and honing their writing craft through structured constructive feedback.
Free Reads provides free access to a professional reader, who will provide written feedback on a sample of your work. The pool of writers will b e decided by Shape following a selection process. All selected writers will receive access to TLC’s ‘Being A Writer’ online portal for 6 months.
FORMATS:
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT:
ELIGIBILITY:
Deadline: Wednesday 26 August 2026, 11.59pm
For more information and to apply, click the Opportunity Info link below!
For three days every month, Playspace allows a different artist or team access to space at Birmingham Hippodrome to explore an idea with no pressure to create a piece of work.
Playspace is aimed at Midlands theatre creatives (aged 18+) and offers –
Some examples of what artists have used Playspace for (you don’t need to necessarily fit neatly into one of these!) –
If you have any questions, please get in touch with the team at creatives@birminghamhippodrome.com.
Deadline: Sunday 23 September
Click the Opportunity Info link below to apply for September, October & November slots.
Rigid schedules don’t work for everyone – especially neurodiverse people. In this FREE online workshop we’ll look at practical techniques to manage your time and help you get things done – from flexible time blocking, task organisation and restful boundaries built specifically for neurodivergent minds.
WHAT YOU'LL GAIN:
WHO IT'S FOR:
This free online workshop is for creative freelancers, founders, and entrepreneurs aged 18–30 who identify as neurodivergent.
Absolutely no prior professional background or experience is required to join the conversation.
ESSENTIAL INFO:
We are committed to supporting D/deaf, disabled and neurodiverse young people, those with medical conditions, access requirements or any lived experience that may require adaptation, support or sensitivity. If there is anything you would like to let us (our youth workers, tutors or staff) know that will support your enjoyment and access, you can do so by emailing us at advicebase@roundhouse.org.uk, and we will contact you to discuss further how to best support your engagement.
For more information and to sign up, click the Opportunity Info link below!
Are you ready to explore what’s possible in the world of performance?
Young Talent Expo 2026 is for aspiring performers aged 8–21, bringing together young talent with the people, knowledge and opportunities that can help them navigate the industry.
Whether your passion is stage, screen, voice acting or musical theatre, there’s something waiting for you at Young Talent Expo.
WHY ATTEND?
Attending Young Talent Expo is a unique opportunity for young performers to explore the world of performance and gain valuable insights into building a career. This event is designed to equip young talent with realistic, industry-specific information that will help them make informed decisions about their future.
At the expo, you’ll have the chance to meet with a wide variety of exhibitors offering services to support your career development and learning. You can attend informative seminars and hands-on workshops led by industry professionals, learning tips and techniques that will help you grow. Plus, there will be live performances and interviews with special guests, offering inspiration and real-world advice.
One of the standout opportunities is the chance to perform in front of casting directors and agents, giving you the chance to be seen and potentially open doors to future roles. With plenty of networking opportunities and special offers available, Young Talent Expo is an unmissable event for anyone passionate about performance!
KEY INFORMATION:
For more information, and to purchase a ticket to attend, click the Opportunity Info link below!
CALLING EMERGING PERFORMANCE MAKERS IN STOKE-ON-TRENT & NORTH STAFFORDSHIRE
Restoke, in partnership with Rhiannon Faith Company, are launching Risk Space – supporting emerging artists to find their artistic voice, with a focus on performance making, co-creation and socially engaged practices.
Making art is impossible without taking risks, so we’re creating supportive spaces to test, fail and learn. Through workshops, shadowing opportunities, free space and support to produce your own events, Risk Space will support a community of performance artists and makers in the area.
RISK SPACE WILL OFFER:
WHO IS RISK SPACE FOR?
Risk Space is for emerging artists based in Stoke-on-Trent/North Staffs who are interested in performance making. We'd love to hear from independent, collaborative, DIY artists with audacious ideas and a burning desire to create and connect. You might just need some support and some more creative pals.
You may work in dance, theatre, music, spoken word, performance art, or across multiple art forms.
We are primarily supporting artists in the first eight years of developing a professional practice, including those who may have trained, returned to practice after a break, or come to performance making later in life.
TIMELINE:
Risk Space is designed to fit around artists' existing work and commitments. Apart from one required introductory workshop in September 2026 and an evaluation session in July 2027, the programme is flexible, allowing artists to make the most of the opportunities most relevant to them.
Introductory workshop
Clare Reynolds (Restoke) & Rhiannon Faith (Rhiannon Faith Company)
Friday 25 September 2026
10.00am–4.00pm (lunch provided)
Optional opportunities
While Rhiannon Faith Company rehearse their new production MARY MARY in the Ballroom, there will be opportunities to join company class and/or shadow rehearsals (where relevant to your practice):
Other opportunities (arranged around availability):
HOW TO APPLY:
Please email us the following:
1. Tell us about yourself
Tell us about your experience so far, any relevant training, your creative practice and what you're interested in.
You are welcome to attach a CV and include examples of your work if relevant.
Please also confirm that you are based in Stoke-on-Trent or North Staffordshire.
2. Tell us why you want to be part of Risk Space
Tell us:
We welcome written applications, but if another format works better for you, we'd be happy to receive a video or audio application instead.
Send your application or questions to project producer Oly Goncalves: info@restoke.org.uk
KEY INFORMATION:
For more information and to apply, click the Opportunity Info link below!
Submissions are now OPEN for the Bill Cashmore Award: One Act Play Prize.
The Bill Cashmore Award offers a paid opportunity for two new one-act plays by writers aged 18-30, to be professionally produced at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre and Bristol Old Vic.
The two winning plays will run as a double bill and will be performed by the Bristol Old Vic’s Young Company and Young SixSix in April 2027, and the Lyric’s SPRINGBOARD trainee actors in August 2027.
The award is kindly supported by the Bill Cashmore Award Founder Sasha Bates.
We particularly welcome submissions from those who are underrepresented in theatre and/or situated in areas culturally underserved.
To submit, you must:
Your script must:
The two successful writers will:
Applications close midday on Tuesday 25th August 2026
For more information and to apply, click the Opportunity Info link below!
Join us for a Masterclass with six performers from the critically acclaimed production of Jesus Christ Superstar, now playing at the London Palladium.
In this panel conversation, led by audience questions, we’ll discuss the performers’ process, their journeys into theatre and these roles, and what it takes to sustain a demanding musical every night.
We’re looking for questions from our members to ask throughout the session – you can submit your question here. If your question is chosen, our Programmer, Georgie, will ask you to stand up and ask it.
The panel will be composed of:
This Masterclass is ideal for performers, creatives and producers eager to understand the preparation, discipline and teamwork that goes into a major West End musical production.
Key information:
To sign up, click the Opportunity Info link below!
Our 9-Week Saturday Youth Theatre Programme uses acting and drama activities to help young people become more confident communicators, creative thinkers and supportive team players. Whether your child loves performing or simply wants to build confidence and make new friends, they’ll gain skills that benefit them both on and off the stage.
AGES 6-11
Build Confidence, Communication & Creativity
Perfect for children who love performing, enjoy imaginative play, or would benefit from a supportive environment where they can grow in confidence.
Through drama games, acting activities and performance exercises, students develop:
Autumn term: Saturday 03 October - Saturday 05 December (9 weeks, no class on 24 October) at 10am - 12pm
Course fees: £250
AGES 11-17
Acting Skills That Support Their Future
For older students looking to strengthen their acting ability while developing transferable skills that can support future studies and careers.
Students explore:
Alongside acting training, students build transferable life skills including communication, leadership, teamwork, presentation skills and self-confidence. Whether they’re considering drama school or another career path, these are skills that will benefit them for years to come.
Autumn term: Saturday 03 October - Saturday 05 December (9 weeks, no class on 24 October) at 1pm - 3:30pm
Course fees: £275
For more information, including bursary places, and to sign up, please click the Opportunity Info link below!
