FUSE International is a festival that offers an eclectic programme of music, theatre, dance, comedy, visual arts, spoken word, circus and more...
The next FUSE International will take place from 26 June – 5 July 2026. Thank you to everyone who took part in FUSE 2025!
FUSE International is an international celebration of live performance and creativity. Our programme is packed with inspiring, funny and thought-provoking shows that bring us together through live performance. With theatre, dance, comedy, cabaret, visual arts and more – there is something for everyone, and it’s all created by young and emerging artists from around the world.
The festival replaces the International Youth Arts Festival (IYAF) which has taken place each summer since 2009. Over 80 events across film, music, theatre, visual arts and more take place over the ten days of the festival which is curated and presented by charity Creative Youth.
The Rep's acclaimed artist development programme, Foundry, is back - with a bold new focus!
You asked, we listened – and have reimagined Foundry in a way that provides deeper support for writers in the region, putting the craft of playwrighting at the heart of a new generation of writers ready to make their mark.
This year, we are placing writers centre stage. Over 12 months, Foundry will champion, nurture and support three emerging playwrights from the West Midlands – artists with distinctive voices that are underrepresented in the industry, whose stories need the space and time to grow.
Whether it’s shaping your first full-length play or refining your process, Foundry is here to help you sharpen your craft and write with confidence.
In addition, Foundry will provide a unique deep dive into what it really takes to bring your work from idea to page and prepare for the stage. The three selected writers will gain inside access to the Rep – the largest producing theatre in the West Midlands – and learn about the producing process, as well as how they can shape their stories for regional audiences and beyond.
You will work closely with the Rep’s artistic team, receiving one-to-one dramaturgical support, practical writing workshops, and dedicated time to explore, develop, and write. At the end of the Foundry process, there will be a rehearsed reading of your work, as well as guidance on writing a funding application if you wish to take your work further after the 12 months.
Foundry is designed not only to support you with writing a script but also to help equip you, the writer, with the tools and knowledge to navigate the theatre sector. You will receive exclusive behind-the-scenes access to Rep-produced productions, gaining insight into how work is developed, as well as access to workshops across various departments, including marketing, producing, creative learning, artistic, and more. Industry masterclasses will provide you with practical advice on navigating the sector, pitching your work with confidence and clarity, and how to build and shape a career that is sustainable.
As a Foundry Artist, you will receive:
Are you aged 21-25? Do you live, work or study in Lambeth or Southwark? Are you interested in leadership within the Theatre industry?
If this sounds like something you are interested in, the application form to join our Artistic Leadership Lab is now LIVE!
This five-week programme is designed for young people aged 21-25 who are passionate about theatre and keen to develop as future leaders. Focusing on leadership in the arts, participants will explore the core skills required to lead effectively, discover their own strengths and leadership style, and learn how to communicate and deliver a creative vision. Participants will gain practical insight into the steps involved in turning artistic ideas into reality whilst receiving 1-1 mentoring and the opportunity to pitch an idea to industry professionals.
On our programme you will:
Please see below the key dates to take part in this programme:
Wednesday 14th January 2026 – 18:00-20:30
Wednesday 21st January 2026 – 18:00-20:30
Wednesday 28th January 2026 – 11:00-16:00
Wednesday 4th February 2026 – 18:00-20:30
Wednesday 11th February 2026 – 11:00-16:00A travel bursary is available for this programme.
Sustaining a freelance career in the creative industries means more than just talent, it’s about knowing how to navigate an ever-changing sector, where to find opportunities, and how to turn ideas into income. That’s where our fully funded Skills Bootcamp comes in.
Over several weeks, you’ll gain the insight, confidence, and practical tools to strengthen your business foundations and build a more resilient freelance practice. Designed specifically for creative freelancers, this programme helps you develop the skills, mindset, and strategies to thrive, not just survive.
Key Information:
Dates: Monday 12th Jan, Wednesdays 21st - 11th Feb, then half term break followed by Wednesday 25th Feb - 18th March
Duration: 1 day a week for 9 weeks, 10am to 5pm (with breaks)
Venue: Central Bristol, TBC
Full Fee: Free
Level: Level 4
The brand-new series of In Dialogue - the podcast for emerging artists, is now here. Whether you’re an aspiring theatre-maker, performer, writer, director or producer, then this one’s for you.
Across four episodes, these five artists dive into topics like nailing your audition, building creative partnerships, touring as a performer and producing autobiographical work.
If you're looking to elevate your creativity and your career, make sure to tune in – this is one series you won’t want to miss!
First episode is now available to stream, search Scottish Youth Theatre wherever you get your podcasts or use the link in the bio to listen now.
Collective Acting Studio's BA Acting degree course offers full-time industry-focused actor-training.
This course places a strong emphasis on screen acting – with 50% of the curriculum devoted to this area of the industry – alongside a rigorous training for the stage.
During our BA Acting you will:
There will also be an emphasis on fostering the skills needed to create your own work – such as screenwriting and producing.
Study in state-of-the-art theatre and studio spaces situated in our beautiful Grade 2-listed building – just 10 minutes from London’s West End.
At Collective we champion groups who have traditionally been underrepresented within the Performing Arts – specifically in terms of ethnicity, disability and class.
Belong to a diverse and inclusive community where everyone is welcome!
Being in a Collective class, is like entering a room full of energy. Where actors will constantly be pushing forward their work as actors – and more importantly as creatives. Everyone is offered a chance for their input on the work, and the teachers set a culture of holding ourselves as a creative to a high standard.
BONY FONSECA, BBC’S EASTENDERS
The Curriculum:
YEAR 1
YEAR 2
During the second year you will undertake more stylised and genre-based forms of acting.
Projects include:
YEAR 3
The final year will focus on public performance and preparation for the industry.
Projects include:
Entrance to the course is via audition.
Seed funded performance opportunity for artists of any discipline, at no cost to the artist with 100% of Box Office split in your favour!
Do you have an idea or work-in-progress that would benefit from £200 seed funding, production support and 2 free performances with 100% of the box office split going to you? Now's your chance to take part in our early-career development programme to receive the live feedback you need to take your project to the next level...
We are now calling out for artists to take part in our Summer season of SHIFT+SPACE, running from 13th February until the 18th April 2026. SHIFT+SPACE is a free performance opportunity in our central London venue, with 100% of Box Office retained by artists, plus seed funding, in-kind rehearsal space and marketing support, all of which is designed to encourage artists to get live audience feedback at an early stage of creating new work.
We are particularly keen to hear from companies that are led by Black, Asian, and/or Global Majority artists, Disabled or Deaf artists, Working Class artists, and/or trans artists.
Previous SHIFT + SPACE artists include theatrical new writing readings, drag/character comedy, shadow puppetry, dance and performance art, sound installations and more! What makes our programming different from other work-in-progress festivals is our unique feedback model - where you receive feedback on your first showing and you are encouraged to use your second showing to try out a shifted version the following day.
12 weeks of workshops covering basic acting techniques, scene study, auditioning/ self-taping, career development and more, taught by working industry professionals!
This is an online acting course for beginner/intermediate level actors.
The actors in the course will have the opportunity to learn from working and professional actors, agents, directors and casting directors from London and Hollywood. The curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the industry, including acting techniques/casting sessions, scene study, auditioning and self-taping, voice work (covering accents and voice techniques) and career development. The course is suitable for international students as it will be conducted online via Zoom.
At the end of the course, students will have gained a solid foundation in acting techniques, an understanding of the industry, and the skills and confidence needed to pursue a career in acting. Additionally, students will finish the course with an online showcase to industry guests – directors/agents/casting Directors and producers including agency RS talent and film producer Alex Fidelski.
Students will receive access to our online Actors Gym Membership, where they can practice their craft in between classes online (at home) develop their self-tape technique and complete the self-tape course and then upload practice self-tapes, and network with other actors and industry professionals.
Quick-fire scratch nights for adventurous new writing in theatre and performance! The Scrap is an open-access night for writers, actors and directors to try out new ideas, meet one another, and showcase their work in front of an audience. Live music, good drinks, and cool new theatre.
Here we're looking for companies or ensembles to present a short work or excerpt from a piece they've been developing independently - usually about 25 minutes, max 30. These would be pieces that already have a team attached, and which have undergone development, rehearsal, and more thorough preparation. We usually programme one or two scratches per Scrap.
We're looking for work (or an excerpt) that is 20 - 30 minutes in length, that has a team already attached, and has undergone some previous workshopping (but which hasn't received a full-scale production).
We try to place no strictures on form, content, genre, team or style for our scratches: absolute minimal gatekeeping. All we ask is that you be adventurous and try something new!
Lewisham Youth Theatre is now recruiting for our annual Facilitator Training Programme, a free, hands-on training and employment opportunity for young adults aged 18–25 based in South London who are interested in youth work, creative facilitation, and making a positive impact in their community.
Trainee Facilitator's will:
- Get 12 days of FREE training across 3 weeks
- Develop practical facilitation skills, knowledge and confidence working with young people
- Gain an accredited facilitation qualification
- Receive mentoring and support with your career progression
- Get paid work experience delivering drama workshops in schools
- Join our freelancer pool and get access to ongoing paid opportunities with LYT
We're looking for people who are:
- Aged 18-25
- Living in or local to Lewisham
- Not currently in education, employment, or training
- From under represented groups in the arts (e.g. working class, global majority, neurodivergent, LGBTQIA+)
- Receiving Universal credit (UC) and Job seekers allowance (JSA)
