The Space are always keen to read proposals from theatre-makers and have a rolling submission window. Our programming window is now considering January 2027 onwards.

We accept proposals from new, emerging and established theatre-makers. We only programme work that is/will be ready to stage, rather than work in development. We expect you to have/be able to recruit your own creative team, although we can provide support to livestream your show.

We are particularly excited by:

We enjoy listening to theatre-makers about the work that they want to create and are open to proposals on all subject matter. The following is a list of some of the themes and topics we think would be interesting to explore:

We recognise the inequality of opportunity that exists in our industry and society and strive to showcase and highlight the work of diverse theatre-makers. We monitor and review representation within our programming on a regular basis.

We offer:

Essential Information:

For more information and to submit, click the Opportunity Info link below!

After the announcement of its closure, Forest Forge has allocated remaining funds to support local artists and organisations with grants of between £500 – £5,000.

In 2026 Forest Forge Theatre Company announced its closure after 45 years of making and touring theatre in the New Forest. As the journey comes to an end, the team are eager to support artists and cultural community organisations in the New Forest via some small commissions. We hope that by providing small pots of funding we can support sustainability and can seed fund new ideas.

We have ringfenced some of our remaining funds to support local artists and organisations with grants of between £500 – £5,000. We anticipate making between 5 – 10 Forge Ahead Commission grants.

Projects should deliver activity within one of our three areas of activity:

We are also especially excited to support projects and ideas that complement the Forest Forge ethos; those that are playful, heartfelt, joyful and irreverent.

Funds can be used for any number of costs including artist fees, travel, room hire, materials, marketing, training and can be used as match funding.

We welcome applications from:

Projects must:

Key dates:

Grants are made at the discretion of the trustees and decisions are final. Successful applicants will be required to report back to a Forest Forge Trustee after the closure of the company.

For more information, click the Opportunity Info link below!

Join playwright and associate artist Carl Grose and Spymonkey founder and co-artistic director Toby Park as they attempt to crack open the mysterious, maddening and utterly marvelous process of how to go about writing a show for Spymonkey.

Who's it for:

  1. Actors, Clowns and performers keen to develop their writing skills
  2. Solo artists and performer-led companies looking to kick start a new project
  3. Directors and dramaturgs who facilitate collaborations between performers and write
  4. Writers interested in devising, adaptation and other collaborative creative processes
  5. Writers interested in Clown and Comedy

Why we think it is important:

Spymonkey worked for many years as a devising company. We took a huge step forwards in our creative process when we began working with a writer, and as it happens the first writer we ever worked with was Carl, for Oedipussy. It was a revelation, and we couldn’t understand why we hadn’t done it sooner! The writer brings so much to our intensely collaborative process: provocations for improvisation exercises, hot-seating, taking on the task of dramaturgical structure, of character arc, sifting and compressing the hours of improvisation, creative meetings with designers and directors and ridiculous conversations over tea breaks. And of course for the actual nuts-and-bolts of script-writing. Since then we’ve worked with a load of writers, but we keep coming back to working with Carl because he is brilliant and he understands Clown and our Theatre of the Funny.

What will be explored:

  1. We’ll open up the bonnet of the Theatre of the Funny creative process, and give you a tour of the workings of our creative engine. We’ll get our hands dirty. There will be cleaning products available!
  2. An exploration of past collaborations (how we took Greek Tragedy and turned It into a Spymonkey Show)
  3. Finding the ideal starting points and the right source material for original shows and adaptations.
  4. Mining humour, physicality and theatricality in your ideas.
  5. Writing exercises to liberate source material.
  6. Key improvising and devising exercises which we’ve developed over the years.
  7. How to listen to improv (what to run with and what to drop).
  8. How to prepare, how to play, how to polish.
  9. And much more besides!

Please note: There will be writing involved, but we also find it essential to explore writing practically and on its feet. All participants will be encourages to join in the work and support the development of others so writers come expecting to get up and play, and performers ready with their pen (or laptop).

Essential Information:

For more information and to book, click the Opportunity Info link below!

Part of Brighton Comedy Festival, with Kennedy Street Recovery Hub - Find your confidence. Find your community. Find your funny - and maybe even find yourself.

Laughter really can be the best medicine! If you’ve experienced substance use challenges, this unique series of comedy & clowning workshops is for you. Through play, performance, & connection, you’ll discover the healing power of humour – & have a good laugh while you’re at it. Whether you’ve never set foot on a stage or you’re just curious to try something new, Finding Your Funny helps boost self-esteem, build confidence, & create a strong sense of belonging. It’s a safe & supported space to be silly & turn life’s messiness into moments of joy.

Join Spymonkey’s Petra Massey, a world-class comedy performer, teacher, & co-founder of the legendary international comedy troupe Spymonkey. With 40 years of experience in making people laugh, Petra brings warmth, wisdom, & a whole lot of fun to every workshop. Petra will be assisted by the inimitable clown Peter Mielniczek & Kennedy Street Recovery Hub’s Sam Hunt, certified professional recovery coach.

Essential Information:

Taster Session:

If you’re curious but not quite ready to commit, join us for a relaxed 3-hour taster workshop with Petra Massey.

For more information and to book, click the Opportunity Info link below!

Applications are open now!

Course Details:

The Advanced Training programme allows a small group of around 20 artists to come together to form a company who will work together for 5 days.

The course is a highly energetic and creative programme, suitable for participants with an interest in extending their knowledge and practice of devising and physicality techniques.

Building on the content covered in our Introductory and Intermediate workshops, our Advanced Training programme will build on these skills and put them into practice.

Please note: This course is aimed at either those with professional experience in some area of performance and/or those that that have taken part in our Intermediate course.

Essential Information:

For more information and to sign up, click the Opportunity Info link below!

What is it that makes you as a performer uniquely funny? How do you share that brilliant, special ridiculousness with an audience so that they are helpless with laughter? 

In this 5-day introduction to Spymonkey Clown we will focus on how to identify and develop that particular quality of Funny that is special to you, and only you. 

You will be supported to develop these comedic skills in a safe, fun and laughter-filled environment. This positive group dynamic will allow you focus on identifying and trusting your best impulses, taking risks, being adventurous, generous and honest as a performer. In this highly enjoyable workshop we will play games and exercises, developing trust and complicity with the group. You will find the pleasure in your own ridiculousness, stay optimistic, discover your comedy gold, and get ready to laugh until your face hurts. 

We will share many of the methods that Spymonkey have found essential over the years in creating Theatre of the Funny: physical games, improvisational games, status exercises, physical comedy routines, chorus exercises and parody.

Essential Information:

For more information and to book, click the Opportunity Info link below!

What is it that makes you as a performer uniquely funny? How do you share that brilliant, special ridiculousness with an audience so that they are helpless with laughter? 

In this 5-day introduction to Spymonkey Clown we will focus on how to identify and develop that particular quality of Funny that is special to you, and only you. 

You will be supported to develop these comedic skills in a safe, fun and laughter-filled environment. This positive group dynamic will allow you focus on identifying and trusting your best impulses, taking risks, being adventurous, generous and honest as a performer. In this highly enjoyable workshop we will play games and exercises, developing trust and complicity with the group. You will find the pleasure in your own ridiculousness, stay optimistic, discover your comedy gold, and get ready to laugh until your face hurts. 

We will share many of the methods that Spymonkey have found essential over the years in creating Theatre of the Funny: physical games, improvisational games, status exercises, physical comedy routines, chorus exercises and parody. Toby particularly enjoys using music as a source of comedic inspiration, so we will also look at how song, dance and musicality can lead us to new and unexpected comedic territory.

Essential Information:

For more information and to book, click the Opportunity Info link below!

Learn from leading professionals, create your own work, support your wellbeing and develop your dance, acting and singing skills.

Every weekend DreamArts Creative Labs enable 6-12 year olds to explore and unleash their talents. Our skilled professionals encourage members to devise and perform their own original musicals.

Saturdays

Sundays

To register, please contact angela@dreamarts.org.uk

In partnership with Wythenshawe Forum Creative Space, Young Identity are offering FREE writing and performance workshops every Thursday at Forum Library for ages 13-25; starting from 8 October until 3 December 2026.

Join a space for young creators to make something they're proud of and work with professional writers, artists and directors. Through performance activities and writing sessions, you can identify your style of writing in a community of creatives.

Essential Information

For more information and to register, click the Opportunity Info link below!

Young Identity run free workshops every week throughout Manchester and Trafford for young creatives aged 13 - 25. With regular attendance, you’ll get access to specialist workshops, creative projects and performance opportunities.

HOME - Mondays 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Central Library - Tuesdays 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Old Trafford - Wednesdays 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Respect and Dignity - Mondays 6:00 PM - 7:45 PM

Verse and Vibe - Tuesdays 6:00 PM - 7:45 PM

For more information and to sign up, click the Opportunity Info link below!

Read me aloud