Open Works is a bold celebration of theatre, offering a platform for the most exciting and dynamic artists in South Yorkshire.
With a focus on fresh perspectives and powerful stories, the festival will present world premieres, and original plays that bring unheard stories to the stage.
Committed to supporting artists at every stage of their journey, the festival promises compelling performances, and a chance to experience cutting-edge theatre.
The Open Works Festival will take place between Mon 28 September and Sat 10 October 2026 across the Montgomery Theatre and Tanya Moiseiwitsch Playhouse at Sheffield Theatres.
The festival will feature work from our Associate Companies – Forced Entertainment, Roots Mbili, Stand and Be Counted and The Bare Project – alongside work by LUNG and Swans Productions.
Ways To Get Involved
There are four ways for artists to have their work presented as part of Open Works 2026.
- Performance Ready, for theatremakers and companies local to Sheffield Theatres to have fully-realised projects programmed as part of the festival.
- Work-in-Progress, for theatremakers and theatre companies local to Sheffield Theatres to share up to an hour of in-development work as part of the festival.
- Rehearsed Readings, for writers local to Sheffield Theatres to have their work performed by professional actors as part of the festival.
- Scratch, for theatremakers and companies local to Sheffield Theatres to share up to 20 minutes of new work as part of the festival.
Applications for Performance Ready, Work-in-Progress, and Rehearsed Readings are open now until Sun 22 March 2026. Application for Scratch will open this summer.
Open Working
To support the development of new work in our region we will be running Open Working, a series of workshops focused on making and producing skills.
There will be opportunities for up to 25 people to join Open Working, with participants randomly selected from all eligible submitted applications to all of our Open Works opportunities.
We welcome and encourage applications from artists from backgrounds under-represented in the arts, including but not limited to those who identify as D/deaf and/or disabled, neurodiverse, global majority and/or migrant, and LGBTQ+.
In Partnership with New Earth Theatre
We are proud to be partnering with New Earth Theatre to develop a range of opportunities for British East and Southeast Asian artists as part of Open Works 2026.
We want to create a platform for BESEA artists in our region, so we are allocating slots as part of our Work-in-Progress, Rehearsed Readings, and Scratch opportunities for BESEA artists. In collaboration with New Earth Theatre we will also be offering bespoke mentoring and networking packages for BESEA artists.
New Earth Theatre is the leading and longest-running British East and Southeast Asian (BESEA) touring theatre company in the UK. Their mission is to bring nuanced BESEA representation to the widest possible audience.
This intensive Foundation Course in Acting is designed to prepare you for rigorous degree-level training. Tailored for passionate emerging artists aged 18 and above, this course builds the essential tools of the actor: voice, movement, imagination, and presence.
The course fosters creativity, discipline, and collaboration, ensuring you are fully equipped to meet the demands of professional training and beyond.
The Foundation Course in Acting at OSD has been running for over 25 years, with the majority of graduates are now pursuing successful careers on the stage and screen.
The course lasts two terms. Entry is by audition only.
A paid summer work and cultural exchange opportunity for creatives aged 18+.
Camp America offers a paid summer opportunity to live and work at an American summer camp for 9–12 weeks, with performing arts and creative roles available across camps in the USA. This is more than just work experience - it’s a chance to use your creative skills while living the full summer camp life!
Creatives from all backgrounds are placed in roles where they can teach, lead and inspire young people through acting, singing, dance, music, technical theatre and production, while also being part of a wider camp community. Alongside your role, you’ll take part in classic camp activities, build international friendships and experience everyday life in the USA. While we work with specialist theatre and performing arts camps, performing arts roles are available across many different camps, not just specialist ones.
This opportunity is ideal for those who:
- Are actors, singers, dancers, musicians, technicians, directors or creatives with relevant skills
- Want paid, hands-on experience using their creativity in a real-world setting
- Are looking for more than a placement - a summer of growth, confidence-building and unforgettable experiences
- Want to develop transferable skills such as leadership, teamwork and communication in an international environment
Camps generally run from mid-Jun to mid-August – but this can vary by camp and location.
Are you ready to think fast, get creative, and have fun?
This Improvisation workshop is all about building confidence, teamwork, and spontaneity through theatre games and exercises. No scripts, no pressure.
Come laugh, learn, and surprise yourself – you might just discover you’re quicker, braver, and more creative than you thought!
How to book:
- Book your place on their website.
- Tickets are £15 per child, with bursaries available.
Additional Infomation:
- There are two time slots to choose from: 10am - 1pm & 2pm - 5pm
The Higher National Certificate in Performing Arts (Dance) at Midlands Academy of Dance & Drama (MADD College) is a vocational course which explores contemporary and current practice whilst still acknowledging the traditional methods and practices of Dance. It is the equivalent level of a 1st Year at University. The course provides training in dance alongside a focus on contextual studies and industry knowledge. The aim is to enhance the trained dancer's mindset to become a 'thinking' dancer and not a reciprocal one.
This programme will allow you to develop a wide range of industry level skills in core dance techniques including Jazz, Ballet and Contemporary dance as well as helping you to establish your unique choreographic identity in training for employment or for continuing on to our HND Level 5 qualification.
The course is aimed at dedicated learners who want to move into the dance industry. A highly practical course resulting in a nationally recognised Level 4 qualification. It offers an intensive training year with highly skilled specialist staff.
This exciting course is practically driven to build a solid grounding in performance, theory, industry knowledge, and business skills.
Recognition
The Level 4 Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Performing Arts (Dance) is awarded by Pearson and regulated by Ofqual. It is Level 4 on the Regulated Qualifications Framework.
Progression
Successful graduates can progress onto the Higher National Diploma (HND level 5) in Dance. The course also prepares graduates for industry auditions and employment. The Higher National Diploma HND can be applied for here.
The Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Performing Arts (Musical Theatre) is a one year course, designed to provide you with the skills to progress further in the musical theatre industry. Completion of the course will provide you with a Level 4 Certificate and grant you access to a Level 5 Higher National Diploma qualification, in addition to an extensive portfolio/repertoire – which can be used to apply for industry or Higher Education.
This course has been structured to meet the needs of the constantly evolving musical theatre industry; we aim to ensure that you leave with a skill set required for a career in Performing Arts. In the first year of the course (HNC), you will work towards Level 4 HNC in Performing Arts (Musical Theatre), which provides a foundation in the core subjects of acting, singing & dance. This will allow you to progress to the second year to complete the Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Performing Arts (Musical Theatre) course, and develop specialised skills within the set disciplines.
The Level 4 Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Musical Theatre is awarded by Pearson and regulated by Ofqual. It is Level 4 on the Regulated Qualifications Framework.
Progression:
Graduates successfully completing the Higher National Certificate will be able to demonstrate a sound knowledge of the basic concepts of Performing Arts. They will be able to communicate accurately and appropriately and they will have the qualities needed for employment that require some degree of personal responsibility. They will have developed a range of transferable skills to ensure effective team working, independent initiatives, organisational competence and problem-solving strategies. They will be adaptable and flexible in their approach to Performing Arts, show resilience under pressure, and meet challenging targets within a given resource. This will allow you to progress to the second year to complete the Level 5 Higher National Diploma (HND) in Performing Arts (Musical Theatre) course, and further develop your specialised skills.
Based at Midlands Academy of Dance and Drama (MADD College).
There are opportunities to perform at Exhibitions & Conferences such as MOVE IT & CYD as well as 'In-House' and external Theatre venues. High profile Industry Professionals, Choreographers and Directors teach at MADD, plus visiting personnel offering close links and direct access into the performing arts industry for MADD students in Theatre, West End, Tours in the UK and Worldwide, Cruise Ships, TV and Film.
The College is affiliated to the National Union of Students and students can apply for a Totum Card which entitles discounts from a large number of outlets.
MADD College has charitable status therefore Students will also have the opportunity to receive an assisted place based on a means tested financial assessment of parental financial status.
BTEC stands for the Business and Technology Education Council. BTECs are specialist work-related qualifications.
They combine practical learning with subject and theory content.
The BTEC study programme at Midlands Academy of Dance & Drama can be accessed from 16 years of age and is delivered by our highly trained professional artists and performing arts teachers within each learning facility over two years. Students will train and perform within our professional, purpose-built studios providing a unique and true vocational experience.
As one of the oldest Musical Theatre colleges we'll ensure you maximise your true potential as you'll work closely with our working industry professionals. You will receive a high level performing arts training and work towards achieving the highest grades possible in line with our high internal standards to become the very best version of you.
You will be assessed through practical performances, rehearsals, training sessions and assignments. This BTEC level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing Arts Practice will allow you to progress onto university, audition/apply to specialist, advanced performing arts schools and/or gain employment directly into the industry.
'The education, enrichment and qualifications are delivered by Virtual Learning UK, who provide and employ all teaching and enrichment staff.'
Numbers are capped on this course to 30 learners in each year.
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Performing Arts Practice (Musical Theatre) is awarded by Pearson and regulated by Ofqual. It is Level 3 on the Regulated Qualifications Framework. This qualification is equivalent to 3 A-levels and worth up to 168 UCAS points.
Progression
This BTEC level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing Arts Practice will allow learners to progress onto university, audition/apply to specialist, advanced performing arts schools and/or gain employment directly into the industry.
The Midlands Academy of Dance & Drama Musical Theatre Diploma Course is designed to develop the “Triple Threat” performer who can Sing, Dance and Act. The CDMT accredited course, develops the artistic, creative, technical and professional skills that is needed to prepare for a varied high level and sustainable career in Musical Theatre. Supporting studies will also enable students to sustain a long-term career in the Performing Arts industry. Students will have ample opportunity to work with guest artists and directors to enhance their training in addition to the high profile staff MADD offers over the 3 years and lots of performance opportunities.
The Level 6 Diploma in Professional Musical Theatre is awarded by Trinity College London and regulated by Ofqual. It is Level 6 on the Regulated Qualifications Framework.
Progression
Middlesex University offers a work-based, part-time distance learning course, developed in association with Trinity College London, for graduates of this qualification leading to a BA (Hons) Professional Practice. Graduates may also apply directly for some MA courses
Course Overview:
Study takes place over three years at Midlands Academy of Dance (MADD College) & Drama, Richmond House, Nottingham City Centre. Students work in small classes and receive direct teaching time each week.
The course is delivered through classes, projects, workshops and performance opportunities. During the course students engage in a range of performance projects.
In the second year, skills are further explored in collaboration classes which include peer integration and team teaching to enhance your creativity and help you to make connections between subjects.
Additionally, there is time given to focus on detail and help develop independence and confidence in each individual’s practice. (Course content is subject to change).
This degree program will be structured to provide students with real-world skills, such as acting, singing, dancing, choreography, production, and stage management, all underpinned by a strong academic foundation in musical theatre history, theory, and analysis. Graduates of the program will be fully equipped to enter the workforce as versatile, multi-talented professionals prepared to work in theatre, film, television, and other performing arts sectors.
Students will have the unique opportunity to work on live productions, attend masterclasses with industry professionals, and engage in collaborative projects that reflect the dynamic nature of the musical theatre industry. The combination of academic study and practical experience ensures that students graduate not only with a degree but with a portfolio of work and professional skills that can be immediately applied in their careers. Both institutions are dedicated to producing highly skilled professionals who are not only artistically capable but also possess a strong theoretical understanding of the industry.
