We’re partnering with Doorstep Arts and Villages in Action to offer a bursary to support original theatre for young audiences in Devon, as part of our artist development programme Elevate.
The opportunity is open to artists from the South West who are making work for children or young people under 25, respecting their intelligence, capacity, and active agency. The bursary aims to deepen the quality of work aimed at families and young audiences in Devon, especially in rural areas, and support the development of exciting theatre makers in the region.
One successful applicant will benefit from a variety of support: mentorship from the Doorstep Arts, Villages in Action, and Exeter Northcott teams; up to five days of free rehearsal space at our city-centre Barnfield Theatre; a bursary of up to £800 towards travel, production, or touring costs; and further performance opportunities through Village In Action’s From Devon with Love and our Elevate programme.
Northcott Young Company: photo by Lillie Sherry
The Bear, co-produced with Pins & Needles productions
Sam Parker, our Artist Development Producer says: “With the launch of Elevate last August, our aim is to create plenty of opportunities to engage with our theatres whatever your experience level as an artist. To properly meet the needs of the South West theatre ecology, this means working smarter not harder, and partnerships with brilliant local organisations are key to that. Collaborating with our friends at Doorstep Arts and Villages in Action will allow us to support artists in taking those all-important first steps with a show, whilst ensuring our Elevate programme is contributing to the deepening of the quality of work on offer for local families and young people.”
Naomi Turner, Producer of From Devon With Love at Villages in Action reflects that ‘We’re really excited to be partnering with two local arts organisations in supporting artists who are making work for young audiences. Young people including those living in remote and rural locations in Devon deserve access to high quality performances, and we’re keen to ensure that sustainable touring for these audiences can happen.’
Applications for the First Steps Touring Bursary are open now until Thu 24 Apr, and touring will take place in late May and early June 2024.
FIND OUT MORE
The Scratch Bursary 2025: First Steps (Touring) is funded by Arts Council England, Exeter City Council, the University of Exeter, Doorstep Arts, Villages in Action, and Exeter Northcott Theatre.
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