Develop your project

There are 4 ways we can support your project: free rehearsal space, informal sharings, development, and programming.

Free rehearsal space

We offer free rehearsal space to local artists and companies on a first come, first served basis throughout the year. We also run our application-based Creation Space twice a year, offering time and space in our Bramall Rock Void studio with additional technical and artistic support. Sign up to our newsletter to find out when our Creation Space is next open for applications, or email rio.matchett@leedsplayhouse.org.uk to book a rehearsal space (no more than 4 months in advance; no more than 3-5 days per artist).

Scratch and Furnace Festival

We host regular Scratch nights, offering artists the chance to informally share their work-in-progress for audience feedback. Our week-long Furnace Festival happens every November, offering sharings, script-in-hand readings and work-in-progress performances we’ve been developing with artists in the previous 12 months. Sign up to our newsletter to find out when the next Scratch event is happening and for details of the next Furnace Festival.

Development slate

Our artistic planning team meets to discuss pitches every 6-8 weeks. This can include requests for advice, resources, cash, mentoring, dramaturgical feedback, help in making connections, and rehearsal space. Many but not all projects we support go on to be programmed.

We support artists at all stages of their career with priority given to: high quality art, under-represented voices, and work that reflects our community. Submit your project by emailing rio.matchett@leedsplayhouse.org.uk, including a brief summary of the piece, what stage it is at, who is currently involved, and what you need.

Programming

This is for artists or companies with a finished show that doesn’t require further development. Simply email your tour pack to programming@leedsplayhouse.org.uk. If you’d like a more informal chat first about what your tour pack should include, email rio.matchett@leedsplayhouse.org.uk. Please note that we typically programme 10-18 months in advance.