Artists

Our work bridges new writing and performance. What that means is that sometimes we make shows led by writers/directors, and sometimes we host work made by performers/makers. It also means we are excited by combining traditional modes of playwriting with radical performance practice.

But definitions don’t really matter to us. What matters to us is making work that communicates contemporary stories in contemporary ways, and explores the potential of live performance.

The platforms in The Yard programme span festivals, 3-5 week productions we produce, co-productions with other theatres, commissioned shows, and work we host via a box office split.

So if you’re an artist who wants to work at The Yard, there are a number of different ways you can do so. Below we’ve offered some suggestions on how to get in touch. Before you do, it’d be good to have a look at our ARCHIVE to get a sense of the kind of work we’ve made, and who we’ve worked with.

First Drafts

If you’ve got a new idea you’d like to develop with us, you can submit it to be part of First Drafts.

First Drafts is a chance for new shows to be developed and tested in front of an audience for the first time. We’ll offer artistic/producing/technical resource (e.g. tech time, reading your ACE applications), rehearsal space, and the theatre space over 1-2 nights, perhaps in double bill with another artist, so you can present a sharing of your work.

First Drafts is for all kinds of artists. Whether you identify as a writer or a performer, a director or a maker. Whether you feel you make ‘new writing’ or ‘live art’. Whether you’re just starting out, or you’ve made a few shows before but you want to try something new.

First Drafts is the start of a journey with us: shows seeded as part of First Drafts will go on to fuel all aspects of The Yard’s programme, from a few nights at NEXT festival to a five week production.

Download this info pack to find out more.

NEXT FIRST DRAFTS FESTIVAL: w/c 4 & 11 December 2017

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS: 18 September 2017

Finished shows

If you’re a performer or maker with a finished show you’d like to present at The Yard, we’d love to hear from you – send a few lines about your work along with any documentation you have, or an invite to the next performance.

If we think your show sounds like a good fit, we’ll chat about it in our associates meeting and then be in touch with you to arrange a meeting. This process can take a month or two, and your patience is valued.

Email submissions@theyardtheatre.co.uk to tell us about your work, or invite us to a performance.

Finished scripts

If you’re a writer or director with a complete script you’d like to make with us, we’d love to read it. Send it in with a few lines about why you think it’d be right at The Yard. Or send us an invite to your reading/sharing.

If we think your work sounds like it could be a good fit, we’ll send it onto to our trusted artistic associates to have a read/watch. Anything they’re into gets a second look by a member of The Yard’s programming team. If we’re excited about it, we’ll be in touch to arrange a meeting to talk more about your work.

Email submissions@theyardtheatre.co.uk to send us your finished script, or invite us to a reading/sharing of your work. Once we’ve seen or read your work, it can take us a month or two to respond, so please bear with us.