Supported Studio - Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse Theatres

Our Supported Studio programme provides support for three local companies to produce a new show in the Playhouse Studio, with a mixture of in-kind and direct funding from us.

This year’s application window has closed and we’ll announce the 3 Supported Studio shows soon.

The Offer

As part of Supported Studio, creatives get:
• A production in the Playhouse Studio. Shows become part of our curated artistic programme, with a run from Thursday to Saturday (inc. matinee) run.
• Free space for two weeks. Teams get a week of rehearsal space, plus a week for tech, dress and show, free of charge.
• Technical staffing. We fund a Stage Manager for two weeks in the Studio, and a technician for show week.
• 100% net box office income.

We also support teams with:
• Funding applications. We’ll read over funding applications (e.g. to Arts Council England), offering feedback on crafting a compelling narrative for the project.
• Dramaturgy. Our New Works Associate will offer dramaturgy on text and production, as required.
• Administration. From contracting to PRS applications, our in-house team will work with creatives to ensure smooth running of the project.
• Marketing. Our marketing team can help with image, copy, social media campaign, etc.

This equates to over £2,000 of direct funding and over £6,000 of in-kind support per production as a starting point for funding application(s).

What we look for

Eligibility

There are some criteria which must be met:
• The majority of the core creative team must live in the Liverpool City Region. This opportunity is for artists making their careers locally (see FAQs for further details).
• The production must be studio-length. We take this to mean 70mins maximum length, with no interval.
• The project must not have previously had a full production. Projects that have had scratch or work-in-progress performances, readings and other one-off iterations are all eligible.
• The project must be made for theatre. This includes scripted and devised plays, musicals, physical theatre pieces, etc. – but excludes cabarets, revues/sketch shows and stand-up.
• Everyone working on the project must be 18 or over.

Guidelines

• The Studio is a 60-70 seat auditorium set in thrust. It’s not a space for a large design, and sightlines should be considered (e.g. if you’re thinking about heavy use of projection). Technical specifications are available here.
• All artists should be paid for their work. We don’t have a limit on size of team, but we expect consideration on how to ensure fair remuneration across the project.
• In the current funding climate, it may be worth considering a contingency budget. If you’re unsuccessful in securing an Arts Council Project Grant, for example, how might the project still take place?

Decision-making

When we decide which three projects to take forward, we look for:
• A vibrant piece of theatre for the Playhouse Studio.
• A core creative team with the experience to successfully produce work with us. You should have a core team together when you submit your application, and be able to demonstrate an appropriate experience level for making work at this scale.

FAQS

What counts as 'an original new production'?

Supported Studio is designed to create a space for artists to give a project its first run of performances to a paying audience. This might be a totally original piece of work, a new adaptation, or your own unique approach to a classic – anything where you have creative control over the source material and are proposing something which hasn’t been seen before. For us, straight revivals of existing plays wouldn’t count as ‘original’.

What counts as the ‘core creative team’?

This depends slightly on the type of project (the team for a scripted piece may differ from something devised, for example), but a core team means there’s someone with responsibility for organisation (e.g. a producer), creation of material (e.g. a writer or lead artist) and shaping the performance (e.g. a director). We know some roles may overlap, or be phrased differently, but hope this gives some useful guidelines.

Do we have to be a registered company to apply?

Not at all. A ‘company’ in this context might be a CIC or limited company, or a longstanding group of collaborators with branding and a website – but it might also be a new-formed collective of artists, or a group of freelancers. We just ask that there’s a core team in place who will be responsible for delivering the project.

What’s an ‘appropriate experience level’ for our team?

We don’t need a certain number of credits, or number of years in the industry – just the evidence that you can make the production you’re proposing.

Can creatives be listed on multiple applications?

I’m a writer with a great script but no creative team – can I still apply?

We ask that a core creative team is attached to the project at the point of application. You might consider sending us your script via the Open Submissions window, or applying for a Seed Commission or a place on one of our writers’ programmes.

Is there a limit on cast size?

No, but do note that the Studio stage is 4x5m, and that we have enough dressing room space for 3 people to work comfortably. (More space may be available, depending on the size of visiting company in the Main House). You should also consider the financial implications of your company size.

How long should my supporting document be?

Please submit scripts at their full length (we’ll read approx. 10-15 pages in the first round of decision-making), and up to 10 pages for portfolio/stimuli).

What counts as Liverpool City Region?

Can I apply if I live somewhere else?

The majority of your core creative team must be based locally, but there’s no restriction on the wider team. As part of our support for the local creative ecology, though, Supported Studio prioritises artists currently living and making work in Liverpool City Region.

Can I apply with a musical?

What if my ACE application is unsuccessful?

Our timelines should allow for two rounds of applications, but we’ll also support you to create a contingency budget to ensure that the production can go ahead regardless.

Where can I find technical specifications for the Studio?

Photograph at top of page: Raven by Abigail McKenzie. Photo by Jazamin Sinclair.