Programming Policy
Oxford Playhouse programmes a large amount of received work across its 640 seat theatre, 50 seat Burton Taylor Studio, offsite and, increasingly online through its Digital Stage.
If you have a show or proposal you would like to speak to us about, you can find information here on our spaces, programmes, values and who to contact about programming an event.
Our Values
We make our programming decisions based on the following values;
Distinctive – Could this piece be in any other space in Oxfordshire? Why Oxford Playhouse?
Bold – How does the piece develop our audiences, profile & artistic programme?
Relevant – Does it connect with people in our time?
Inclusive – Does the work present diverse, underrepresented voices?
Inspiring – What is the 'wow' factor?
Part of the OP journey – Was the piece born & developed from OP supported artists?
Community – How does the piece connect Oxfordshire communities? Is there be cross over with our participatory programmes?
Our Stages
We have detailed here more about our different programmes and stages:
Oxford Playhouse
Our beautiful proscenium arch theatre seats 640. We host a received or co-produced work all year round, apart from six weeks over Christmas where we produced Christmas pantomime.
Theatre productions makes up the majority of our programme in this space varies from new work, classic texts, contemporary adaptations to work that stretches and plays with form. We also programme, dance, circus, opera, family work, comedy and music.
Burton Taylor Studio
Our black box studio space seats 50 people. We host received work in March-April and September-October. We produce and co-produce new work for families at Christmas and Easter. For the rest of the year, this space hosts student performances and rehearsals.
Digital Stage
We are increasing programming more digital work and interested in how this form develops audiences.
Plays Out
Our ‘Playhouse Plays Out’ programme receives and produces work in unique and accessible spaces around Oxfordshire. We look for work that plays with the spaces in new ways, including experiential or immersive theatre.
Annually, we also produce, co-produce or receive a show for 5-11 to tour in our Playhouse Plays Out Tent, which tours for free to schools and communities. Find out more.
Our Seasons
Our spaces are programmed on a rolling basis, and currently across 3 seasons;
Autumn/Winter: Sept to Jan
Spring: Feb to May
Summer: May to Sept
Contact
If you have a show that’s touring that you feel would suit our programme or would like any more information about our programming policy, we would love to hear from you! Please contact Paula Hammond, Interim Programmer paula.hammond@oxfordplayhouse.com
In the first instance, please send us as much information as possible about your show (please include. tour packs, technical riders, reviews and trailers where possible).
If you have a new piece of work or a script that you wish to discuss for commissioning, contact Jamie Chapman Dixon in the first instance by emailing jcd@oxfordplayhouse.com.
Our Decision Making Process
The programming team meets weekly to carefully consider all submissions, based on the criteria outlined in this policy.
We also consult with our Oxford Playhouse Board and wider team. We aim to get back to anyone who asks to be programmed within one month of enquiry.
Offbeat Festival
Offbeat is our festival for new work. This happens in June and is programmed by open call.
Are you an Artist?
We offer support and guidance through our Artist Development programmes.
