Evolve

Evolve is our attachment scheme for emerging and mid-career artists and companies.

Oxford Playhouse offers a bespoke 12 months of seed funding, research and development support, rehearsal space, and mentoring. Our Evolve Artists will join our large network of artists, many of whose work we proudly present and support within our theatre programme.

Previous Evolve Artists include Olivier Award-winner Chris Bush and UK Theatre Award-winner Matt Winkworth; Olivier nominated writer-performer Caroline Horton; Robin Norton-Hale, founder of Opera Up Close; acclaimed performer Lanre Malaolu,Daniel Naddafy, Dot and Ethel, Ellen Havard, Fifth Word, Hannah Ringham, Hidden Track, Jack Bennett, Jessica Lazar, Mike Tweddle, Smoking Apples, Tabby Lamb, JC Niala, Rhiannon Faith Company,The Gramophones and local companies Flintlock Theatre, Justice in Motion and Kuumba Nia Arts.

Meet our Evolve Artists

We are delighted to announce our talented selection of creatives for 2024.

Forming an integral part of the Oxford Playhouse family, we are thrilled to introduce this exciting group of emerging writers. Throughout the year, we’ll continue to share their progress as we support them on their artistic journeys.

How does the scheme work?

Our next Evolve Artists will be on attachment with Oxford Playhouse from January to December 2024. The year is designed to be bespoke to each attached artist and company, with the year-round offer of mentoring and support.

Previous Evolve Artists have used their year in a variety of ways, including the development of skills and practice, research and development rehearsal, building administration and marketing infrastructure, and community and audience development.

Evolve Artists will receive seed funding of £1500 at the start of their attachment year. They will be offered regular online and in-person check-ins with Oxford Playhouse staff as part of their development, as well as the offer of mentoring and advice from specific departments in our theatre.

Our Evolve Artists join a family of artists, from both previous cohorts of our Artist Development schemes, as well as from our network of local and regional artists and companies. They will receive invitations for regular opportunities to share and develop practice, as well as networking events.

What are the benefits of taking part?

Professional development and mentoring from staff across the many departments at OP
Up to ten days of free rehearsal space for play, research and development
In-kind support on specific tasks such as project planning and application writing
Seed funding of £1500 to support the development of work or practice
Free hot desk and meeting space
Access to the OP network of artists, including beyond the timeline of the scheme
Invitations and discounts to events and performances at Oxford Playhouse
Opportunity to share and publicise work on our seasonal Artists Newsletter

Who can apply?

Our Evolve scheme is open to emerging and mid-career artists and companies from any theatrical discipline or location. It particularly welcomes applicants who might benefit from OP’s programming interests and areas of expertise, such as children’s theatre, off-site work, and small- & mid-scale touring.

We particularly encourage applications from artists and companies who are currently under-represented across the theatre industry, including those with protected characteristics. We would also value applications from writers based in, or with connections to, Oxfordshire.

We are committed to developing sustainable practice, and value applications from artists and companies who have an interest in working with our communities, as well as joining our large network of local and regional artists.

How do I apply?

The application window for our 2024 cohort of attached artists is now closed. We will be opening the application window for our 2025 scheme in Summer 2024.

To apply to our Evolve scheme, applicants will be required to: