Artist Development

THE ENGINE ROOM OF FUTURE THEATRE

We are dedicated to increasing the opportunity and support for early career and independent theatre artists in our home region of the North East as well as across the UK.

‘This is the Newcastle upon Tyne theatre doing what it knows best: championing new playwrights and testing their ideas on stage.’ THE GUARDIAN, 10 Minutes to… Call Home  2020

Each year we work with over a thousand freelance artists through our free to access artist development programme. From writing courses, master classes, script development opportunities, to bursaries and open calls. We also provide space for companies to develop new work. Since 2018 we have welcomed over 200 companies into our rehearsal room, studio and writers rooms, and provided over 600 days of free creative space.

"Live Theatre has always been fantastic at supporting me with space to research, develop and rehearse work - whether on my own projects or those of artists and companies I'm producing.  With its rich history and legacy of supporting playwrights, it's an inspiring building to work in and an organisation that has always had a special place in my heart, not least as it's where my theatre career began." Becci Sharrock, Writer, Theatre Maker & Creative Producer

Our artist development programme is an investment in long-term, meaningful relationships with artists. It enables pathways into the sector and the creation of bold, diverse, contemporary new plays. It is an accessible and inclusive home for new ideas and a community of support where artistic risk and experiment can take off.

“It was like Live flung open its doors and invited me in to the world of theatre when other parts of the writing world seemed so closed off. It was such an encouraging and validating experience that has led to my first short script being staged. So, if you're thinking about applying just do it! You never know where it might lead...”  Sarah Tarbitt, Playwright