Arts Alive
6 August 2026
Applications Now Open – Off Grid
Off Grid is a platform for theatremakers to share new work in development with a live audience in a supportive, professional environment, offering you the chance to test ideas, gain valuable audience feedback, and connect with industry professionals and fellow artists.
We’re looking for bold, original theatre work, at any stage of development, that has the potential to grow into a touring production.
Following the showcase, Arts Alive and The Courtyard, Hereford will work with selected artists to explore next steps for their work, including opportunities to develop a full studio performance and/or tour through the rural touring network.
Off Grid isn’t just a showcase – it’s a stepping stone, helping theatremakers refine their work, build new relationships and develop opportunities for future performances.
Artists performing as part of Off Grid (on Tuesday 13th October) will need to apply to be part of the event, and a selection panel of industry professionals will make a final selection of artists to allocate performance slots to.
Off Grid is open to professional performance artists or companies of any genre looking for a platform to showcase their work. Each shortlisted artist will be given a 15-minute timeslot to perform an excerpt from their work to a live audience.
Why is it important?
Cultural organisations must play their part in ensuring the creativity and talent pipeline is nurtured. There is a wealth of talent locally and regionally but it can often be daunting and difficult to find a space to grow your work and take it to the next level.
Off Grid offers artists an opportunity to perform / exhibit in front of a live audience, network and receive feedback from industry professionals and opens doors to rural touring and small-scale touring options available to them.
Renumeration:
Where possible, reasonable travel and expenses will be reimbursed. Please provide details in your application.
Rehearsal Time:
Those shortlisted will be given a rehearsal slot on Monday 12th October 2026. It is important that you are able to attend on this day plus the afternoon and evening of the 13th October 2026 at The Courtyard, Hereford.
Access:
The Courtyard and Arts Alive are committed to providing access to all. If you have any access needs during the application or performance process, please contact touringwith@artsalive.co.uk to discuss how we can ensure your needs are met.
Dates:
- Applications Close: Tuesday 1st September 2026
- Shortlisted Artists Notified*: w/c 7th September
- Performance Date: Tuesday 13th October (rehearsal Monday 12th October)
*Please note, if you are not contacted directly, you have not been successful on this occasion.
Apply Here:
You will need a free Eventotron profile to apply.
Find out more and apply via Eventotron: https://eventotron.com/allseasons.php?appseason=815