Growing the seeds of ideas, fostering collaboration, and connecting local artists and companies with leading industry partners
The Artist Development programme is a network, created by the team here at Theatre Royal Plymouth, to connect artists and makers across Plymouth and the wider South West region. Whether you’re looking to take your first steps into creating a project, or if you need specific support in bringing your ideas to the stage, or are looking to foster artistic collaboration, we are developing a launch pad to support and nurture you and your creative needs.
Beyond being a programme, it serves as a vibrant community hub, welcoming anyone interested in learning and collaborating. In this warm, inclusive space, you can share knowledge, experiment with new ideas, and connect with like-minded people – whether you are emerging or mid-career, this programme serves anyone over the age of 18.
Artist Development consists of three strands of work: EXPERIMENT, FUSE, and CO-LAB. These strands are intrinsically linked to The Lab, our 50-seater performance space. This black box, studio venue is a versatile, transformative space designed to fit the needs of new and emerging work, whether as a rehearsal space or performance venue.
Meet the team
At Theatre Royal Plymouth, our team are passionate about supporting artists and companies in the creation and nurturing of new work. Our Artist Development programme is lead by our Associate Artistic Director and our producing department. Together they are the main points of contact for artists wishing to get in touch with the venue. You can get to know them here:
Want to contact a member of this team?
Upcoming Opportunities - Edinburgh National Partnership Programme 2026
The Edinburgh National Partnerships Programme is back for 2026! We are delighted to be partnering with Pleasance Theatre for our 5th year to support one South West artist or company to take their work to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2026.
Pleasance are working with theatres across the UK to identify and support exceptional artists and companies who are local to the partners, and who want to take work to the Fringe.
Working with Pleasance, we are looking for dynamic artists who are looking to take their work to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The focus of the scheme is to amplify and support companies and artists from the South West, and across the UK, who want to present their work at the Fringe but have not had the chance to do so… yet!
This year, we are calling out to artists and companies who are creating bold, new theatre that is at a completed 1st draft stage (or further along in the process) and is written/devised for 1-4 performers.
Key dates
Deadline: Monday 12th January 2026, 5pm
Outcome: w/c 12th January 2026
Interview: Wednesday 21st January 2026
Outcome: w/c 26th January 2026
Find Out More
Find out more about our stands and how you can get involved below
