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?
FAME Artist Development Opportunities
The FAME Monologue
We are seeking a Devon or Cornwall based writer to create a new monologue as a companion piece to our new production of FAME The Musical. The monologue will be:
- An exploration of the themes of FAME, these may include aspiration, determination, identity, coming-of-age and of course the power of art and performance.
- Titled I Sing The Body Electric, the monologue will be named after the iconic finale number that originated in FAME the movie.
- Written for one person. We are looking for a piece of work that is very human and shines a light on an individual in a moment of discovery. Think about the scenario we find your character, and the liveness of the situation.
- Set in The Drum, Theatre Royal Plymouth’s mid-scale studio theatre.
- 5 minutes in length.
The writer will receive one day of mentorship and dramaturgical support from acclaimed, Cornish playwright Carl Grose. The monologue will be directed and filmed by OffPiste to be shown on screen as part of Theatre Royal Plymouth’s FAME revival this Summer 2026.
- Fee: This is a freelance fee of £500
- Application deadline: Fri 05 Jun, 5pm
- Shortlisting: w/c Mon 08 Jun
- Writer confirmed: w/c Mon 15 Jun
- First draft deadline: Fri 24 Jun
- Dramaturgy and mentorship: Fri 26 Jun, 10am-11:30am (online), Mon 29 Jun, 10am-11:30am (online)
- Final draft: Fri 03 Jul
To apply, please complete the short online form below to tell us about you, what you would like to write if selected, and why this opportunity is important for you.
The artist involved in this project will receive a discounted rate ticket to see FAME during its run.
Remember My Name Portraits
Artist Call Out to feature in an exhibition celebrating local talent.
To mark the return of FAME to The Lyric stage in 2026, we will host an exhibition that amplifies the work 17 Devon and Cornwall based artists – to represent the 17 students featured in FAME. Collaborating with renowned theatrical photographer and South West artist, Steve Tanner, the artists will receive a complimentary portrait that will be curated and presented in The Gallery at TRP throughout the run of FAME.
Alongside the photograph, a brief biography and information about the artist’s work will feature in the exhibition.
- Call out closes: Fri 05 Jun
- Shortlisting: w/c 08 Jun
- Confirmed: Fri 15 Jun
- Photography day: Sat 27 Jun, 10am-5am
Please note, if selected you will be given an arrival time, and slot to be photographed at TR2 Production and Learning Centre (12 Neptune Park, Plymouth. PL4 0SJ). Artists who feature in the exhibition will receive files of the original Steve Tanner photograph, and a discounted rate ticket to see FAME during its run.
Please note, to be eligible you must be:
- Over 18.
- An early career artist (having worked professionally in the arts for less than 10 years).
- Clear on why this opportunity will benefit you as an artist.
- Based in Devon or Cornwall and be available for the photography session.
To express your interest, please complete the short online form below. Successful applicants will be chosen by creating a balance of artists from different forms. A reserve list will be available for artists not initially selected. Please note if added you will need to be available on the photography day.
Upcoming Opportunities
FUSE Training: MOVE
Join local dance artist and facilitator Charlotte Eaton for a monthly MOVE.
FUSE Training: VOICE
Join voice and accent expert Gemma Wright for a monthly VOICE session.
Coming up in The Lab
Tom Denbigh | EXPERIMENT Work In Progress
Written by award-winning poet Tom Denbigh and directed by Stephanie Kempson, this is a black comedy work-in-progress about privilege for 2026.
Totally Unhinged Productions | EXPERIMENT Work In Progress
A darkly comic new piece about the hunt for self-worth and what price we’re willing to pay for it. A new play by Laura Horton.
Find out more about our stands and how you can get involved below
