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
FUSE Gathering x Good Chance
We are back with our first Gathering of 2026, co-hosting with the formidable Good Chance Theatre.
National Rural Touring Forum | FUSE Talk
National Rural Touring Forum: An Introduction to Rural Touring.
RABBLE Theatre | FUSE Masterclass
Local stories of national significance: Choosing a good story and getting the funding
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
