Cash support for emerging companies

Interest free loans to cover up-front production costs are being offered as part of a new programme aiming to help emerging theatre companies to develop and flourish.

The Artist Development Programme, developed by London’s New Diorama Theatre, includes a Cash Flow Fund to help young companies to access the cash needed to tour or take work to festivals, when box-office revenue may not be released until long after the shows have finished.

The programme aims to break down the major barriers to talented groups being able to showcase their work. Other financial support being offered will enable new and developing companies to perform for free at The New Diorama Theatre whilst also keeping all of the box office takings, to enable them to use this money to invest in future productions

As well as giving practical support, the Artist Development Programme includes initiatives offering opportunities for personal development, and schemes aimed at improving equality, diversity and accessibility in theatre. The BAMER Companies Project will provide free rehearsal and development space for BAME theatre companies for 40 weeks a year in Central London, and European Theatre Travel Grants will help companies to develop in line with international best practices.

The programme will be delivered in partnership with 25 theatres of different scales across England and Wales, including Bike Shed Theatre, Exeter; Home, Manchester; The Other Room, Cardiff; and The Lowry, Salford. It is the culmination of five years’ work at New Diorama.

Artistic Director David Byrne said of the new Programme: “I think this announcement, full of new ideas and ways of working, really will put us at the centre of the debate as to how we support early-career artists in the country. A debate that’s particularly important at the moment: times are hard for theatre-makers and I’ve now read every single artist development policy in the country and I think we need to do more.”