We are looking for submissions that develop and create
New voices
We support early to mid-career artists and companies working in theatre and dance. We are particularly interested in proposals from people who are underrepresented on our stages including artists from the Global Majority, LGBTQIA+ artists/companies, and d/Deaf and disabled artists/companies.
New audiences
We want more people to discover and love the arts. We’re looking to support socially engaged work that attracts new audiences to theatre and dance.
New ideas
We want to support work that explores new methods and approaches, challenging the idea of what theatre and dance can be. We are interested in performances that combine art forms and embrace innovation.
New challenges
We’re looking for artists who are being ambitious, challenging themselves and experimenting. We want this opportunity to have an impact; helping the selected artists to develop their practice and move to the next stage of their career.
Our offer
- A week’s residency in our studio theatre (the Pit Theatre), resourced with technical staff and equipment, to experiment and develop your project, idea or performance.
- An optional work-in-progress sharing to gain feedback on your work or share it with other venues and industry contacts if this feels useful to you.
- Technical provision, support and advice from our production team.
- A financial contribution towards your project of £2,500 to support you to pay collaborators.
Additional funding for access and subsistence requirements is available for successful applicants upon request.
Applications
Applications open: 10am on 30 November 2026
Application deadline: 12 noon on Friday 15 January 2027
Residency Weeks: Please consider your availability in these weeks when submitting your application.
The residencies are scheduled to happen in the following weeks.
19 - 23 July 2027
26 - 30 July 2027
6 - 10 September 2027
13 - 17 September 2027
20 - 24 September 2027
13 - 17 December 2027
Find out more
Come and meet the team behind Open Lab and find out more about the programme. Open to anyone who wants to apply, you’ll be joined by Barbican Theatre & Dance team, Technicians and Open Lab alumni. Whether you want to know more about the application process, technical provisions available or to gain an insight into the experience, this is a great opportunity to have your questions answered.
Date: Wed 16 December, 6pm
Location: Online (Zoom)
RSVP to: [email protected]
