Applications for Springboard now open

Over the next three years, we are looking to support two or three new or early-stage companies or artists to take their careers to the next level. Launched in 2015, Springboard helps companies and artists to scale ideas, consider capital, fundraise, and create a business plan, as well as creating and developing projects.

Springboard Companies can also access:

• Selected performance slots in our season and free rehearsal space for Research and Development (one show and R&D period per year),
• Designated office space at the Belgrade Theatre,
• An opportunity to register your company address at the Belgrade Theatre,
• Monthly one-to-one meetings with the Company Director,
• Tailored one-to-one meetings and support from the wider Belgrade team, across departments such as production, finance, fundraising and marketing (including applying to the Arts Council),
• Support from the Belgrade’s marketing team for shows being performed at the Belgrade Theatre.

At the Belgrade Theatre, co-created practice is at the heart of everything we do. We want to invest in, and connect with, companies that have social action at the heart of their work, whether through performance or the activities they engage with.

If Springboard sounds like the right opportunity for you, for more information and how to apply.

To apply, you’ll need to:

• Be West Midlands based, or within a 30-mile radius or 35-minute drive time of the Belgrade theatre,
• Have drama and theatre practice as one of the key components of your work,
• Have ambitions for business development,
• Have formed a company or be in the process of forming one.

Individuals are welcome to apply, but must be registered, or prepared to register as a company.

Desirable:

• Have experience of running and managing your own projects,
• Be passionate about co-created practice, or have social action at the heart of your performance work or participatory work.

We particularly encourage applications from newly formed or underserved companies that would not be able to have the impact they have without our support.

Application Process

Please complete this online application form (you’ll be asked to sign in using a Google account). As part of the application, we’ll ask you the following questions:

1. Tell us about yourself as individual artists or creatives (max 250 words or two mins audio/video recording),
2. Why have you started a company, or why do you want to start one? (max 250 words or two mins audio/video recording),
3. Tell us what your company does or aims to do (max 250 words or two mins audio/video recording),
4. Why do you want to be part of the Springboard programme and how will it benefit you? (max 250 words or two mins audio/video recording

Springboard programme & Information Criteria:

Application Process:

Deadline to apply: Monday 15 July 2024, 1pm. We’re unable to accept any late applications.

First stage interviews: w/c Monday 5 August 2024.

Second stage interviews: w/c Monday 12 August 2024.

If you have any questions about whether Springboard is right for you, if you need any help filling out the form, or would like to apply in a different way, please email communityadmin@belgrade.co.uk or call 024 7625 6431.

Good luck!