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- Tasks: Showcase your new, women-led performance in front of a live audience.
- Company: Join the vibrant Reclaim festival at Barnfield Theatre.
- Benefits: Receive £150 to support your creative process and rehearsal space.
- Other info: Opportunity for growth and collaboration in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Test your innovative ideas and connect with an audience.
- Qualifications: Open to South West-based women-led theatre companies and performance artists.
The predicted salary is between 150 - 150 £ per hour.
We’re inviting South West-based women-led theatre companies and performance artists to apply for our Scratch Nights at the Barnfield Theatre during Reclaim, a festival of work by women, for everyone. The performances will take place on Wednesday 17th June 2026. This is an opportunity to trial 20 minutes of new, women-led work in front of a live audience. The performance may be anything from an excerpt of a new play, stand-up comedy, dance, or live art performance. We are unable to accept films. The material must be a new idea which has not been performed for a paying audience elsewhere. Eligible performances will centre around women’s stories, although they may include characters and performers of all genders.
For the third time we will be partnering with Exeter Phoenix as part of an ongoing Scratch Night partnership throughout 2026 (further dates to be announced). Got an idea that needs a platform? Exeter Northcott Scratch Night in collaboration with Exeter Phoenix offers South West based artists in need of an audience a chance to stretch their ideas and the opportunity to test their work in the Clifford Room at the Barnfield theatre, along with £150 to help develop their idea and a small amount of rehearsal space before the Scratch Night. Scratch Night will take place on Wednesday 17th June 2026, 7 – 9pm. Applications close at 10am on Wednesday 6th May and we will let you know if you have been successful the following week. You must be available for a technical rehearsal slot sometime between 10am – 6pm during w/c 15th June and for the Scratch Night on the evening of Wednesday 17th June 2026.
What are we looking for? Whether you’re currently working on a show and there’s a new bit you’d like to get in front of an audience and see how it connects, or you’ve had an idea ruminating that is ready to be put up on its feet – we’d like to invite you to apply to Scratch Night, an opportunity to test up to 20 minutes of live work. We welcome anything from performance art, play extracts, storytelling, comedy, clowning, improv, dance and physical theatre to multidisciplinary work of any genre.
If your work is in SUPER early development, and you’d like more of a workshop setting to test it out, come along to Little Scratch in the Workshop space at Exeter Phoenix – the next ones are taking place on Fri 27 Feb, Wed 25 Mar and Fri 24 Apr.
What do you get?
- £150 to support your practice, to use however you choose (you don’t need to use it for this project. If you need to take a day off from work to rehearse, you’d like to buy some props or pay someone to help you out – that money is yours and has absolutely no strings attached. Take yourself out for a big celebration after if you’d like!)
- Rehearsal space at Barnfield Theatre or Exeter Phoenix, subject to availability
- The opportunity to perform your work in front of a live audience (20 minutes max.)
- Dramaturgical support from Exeter Northcott’s Artist Development Producer, Sam Parker
- Tech rehearsal on the day of the event (45 minutes max.)
Although we’re not necessarily looking for fully formed ideas, we’d like to get to know YOU. You don’t have to rely on just writing in the text boxes and we encourage you to send us some links to anything that might support your application, i.e. mood boards, social media, or anything that can give us a sense of you and your work.
Video or audio format submission: Alternatively, if you would prefer to submit your answers in a video or audio format (5 minutes max.) please email northcottproductions@exeter.ac.uk with ‘Reclaim Scratch Night Submission’ as the subject line and ensure the following information is included in your application:
- Name of artist/company
- Where in the South West you are based
- A summary of the piece you would like to perform
- How Scratch Night will support your work as a live performance maker
- How we can access examples of your creative practice, i.e. website or social media
- Technical requirements
- Any access requirements you may have
If you’d like this form in another format, you’d want to ask a question or you’d like to send some supporting information, please email northcottproductions@exeter.ac.uk. We look forward to hearing from you!
Deadline for Applications: 10am on Wednesday 6th May 2026
Open Call-Out: Reclaim Scratch Performances in Devon employer: Exeternorthcott
Contact Detail:
Exeternorthcott Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Open Call-Out: Reclaim Scratch Performances in Devon
✨Tip Number 1
Get your networking game on! Connect with other artists and theatre companies in the South West. Attend local events, workshops, or even online forums to meet like-minded folks who can help you spread the word about your Scratch Night application.
✨Tip Number 2
Show us your personality! When applying, don’t just stick to the text boxes. Use mood boards, social media links, or even a cheeky video to give us a taste of who you are and what your work is all about. We want to see the real you!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Before the Scratch Night, gather some friends or fellow artists for a run-through of your performance. This will help you get comfortable with your material and receive valuable feedback to refine your act.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need to make your submission shine. Let’s get your work out there!
We think you need these skills to ace Open Call-Out: Reclaim Scratch Performances in Devon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know Us: Before you dive into your application, take a moment to familiarise yourself with what we’re all about. Check out our previous Scratch Nights and the kind of work we’ve showcased. This will help you tailor your application to fit our vibe!
Be Authentic: We want to hear your unique voice! Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. Share your story, your vision, and what makes your performance special. Remember, we’re looking for YOU!
Show Us Your Work: Don’t just stick to the text boxes! Include links to your mood boards, social media, or any other creative content that showcases your work. This gives us a better sense of who you are and what you bring to the table.
Plan Ahead: Make sure you’re available for the technical rehearsal and the Scratch Night itself. Double-check your schedule before applying, so you can focus on creating an amazing performance without any last-minute stress!
How to prepare for a job interview at Exeternorthcott
✨Know Your Work Inside Out
Make sure you have a deep understanding of the piece you want to perform. Be ready to discuss its themes, characters, and what makes it unique. This will show your passion and commitment to your work.
✨Practice Your Pitch
Prepare a concise and engaging summary of your performance idea. You’ll want to capture the essence of your work in just a few sentences, so practice delivering it confidently. This is your chance to make a strong first impression!
✨Show Your Personality
Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through during the interview. Share your journey as an artist and what inspires you. This helps the selection panel connect with you and your vision.
✨Be Open to Feedback
During the interview, be receptive to any suggestions or questions from the panel. Showing that you’re open to collaboration and constructive criticism can set you apart as a flexible and adaptable artist.