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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 practice and access rehearsal space.
- Other info: Opportunity for growth and collaboration in a supportive artistic community.
- Why this job: Test your innovative ideas and connect with an audience eager for fresh performances.
- Qualifications: Open to South West-based women-led theatre companies and performance artists.
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 Exeter 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 Exeter
✨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 share ideas and get your name out there. You never know who might be looking for collaborators or have leads on opportunities!
✨Tip Number 2
Show us what you’ve got! Create a strong online presence showcasing your work. Use social media platforms to share snippets of your performances, behind-the-scenes content, or even mood boards. This helps us get a feel for your style and creativity, making your application stand out.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Whether it’s a video or audio submission, make sure you clearly communicate your vision and how Scratch Night will benefit your work. Keep it engaging and authentic – we want to see the real you and your passion for storytelling!
✨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 details you need about the event and any additional support we offer. Let’s make your performance dreams a reality together!
We think you need these skills to ace Open Call-Out: Reclaim Scratch Performances in Exeter
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 ideas, and what makes your work special. Remember, we’re looking for YOU, not just a polished performance.
Show Us Your Work: Links to your previous work can really make your application stand out. Whether it’s a mood board, social media snippets, or past performances, give us a glimpse into your creative world. It helps us understand your style and vision better!
Follow the Guidelines: Make sure you stick to the application guidelines. We love creativity, but we also appreciate clarity. Keep your answers concise and ensure you include all the required info. And don’t forget, apply through our website for the best chance!
How to prepare for a job interview at Exeternorthcott
✨Know Your Work Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid grasp 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
You’ll need to convey your idea clearly and engagingly. Practise summarising your performance in a few sentences, highlighting why it’s important and how it connects with women’s stories. This will help you make a strong 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 panel connect with you on a personal level, which is crucial for a creative role.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready about the Scratch Night and the support available. This shows your genuine interest in the opportunity and helps you understand how it can benefit your artistic development.