Artist Residency – Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity / Edinburgh Fringe
Artist Residency – Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity / Edinburgh Fringe

Artist Residency – Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity / Edinburgh Fringe

Freelance No home office possible
fst Federation of Scottish Theatre

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Deliver engaging sessions and adapt your show for children in a hospital setting.
  • Company: Edinburgh Children's Hospital Charity and Edinburgh Fringe collaboration.
  • Benefits: Total fee of £1,600 for solo artists; double for duos.
  • Why this job: Bring the magic of the Fringe to children who need it most.
  • Qualifications: Experience working with children and previous Fringe performance.
  • Other info: Opportunity to make a real difference in young lives through art.

In 2026, Edinburgh Fringe are piloting an artist residency at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People (RHCYP), in partnership with Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC). We are looking for an artist or a duo who already have a show developed, or who have elements of previous practice or shows that can be performed.

The resident artist(s) will deliver four sessions at the ECHC Wellbeing Hub ahead of the festival, trying out ideas with the children and young people and working to adapt their show to the hospital environment. Then, during the festival, they will do a tour of the wards, bringing a bit of the Fringe to the Children’s Hospital.

The four sessions are to help you familiarise yourself with the hospital environment and audience, try out a few things, meet the people there, and consider what you may need to adapt to deliver a great Fringe experience for the hospital’s children, young people and their families at the one-day Fringe event. The artist(s) will engage the children, young people and families in their activity supported by ECHC.

The hospital environment is quite different to that of a standard Fringe venue and the needs of the children, young people and families at the hospital are different to that of your standard Fringe audience. ECHC staff will help advise on how to structure the sessions and what might work, and also help steer how to adapt your show for the final performance date during the festival.

The project aims to provide a real and rich Fringe experience for those at the Children’s Hospital who would otherwise miss out on the festival, and to do so in a way that works in the hospital environment.

We’re looking for a Scotland-based solo or duo artist with Fringe experience to deliver four family and hospital friendly sessions with a performance as the outcome at the Children’s Hospital. The artist or duo must have experience working with children and young people.

The residency will take place at the ECHC Hub at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, 50 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ.

The four sessions will be delivered on either four of the following Wednesdays from 10:00 – 13:00: 06 May, 20 May, 27 May, 03 June and 10 June 2026 (these times and dates are provisional and subject to change). This will culminate in the artist or duo touring their show across the wards and spaces at the hospital for one day (10:00 – 15:30) during the week 17 – 21 August 2026.

Artist Residency – Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity / Edinburgh Fringe employer: fst Federation of Scottish Theatre

Edinburgh Children's Hospital Charity is an exceptional employer that fosters a creative and supportive work environment, particularly for artists looking to make a meaningful impact. The residency offers unique opportunities to engage with children and families in a hospital setting, allowing for personal and professional growth while contributing to the well-being of young patients. With a focus on collaboration and innovation, this role at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People provides a rewarding experience that blends artistic expression with community service.
fst Federation of Scottish Theatre

Contact Detail:

fst Federation of Scottish Theatre Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Artist Residency – Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity / Edinburgh Fringe

Tip Number 1

Get to know the hospital environment before you start! Spend some time familiarising yourself with the space and the people you'll be working with. This will help you adapt your show to fit the unique needs of the children and families.

Tip Number 2

Engage with the kids during your sessions! Use these opportunities to test out ideas and get feedback. The more you connect with them, the better you'll understand how to tailor your performance for the festival.

Tip Number 3

Don’t hesitate to ask for advice from ECHC staff. They know the hospital environment inside out and can provide valuable insights on what works best for the audience you're performing for.

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! We want to see your creativity shine, so make sure to submit your application there. It’s the best way to ensure we don’t miss your amazing ideas for the residency.

We think you need these skills to ace Artist Residency – Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity / Edinburgh Fringe

Experience in Performance Art
Ability to Adapt Shows for Different Audiences
Engagement Skills with Children and Young People
Collaboration with Healthcare Staff
Creativity in Developing Interactive Sessions
Understanding of Hospital Environment Dynamics
Planning and Organisational Skills
Experience in Delivering Workshops or Sessions

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Us Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the project shine through! We want to see how much you care about bringing joy to the children and young people at the hospital. Share your ideas and experiences that connect with this unique opportunity.

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to fit the residency's needs. Highlight any previous work you've done with children and young people, and how you plan to adapt your show for the hospital environment. We love seeing applicants who understand the specific context of this role!

Keep It Clear and Concise: While we appreciate creativity, clarity is key! Make your application easy to read and straight to the point. Use bullet points if necessary, and ensure your main ideas stand out. We want to get a quick sense of who you are and what you bring to the table.

Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It's the best way to ensure it reaches us directly. Plus, you'll find all the details you need about the residency there. We can't wait to see what you bring to this exciting opportunity!

How to prepare for a job interview at fst Federation of Scottish Theatre

Know Your Audience

Before the interview, take some time to understand the unique environment of a children's hospital. Familiarise yourself with the needs and experiences of children and young people in a healthcare setting. This will help you tailor your ideas and demonstrate that you can adapt your performance to suit their specific needs.

Showcase Your Experience

Be ready to discuss your previous work with children and young people. Bring examples of past performances or projects that highlight your ability to engage and entertain this audience. If you have any relevant feedback or testimonials, share those too!

Prepare for Adaptation

Think about how you might need to adapt your show for the hospital environment. During the interview, be prepared to discuss your creative process and how you would modify your performance to ensure it’s suitable and enjoyable for the children and families at the hospital.

Engage with the Interviewers

Remember, the interview is a two-way street! Engage with the interviewers by asking questions about their expectations and the hospital environment. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gather valuable insights that could inform your approach.

Artist Residency – Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity / Edinburgh Fringe
fst Federation of Scottish Theatre

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