Open Space Call Out
We’re incredibly proud to be continuing our support of new and emerging talent in our community, and we’re delighted to announce the return of our scratch night, Open Space!
Designed as a lab for creativity, Open Space offers Cumbrian artists the freedom, encouragement, and room they need to take creative risks.
It’s a place to explore new ideas, experiment without pressure, and test work in front of a supportive audience. On Tuesday 6 October, we’ll be opening the doors of our Studio Theatre to invite audiences for a sneak peek at the exciting ideas currently being developed by artists from our Cumbrian Creatives network.
We welcome all kinds of untried and untested work – from spoken word and music to dance, theatre, and everything in between. Audience members play a vital role too: as ever, we’ll be inviting audience feedback as part of the evening to help nurture and develop these early-stage pieces. It’s an inspiring, collaborative night that champions creativity, community – we can’t wait!
What are we looking for?
We’re inviting members of the Cumbrian Creatives network from all disciplines to apply for one of four micro commissions. We’ve included some guidance for applications below:
We’re looking for scratch pieces of between 10-15 minutes, which can be performed live in our studio theatre.
Work can be solo or collaborations between multiple artists. Please note that Theatre by the Lake cannot accept just a script without a plan for a creative team or who would be performing, but we can help by posting callouts for collaborators in our next newsletter.
We’ d love to hear about all kinds of untried and untested work, from spoken word to music, dance to new plays, comedy to performance art and much more.
Pieces should be in the development stages – this is a scratch night so we’re expecting rough and ready!
What will participating artists get?
Four pieces will be shown at TBTL’s Open Space scratch night on Tuesday 6 October 2026. The chosen artists, even if not performing, must be available on the night for a Q&A with the audience.
Each chosen artist or collective will receive £500 towards their expenses.
TBTL will be able to provide basic lighting states and sound equipment, along with a technician to operate, so please pitch your piece within your own capabilities.
How can you apply?
Proposals can be submitted either in writing (max. 400 words) or by recording a short video (2 minutes max) telling us about your idea, and how being part of Open Space would help you progress your work. Email your proposal to claire.dunk@theatrebythelake.com by 5pm on Monday 31 August 2026.
Please do not send attachments greater than 25MB. We’ll let you know if your proposal has been successful by Monday 7 September. Whilst Open Space is open to everyone, the theatre will be prioritising the work of Cumbrian based artists in the Open Space programme and actively encourage proposals from artists who are Deaf and Disabled, Neurodiverse, LGBTQIA+ artists, and artists from the global majority.
If you need further support in order to access this opportunity or the application process please contact Claire (email address above).
Timeline
Monday 31 August, 5pm – Applications deadline for micro-commissions
Monday 7 September – All applications will receive a response by this date
w/c 28 September – technical & planning meetings (either in person or remotely)
Tuesday 6 October – Open Space event. Four pieces performed, followed by Q&A with the artists. TBTL requests that artists are available for a tech rehearsal during the day, times TBC.