In summer 2015, Applause Rural Touring will be programming outdoor performances into existing, locally organised village fetes, community festivals and similar events in Sussex and Kent. These events will take place almost exclusively during weekends from May to September.
Applause are looking for companies / artists with an established interest and track record of working outdoors and interactively who would like to be part of this programme. Artists/companies can apply to receive support through:
Development Awards: Applause has a total budget of £6000 to support up to three companies/artists to develop shows which have content appropriate for a village fete or local festival setting. Work should entertain and engage audiences, be self-sufficient (i.e. not require technical or other support/involvement from the host organisation), and be accessible for diverse, non-age specific audiences in a range of time frames (i.e. does not require the audience to arrive at a certain time and remain for a set amount of time). Performance dates will be booked on satisfactory development of the piece and an agreed show fee.
Co-commission: For 2015, Applause has made new partnerships with Fuse Festival Medway and Gulbenkian bOing! International Family Festival. The commissioning partners are inviting applications for an award of up to £7000 for the development of a piece that is family and child friendly. The CC fee includes two performance days (at Fuse Festival). Additional show fees will be paid for further bookings. The commissioners are open to broad interpretations of the term 'performance'. For example the piece could be a piece of outdoor theatre, but could equally be an intervention or interaction or could be installation-based.
All applicants must bear in mind that shows should be adaptable to a range of settings (i.e. with simple technical requirements) and pieces should be available for a fee of between £300-550 per show (including travel costs).
For more details and to apply see here. Deadline for applications is 9am on 3 December 2014.