Open@TheStudio
A new programme for local theatre makers and producers based in Edinburgh and the Lothians.
The Studio is Open!
We are here for early career artists and new graduates, independent artists and companies, self-producers, mavericks, dreamers, and year-round believers. Over the next six months, we will be trying out different ideas and opportunities to see how we can make The Studio into a home for those who are forging their own way in the industry.
If you want to understand the nuts and bolts of how things work, add new tools and techniques to your own creative practice, connect with new collaborators, or get an idea up on its feet, we have something for you.
From networking events to workshops with visiting companies, R&D residencies to scratch nights, Open@TheStudio is throwing open the doors of opportunity.
Below you can find the information about the full programme as well as links to book.
Come on in...
See what's on and book now
Open@TheStudio is throwing open the doors of opportunity.
Open Floor
Are you working on an idea for a new musical that you’d like to test out in front of an audience?
We are looking for new musical theatre makers to take part in our scratch night, Open Floor, on Friday 9 June at The Studio.
Open Floor is an opportunity to get something up on its feet in front of an audience and see what does and doesn’t work. This time it’s all about new musical theatre and we’re pleased to welcome Finn Anderson (Islander, A Mother’s Song) as our host for the night. If you’ve got an idea for a new musical and you want to test out a few songs with an audience, we want to hear from you. Our definition of musical theatre is wide, so long as music and lyrics are integral to the work you’re making in some way.
We’re keeping this quick and dirty so think one or two instruments and a mic, and a few lighting or sound cues, nothing too technical. We can provide a piano, keyboard, microphone, and some basic sound support.
Here’s what we can offer:
- A slot to perform 10-15 mins of material at our Scratch Night on Fri 9 June
- £200 for performing plus 20% of the box office on the night
- Feedback from the event
Here are the dates:
- Closing date: Wed 17 May
- Decisions shared: Tue 23 May
- Performance date: Fri 9 Jun
Eligibility Criteria
- You must be based in Scotland
- You must have worked on at least one professional production previously. This can include Fringe performances but not university productions or amateur dramatics
- You must not be in receipt of RFO funding from Creative Scotland
- You must be available to tech during the day and perform on the night of Friday 9 June
- You must be applying for a new project that has not already been commissioned, produced or coproduced, or staged by another organisation
How to apply
Please complete this online application form by midnight on Wed 17 May. You can complete this with written answers or a video application. You can also download a dyslexia-friendly version of the form if required.
If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch at engage@capitaltheatres.com
Open Conversations
These FREE sessions are all about the nuts and bolts of the industry. Get an insight into how things work followed by an informal networking session with other local theatre makers and producers.
How Contracts Work
Wed 17 May, 6pm
Ever signed a contract without really knowing what you’re signing? This session will take you through the basics of contracts with independent producer Sarah Gray.
Book now
20 places available in advance/10 available on the door
This event is FREE but ticketed
How the Open Fund of Individuals Works
Wed 7 Jun, 6pm
Creative Scotland’s Open Fund for Individuals is Scotland’s biggest funding source for independent artists. Join us for this introduction to the fund with Theatre Officers Jaine Lumsden and Melanie Purdie. This session is specifically for people with little or no previous experience in applying to the fund.
Book now
30 places available in advance only
This event is FREE but ticketed
Help I didn't get the funding!
Wed 12 Jul, 6pm
In this session, we’ll look at how to regroup and rethink your project when things haven’t gone your way.
Book now
20 places available in advance/10 available on the door
This event is FREE but ticketed
Open Workshops
Explore new creative techniques with some of the companies touring work in The Studio.
The Stamping Ground: Director's Talk
Learn about the creative processes and collaborations involved in staging a new Scottish musical with an informative talk, led by the show’s director.
Wed 24 May, 6pm
This event is FREE but ticketed
Book now
Capital Theatres is part of the Theatre Partnership funded by the City of Edinburgh Council, alongside our partners Traverse Theatre, Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh, EPAD, and Lung Ha Theatre Company. Together we aim to positively and powerfully impact our city’s culture, and collectively work to:
- Connect Edinburgh-based artists and theatremakers to people and places, both establishing and growing networks
- Develop the talent of local theatremakers through skills sharing, collaboration, and the creation of work
- And showcase the work of Edinburgh-based artists on our stages and platforms year-round.
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