Open Works: Work-In-Progress

This Autumn, we throw open our doors for a bold celebration of artists. From world premieres to scratch nights, rehearsed readings, masterclasses and industry panels, Open Works Festival is where stories are born and the future of theatre is shaped.
Taking place as part of Open Works 2026, there will be a series of Work-In-Progress performance slots. This is an opportunity for professional theatremakers and theatre companies local to Sheffield Theatres to perform up to an hour of in-development work as part of the festival.
Open Working
To support the development of new work in our region we will be running Open Working, a series of workshops focused on making and producing skills. There will be opportunities for up to 25 people to join Open Working, with participants randomly selected from all eligible submitted applications to all of our Open Works opportunities.
By submitting to Work-in-Progress, you will automatically be entered into consideration for Open Working.
What are the Work-In-Progress slots?
The Work-In-Progress slots are opportunities throughout the festival for artists and companies to share projects in development with audiences.
Work should be no longer than 60 minutes long, and require minimal technical support.
What are we looking for?
We’re looking for exciting and innovative projects from local theatremakers and theatre companies that would benefit from receiving a Work-in-Progress slot as part of Open Works 2026.
This opportunity is suitable for makers and companies of any experience level. Companies are expected to engage their own performers and creatives, and provide all necessary props, set and costumes.
In partnership with New Earth Theatre, one Work-In-Progress slot is ring-fenced for a project from a BESEA artist or company. You can learn more about New Earth Theatre here.
What will successful submissions receive?
A fee of £450 to support the work.
A maximum 60-minute Work-In-Progress slot as part of Open Works 2026.
Up to five days of rehearsal space at Sheffield Theatres.
Up to two hours of technical rehearsal time.
Invitations and discounts to workshops and events as part of Open Works 2026.
In addition to the above, BESEA artists will receive a bespoke networking and mentoring support package in partnership with New Earth Theatre.
How to apply
Please follow the link below to the Expression of Interest form.
The Expression of Interest Form will require:
Your name, pronouns, and contact information.
Information about you and your creative practice.
Information summarising the content and narrative of your project.
Information about why a Work-in-Progress sharing is a suitable step for your project.
Information about how you plan to creatively benefit from having audiences experience a Work-in-Progress of your project.
We will also require:
A current draft and/or recording of your project.
There is additional space as part of the Expression of Interest Form for any further information that will help our team understand your project.
There is additional space to submit links to video and audio recordings of your work.
Submissions for Work-in-Progress close at midnight on Sun 22 March 2026.
Find Out More
If you have any questions about Open Works or talent development at Sheffield Theatres get in touch via email.
Email Us