Developing work

Making an approach

We want to work with talented and inspiring artists. We want you to get in touch if you have a piece of work or an idea that would fit with Ovalhouse’s spaces and artistic policy. Here are a few suggestions about how we like artists to engage with us.

Start a dialogue

• We like to get to know your work.
• Invite us to things (but give us a bit of notice).
• Tell us why we should come – are you planning another project which might be right for Ovalhouse? (Remember we’re unlikely to programme/ transfer a show which has already been in on London).
• No doesn’t mean never – it means not this project: give an accurate impression of your work and invest in longer-term dialogue.

Send us something which gives us a sense of the what you want to make

• This could be a script. It could be a Vimeo link or DVD of an R&D showing. It could be a set of images, a piece of music or a story you want to adapt.
• Be prepared for us to ask you questions: we want to understand what you want to do and why you want to do it.

Tell us about your collaborators

• Who are you going to work with? Why? What do they bring to the project? Do you have examples of their past work?

Be clear about what you want

• Do you want to put a show on in the Downstairs Theatre?
• Do you want some space to work on an idea for a show you want to do at Ovalhouse? If you’re doing an R&D, what questions will guide your exploration?
• Do you want a coffee and some fundraising advice?
• What do you want from us?

Be realistic

• We probably can’t produce your script; we just don’t have that sort of resources. But we might be able to suggest some potential collaborators to you.
• We can give you some dramaturgical feedback but we don’t have a dedicated literary department so it may take time.
• We can’t fund your show. Really.
• We’re generally programming 6-12 months in advance: what’s the timescale of your project?
• Is this really an Ovalhouse show? It may be a great project but not right for this theatre: it’s in your interests to find the right venue for your work.

Send us an email to programming@ovalhouse.com. We’ll respond as quickly as we can. If we don’t get back to you, please feel free to send us another email to chase.