Pleasance Pathways 2023 – Applications Now Open

We are delighted to be working with the Pleasance Theatre once again as part of their Edinburgh National Partnerships programme to support one Yorkshire and Humber-based artist or company who want to take work to Edinburgh Fringe in 2023. 

The Pleasance is working with partner theatres across the UK to identify and support exceptional artists and companies local to them who want to take work to the Fringe. Each partner is a leading national producing house, with a commitment to supporting and developing new artists. 

We are excited to be one of the partner organisations alongside Theatre Royal Plymouth, Bristol Old Vic, Leicester Curve, Manchester HOME, Pitlochry Festival Theatre, Eden Court Inverness, Sherman Theatre Cardiff & Lyric Belfast.  

Working with The Pleasance we will identify dynamic artists at different stages in their careers, with the primary aim of the scheme to uncover and support the best companies and artists from Yorkshire and Humber, and across the UK, to present work at the Fringe! 

To apply for this opportunity, see details below. 

What do you get? 

Up to £2000 financing from the Pleasance towards the costs of presenting your show at the Fringe. 

Guaranteed inclusion within the Pleasance Edinburgh Festival Fringe programme. 

Edinburgh Fringe registration covered by York Theatre Royal. 

One-week minimum of in-kind rehearsal and development space at York Theatre Royal. 

A programming option in the Pleasance London transfer run post-Fringe. 

Support to deliver accessible performances as part of the Fringe run. 

Mentorship, support and advice from both York Theatre Royal and The Pleasance leading up to, and during the Fringe. 

Support to build new touring relationships with other National Partnership venues. 

£500 for onward tour support following the Fringe. 

What is the process?  

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to meet with York Theatre Royal and the Pleasance for interview. One company will then be awarded the full support of the Edinburgh National Partnership. 

To apply, please send a pitch to admin@yorktheatreroyal.co.uk detailing:

The piece of work to be presented – a synopsis, design ideas etc. 

The creatives involved.  

Information on past productions – reviews, footage etc. 

Download the application form.

DEADLINE IS 10am MONDAY 14 FEB

Selection Day 

Shortlisted artists/companies will be interviewed on zoom for the 2023 selection. Interviews usually take about 30 – 40 minutes and have tended to be an informal conversation following a similar structure to the application form – a chance to hear the artist and company talk about their work first-hand, get a gauge on the technical ambition of the work as well as an opportunity for the artist/company to ask any burning questions of us. We also ask that they bring a draft budget for the Edinburgh run of the show for us to look at, this is just a starting point for us to start thinking about the finances of the project.