Polka Theatre’s new Catapult Programme

Polka Theatre’s Artistic Director and Joint Chief Executive Helen Matravers is thrilled to announce the launch of Catapult, an Artist Development programme designed to offer opportunities and a support framework for artists and producers, who are currently underrepresented in the industry, and particularly the TYA sector, to create theatre for young audiences (0–12-year-olds).

Polka’s Catapult programme will see 6 projects supported over the course of 12 months; with seed funding, free rehearsal space, mentoring, training days from industry professionals, access to Polka Produced shows, connections to Polka Primary School Partners, and industry showcase opportunities.

The TYA sector is currently significantly underrepresented with work from artists from the Global Majority, who identify as disabled, LGBTQ+, or who come from a lower socio-economic background. Catapult is specifically designed to address this gap.

First Steps

The programme will be divided into two sections: First Steps, for artists and companies who have a brand new idea for a show (specifically for 0-6-year-olds), that hasn’t been drafted, performed or rehearsed before. Four artists will be chosen for this part of the programme. Find out more about First Steps

Next Steps

Next Steps will be open to artists and companies who may have a first draft, or a workshop under their belts, who are ready for help and support getting the show onto its feet and in front of programmers and producers. Two companies or artists will be chosen for this. Find out more about Next Steps

Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London SW19 1SB