To tour alongside our previously commissioned work, we are looking to support up to six new outdoor projects to be created for touring in 2027.
We work with artists and communities to bring exceptional arts to familiar local spaces. Every year Applause commissions small-scale shows, developed specially for outdoor events and tours this work across their network in Kent, East and West Sussex, Essex and the wider region.
We offer professional, exciting and unique performances to a range of promoters including small village fetes and community events (who benefit from our touring subsidy) as well as larger established events and festivals.
Applications are now open for commissions and reshapes for touring in 2027.
- Deadline for applications is end of day 6 September 2026
- Shortlisted applicants will be notified by 18 September 2026
- Interviews of shortlisted applications to take place between 22-30 September 2026
Opportunities
Small scale outdoor works: commission fees up to £5000
This opportunity is for companies with a track record or keen interest in creating or performing work outdoors to support the creation of new small-scale work. Alongside this we also offer our commissioned companies a minimum number of touring dates across our network, mentoring support during the creation process and options for subsidised rehearsal space.
Small scale outdoor work that requires a reshape/development: development fees between £500 – £2500
This opportunity is for companies with a track record or keen interest in creating or performing work outdoors to support existing outdoor work that requires some reshaping/development to tour rurally. Alongside this we also offer our Development Award companies a minimum number of touring dates across our network, options for subsidised rehearsal space and mentoring support.
The selected artists will also benefit from our Associate Artists programme. This peer-to-peer network will be delivered through a mix of online development sessions exploring core skills, discussion and reflection, and 1-on-1 mentoring.
Applications will be via our online platform EVENTOTRON. If you are already registered with Eventotron you can apply to Applause Outdoor Summer Season 2027. Otherwise, you will need to register first and then apply to the 2027 season .
Online Open Call Q&A sessions on 15 July and 5 August from 12pm – 1pm
This will be a chance to ask questions about the open call with our Programme Lead/Deputy Director. Register for the Q&A
We are looking to commission companies / artists with an established interest and track record of working outdoors who would like to be part of this programme in the summer of 2027.
What we are looking for
All ideas are welcome, including work that responds to key cultural events, and that includes community engagement in the development process or are participatory. Work that focusses on sustainability issues and the environment are very popular as well as work that can relate to rural/community life. We want to be excited and inspired.
Audiences
For the commission and development opportunities your work will need to entertain and engage a diverse audience and be accessible by all.
Technical requirements
Your show should be technically self-sufficient (i.e. do not require technical or other support / involvement by the host organisation including PA/set etc). We programme into a range of rural and semi urban spaces – sometimes with uneven ground and limited infrastructure. Your show needs to be flexible enough to be performed in a bumpy field, on a high street, by the sea or a school playground (flat ground is not guaranteed). The more technical requirements you have, the fewer the possible bookings. You will also need to perform in all weather conditions.
Types of shows and show length
Performances can be walk-about, static productions (of no more than 20/25 minutes in length), installations or interactive durational events and intended to suit a range of time frames and slot into existing activities. You will be expected to perform up to three times a day.
Diversity
We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from individuals or companies, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexuality, social background, religion and/or belief. Applause has identified that work from the following groups is underrepresented:
- Work led by artists from minority ethnic and migrant backgrounds
- Work led by d/Deaf and Disabled artists
Programming
We aim to offer each artist/company a minimum of six bookings between May – October 2027 within the Applause core region (Kent, East and West Sussex, Essex) and further afield, however depending on the company’s availability the minimum number of dates is not guaranteed.
Show Fee Guide
Touring fees must be fully inclusive of all VAT, accommodation and travel expenses. We expect to pay within the range of £450 – £900 per show (in our core region) depending on the size of the company. We select a range of shows to meet varying budgets. Uplifts for dates secured outside our core region will be subject to additional negotiation.
Travel
When applying, consider that we may book solo dates across our core region of Kent, East and West Sussex and Essex, so please bear this in mind when working out travel costs and if touring with Applause is viable both financially and environmentally.
Availability
Your show must be ready and available for touring from the end of April. You need to have very good availability for weekends throughout May to October 2026. You will also be asked to prioritise dates for Applause within an agreed time frame for shows in Kent, East and West Sussex, Essex and to pass on any direct contacts within this region so that we can support the development of our volunteer hosts and programmers.
Artist / Company Administration
Artist / company administration needs to be very strong. Applause will be responsible for booking a place and date for your show, organising contracts and paying fees directly to artists. The company will then be responsible for making specific arrangements and finalising details with host venues and promoters. Many of these hosts are volunteers and have no specialist theatre knowledge – you will need to be flexible, understanding and informative. We will also require you to support our marketing of events, creating material for social media and general PR.
Sustainability
It will be important that you illustrate how your company can produce responsibly, considering your green footprint, limiting waste and prioritising recycling and re-using wherever possible.
Support
We will expect most of the development work to take place between November 2026 and March/April 2027. Applause has a strong track record in supporting artists throughout the development process and will be on hand to review the work and give critical feedback when required alongside our Associate Artists.
Apply via EVENTOTRON
