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 then tours this work across Kent, East and West Sussex, Essex and the wider regions.
We offer professional, exciting and unique outdoor performances to a range of promoters including small village fetes and community events as well as larger established summer shows and festivals.
Please read all the notes below before filling in the online application form.
For 2025/6 we are offering the following opportunities for artists.
We are looking to support up to six new projects to be created for touring in 2026 to tour alongside our previously commissioned work.
Please review the opportunities below for both commissions and reshapes.
Timeline for all applications:
- Deadline for applications is end of day 29 August 2025
- Shortlisted applicants will be notified by 9 September 2025
- Interviews of shortlisted applications will take place between 22-26 September
Opportunities
Small scale outdoor works: commission fees up to £5000
This opportunity is to support the creation of new small-scale work and for companies with a track record in creating or performing work outdoors. 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 to support existing outdoor work that requires some reshaping/development to tour rurally and for companies with a track record in creating or performing work outdoors. Alongside this we also offer our development awarded companies a minimum number of touring dates across our network, options for subsidised rehearsal space and mentoring support.
What we are looking for when selecting shows to commission
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 2026. All ideas are welcome, including work that responds to key cultural events happening in 2026 and that includes community engagement in the development process or are participatory. Work that focusses on sustainability issues and the environment is very popular as well as work that can relate to rural/community life.
Audiences
For the commission and development opportunities your work will need to entertain and engage a diverse audience and be accessible for all.
Performance spaces and locations
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 in a school playground (flat ground is not guaranteed). You will also need to perform in all weather conditions.
Types of show
Performances can be walk-about, static productions (of no more than 20/25 minutes in length), installations or interactive durational events and are 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. Static shows should run for no longer than 20/25 minutes.
Bookings
We aim to offer each artist/company a minimum of six bookings between May – October 2026 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.
Equal opportunities
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
Show Fee Guide
Your 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. 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 for you both financially and environmentally.
Technical Challenges
We will be placing work in a variety of community settings including events that can provide very little technical or other support – the more technical requirements you have, the fewer the possible bookings. We need you to be technically self-sufficient (including PA/set etc) and not reliant on technical or other support/involvement by the host organisation.
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 your events, providing images, videos and content for social media and general PR.
Sustainability
We will ask you to illustrate how your company can produce responsibly, considering your green footprint, how you limit waste and prioritise recycling and reusing wherever possible.
Support
We will expect most of the development work to take place between November 2025 and March/April 2026. Applause has a strong track record in supporting artists throughout the development process and will be on hand to review the work and give feedback when required.
Application Process
Applications will be via our online platform EVENTOTRON. If you are already registered with Eventotron you can apply to Applause Outdoor Season 2026. Otherwise, you will need to register first and then apply to the season above.
