Companies and artists from the South East and South West are invited to be part of the second phase of Create Tour Connect, offering commission and national touring opportunities across the country.
The Create Tour Connect partnership project has successfully secured funding from Arts Council England to support, develop and tour three more shows from 2028-2029.
The first show will be selected from across the South East and South West. We are working with Artsreach to launch a callout for one new piece of theatre from these regions, to tour in Spring 2028.
Create Tour Connect is led by Applause Rural Touring and supported by Arts Council England. It aims to address the growing lack of multi-hander touring drama and theatre, relevant to contemporary rural audiences, that has been seen over recent years. The first phase is currently touring Pipeline Theatre’s George and the Drag Queen with a new show from Out of Chaos touring in Spring next year. Over 3000 people have already seen a Create Tour Connect show.
The project brings together 18 arts organisations from across the country, all working collectively to share local knowledge, resources and expertise on rural touring and developing new work.
Further information about this latest commission and how to apply below:
Commission Details
- We are looking for a new piece of theatre relevant to contemporary rural and community adult audiences (3 hander plus 1 tech on tour) for a funded (minimum) 36 date tour across the rural touring network from late Jan – early May 2028. The development period will be 2027/2028.
- The company or artist must be based in the South East or South West region of England as defined by Arts Council regions.
- The company or artist must demonstrate understanding of or experience in touring to community spaces
- Availability to develop a new show and tour across the network in Spring 2028
Application process
Deadline for applications: 1st November 2026
Shortlisted interviewees informed: w/c 23rd November 2026
Interviews (online): w/c 30th November 2026
Decision: by mid-December 2026
Draft publicity assets for tour menus needed: March 2027
The successful artist/company will be selected by a panel of representatives from the commissioning organisations. A shortlist will be selected from the received applications who will be invited for an informal online chat to discuss proposals further before a final decision is made.
How to apply
Applications will be via the Eventotron online platform. If you are already registered with Eventotron you can apply to Create Tour Connect 2 – South East/West Otherwise, register for a free account and then apply to the season above.
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.
We want to hear about
– you/your company and the work you do
– your proposal and your experience or understanding of rural and community touring
– your budget and touring fees
– your approach to sustainability
If you feel more comfortable applying by video or voice recording, please contact programming@applause.org.uk for further information.
If you have any questions about this commission, callout or want to discuss your application before applying, please email Sally Lampitt programming@applause.org.uk
Useful documents
Download the full details below, including information on development and touring fees available and a budget template to be used by all applicants:
Commission Brief and How to Apply – outline information.
Guidance document – further information and guidance.
Budget Template- all applicants are required to use the budget template and upload it as part of their application.
