Bridging the Gap 2012

Bridging the Gap


Supported by ARC, Stockton Arts Centre, Theatre Royal Newcastle &
The Maltings, Berwick upon Tweed


Bridging the Gap is a project developed by ARC, Newcastle Theatre Royal and The Maltings
designed to contribute towards the creation of new theatre work within the North East
region.


In 2009-10, the three venues worked together for the first time to offer a joint package of
in-kind support to enable a North East based theatre company to develop and present a
new piece of work across the three venues.


Bridging the Gap in now entering its third year, having supported two companies to date:
Northumberland-based Rabbit Damage, who developed their show Wherever I Lay My Hat
in 2010 and INK Productions, who presented Wanting for Anghus in 2011.


We are now seeking an emerging professional theatre company, with experience of
producing at least one show, to benefit from this package in 2011-12.


What we can offer:


• Six weeks rehearsal space - two weeks at each venue as follows:
w/c 16 & 23 July 2012 Newcastle Theatre Royal
w/c 20 & 27 August 2012 ARC, Stockton Arts Centre
w/c 3 & 10 September 2012 The Maltings, Berwick


• Six performances - two nights in each venue as follows:
The Maltings (Henry Travers Studio) Fri 14 & Sat 15 Sept 2012
ARC (Studio) Tues 18 & Wed 19 Sept 2012
Theatre Royal (Learning Space) Fri 21 & Sat 22 Sept 2012


• Regular monthly ‘keep in touch’ meetings with venue representatives to offer
advice/support. Venue staff are also available to attend rehearsals/sharings/work in
progress to give feedback.
• Marketing support – extensive support available to develop a professional marketing
pack, to assist with selling work to other venues (if appropriate/desirable) and to
audiences. The company would be responsible for producing leaflets/posters, but
venues would support via distribution, press, direct e/mail, website and online
listings etc.
• Technical support – venues will provide a technician for the get in/performance days
(but not during rehearsal period); technical advice will also be available including
support to draw up technical specifications for the show.
• Box Office – full box office services available at all three venues to manage ticket
sales.
• Advocacy and PR – as the selected Associate Company for this project, all three
venues would act as ambassadors for the company’s work, both in the lead up to
the performances, and post-performance in terms of recommendations to potential
touring venues etc.


Additional opportunities:


As an Associate Company linked to the three venues the company would also be invited to:


• Attend events at all three host venues during 2012, to develop a shared
understanding around theatre with venue programmers and other staff
(complimentary tickets will be made available by venues)
• Participate in professional workshops and masterclasses organised by the host
venues where appropriate


Financial arrangements:


Rehearsal and performance space would be provided by the venues free of charge.
Box office monies would be split with the companies 60:40 in their favour. Ticket prices
would be agreed across all three venues, with an allocation of complimentary tickets for
both companies/venues for press and ‘showcasing’ purposes.


Selection Criteria:


• Artists must be living and working in the North East region (as defined by Arts
Council England)
• Applications must be made by professional theatre companies who have produced at
least one show (this project is not aimed at youth theatre groups or
undergraduates)
• We are looking for a company committed to making contemporary theatre (cast size
2+)
• This is not a funded initiative and the selected company must be self-supporting.
However, we can offer guidance with funding applications.


Timescale:


Closing date Mon 21 Nov 2011
Interview Wed 30 Nov 2011
Decision w/c 5 Dec 2011


For more information about the partner venues please visit www.arconline.co.uk;
www.maltingsberwick.co.uk; and www.theatreroyal.co.uk


Applications


If you are interested in applying please email us a proposal (max 2 pages) including details
about:
• Your company – who you are, what stage of development you are at, biogs of key
members, reviews of previous shows
• The show you would like to develop
• How you will fund it
• How you would benefit from Bridging the Gap, and why we should select you
• Some visuals to support your application


Please send your proposals to: annabel.turpin@arconline.co.uk