Produced by Fifth Word in collaboration with Curve and Derby Theatre, with support by Fuel
Do you want to explore new ways of creating theatre that “pops-up” to forge unexpected connections?
Pop-Up Plays is a series of short plays of 10-45 minutes in length that will be produced by Fifth Word, with support from Fuel, in late 2025. The plays will be designed to “pop-up” in alternative formats and locations. They will be playful, experimental, and create new interaction and connection for audiences.
Up to three commissions for writers* based in or with a strong connection to the East Midlands are being offered.
Pop-Up Plays will create vital new production opportunities for writers in the East Midlands, bringing audiences across the East Midlands and beyond together for playful encounters.
*This opportunity is open to writers at all stages of their career, and also to co-writers and theatre-makers who write in alternative ways – such as devising or co-creating – and who see their role as “writing” the story / structure of their piece.
Pop-Up Plays 2025 Theme: CONNECTION
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What does connection mean to you? Who do you rarely see connect with each other, and how could you invite these connections to take place? How/when/where do you connect/disconnect? How do we create space for real encounters amidst a fast-moving world? Who do you wish you took more time to connect with, and how could this happen?
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Are there any spaces, places or times that have a particular connection for the stories that you are interested in? How can your piece create moments for your audience to connect or come together? What are the moments where connection happens, or the missed moments, that your piece would celebrate or investigate?
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What form could help an audience to best experience your story, and engage with it most impactfully?
What is a Pop-Up Play? PLAYful!
Pop-Up Plays are playful, creative stories and theatrical encounters that are easy to “Pop-Up” in alternative formats and settings. They can be experimental, fleet-of-foot, and have the potential to tour. What matters is the idea of connection, how this relates to the story that you want to tell, and the experience you want for your audience.
Timescale: From April 2025– November 2025
Fee: On a sliding scale up to £4000 (fees will vary according to the length that best fits the idea)
Click here to read more on our website and apply by 12 noon, Monday 7th April 2025