Foundry Application Page
Foundry, The Rep’s highly acclaimed artist development programme, has supported theatre-makers and creative artists from differing disciplines to grow their careers since 2013.
The programme runs from April to December, and offers 8-months of high quality, in-depth artist training, mentoring and masterclasses for six emerging artist facilitators from the West Midlands. All artists are paid to take part.
On the programme, artists develop their understanding of co-creation, leadership and facilitation in community settings, attend regular workshops and masterclasses at The Rep, build their networks, have the opportunity to design and deliver a community-based creative project alongside an experienced professional facilitator, and benefit from learning and support in a welcoming space where they can grow their creative practice. We also offer a number of free tickets to see shows at The Rep while artists train with us.
The structure of Foundry 2024 is as follows:
April – July: In-depth training, masterclasses and facilitation skills-building at The Rep; Opportunities to see and observe other facilitated work in community settings in Birmingham and across the West Midlands.
August: Summer break, where we encourage you to see some shows and plan your community projects with your co-facilitator.
September – December: Community-based co-creation projects, delivered alongside an experienced co-facilitator who will provide support and mentoring, as well as opportunities for Foundry artists to take the lead on facilitation; Some workshops and check-ins at The Rep.
To see a detailed timeline of Foundry 2024, click here. The programme starts on Tue 9 Apr.
Making access easier
Where possible, Foundry sessions at The Rep will always take place on a Monday and Tuesday to allow freelancers to fit other work around participation in the programme. Additionally, sessions will never take place during school holiday dates.
We are committed to ensuring that accessibility and inclusion are front and centre throughout our work, and are proud to have joined forces with Deaf Explorer, the UK disability charity Sense, Deafinitely Theatre, and a steering group of artist-experts with lived experience of D/deafness, disability and neurodivergence to help us deliver Foundry 2023 – 2024.
To view The Rep’s access statement about our building, click here.
We encourage and welcome artists who identify as D/deaf, disabled or neurodivergent to apply for Foundry. We will work with people to meet their access needs.
The Rep’s Foundry programme gave me the confidence to walk into rooms and say ‘I’m a playwright’. I think that’s really invaluable and put me in good stead for the future. I use it as my calling card in the industry.”
Michael Southan, Foundry alumnus and commissioned playwright by Graeae in 2022
To see a detailed timeline of Foundry 2024, click here.
Foundry alumni have been employed by The Rep as professional facilitators and have gone on to work across the UK at the Royal Shakespeare Company, Leeds Playhouse, Royal Court Theatre, Soho Playhouse, National Theatre, Bristol Old Vic and many more.
My first introduction to training was here at The Rep. I started to learn how to facilitate co-creation, especially as a leader in the space.”
Nyasha Gudo, Foundry alumnus
Apply to take part
We are currently recruiting:
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Foundry 2024 Artists
If you are an emerging facilitator with under 3 years professional experience, you can apply to join the Foundry 2024 cohort. The deadline to apply is 10am on Tue 12 Mar.
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Co-facilitator
If you are an experienced professional facilitator with 6+ years experience, you can apply to support, coach and guide Foundry artists as a Co-facilitator. The deadline to apply is 10am on Tue 12 Mar.
Foundry is generously supported by Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and Ramps on the Moon.
