Amplify: Artist Development

Nottingham Playhouse’s Artist Development Scheme

The Amplify programme is here to support local artists. We know that the East Midlands is full of talented theatre-makers and we want Nottingham Playhouse to be a hub for artists. We are committed to developing a network where ideas can be shared, challenged and grown.

Throughout the year, we host several events to help artists show their work and get feedback. These include Amplify Festivals, Amp Nights, plug in events, surgeries and workshops.

Creative Associates

Our Creative Associates develop a significant relationship with Nottingham Playhouse over the course of a two year period.

During this time we offer a bespoke partnership, supporting the development of their career – this might be through offering rehearsal space and building resources, giving artistic support, or an opportunity to make work. We’re so excited to champion some of the most exciting talent from our region through this scheme.

Jacob Seelochan is an actor-writer who was born and raised in Sherwood, Nottingham. Since graduating from The Royal Central School in 2019, Jacob has worked on projects such as Shadow & Bone (Netflix), Don’t Touch Me (Leicester Curve), and Nevergreen (Arcola Theatre). His debut short film, A Casting Room, explored the complexity of being mixed race in the acting industry, and he was a finalist at Pinewood Studios’ Lift-Off Festival 2020.

Jacob Seelochan said, “Nottingham Playhouse holds a special place in my heart. It was the theatre where my parents met. It was where I got my first job, as a Box Office Assistant. It was where I turned 18. It was where I was cast in my first professional show, Arcadia, back in 2014. It was where I really developed my love for performance. So to be asked to join the Playhouse team as a Creative Associate is a huge honour.”

Major Labia are here to smash the patriarchy through vaginal comedy. More raucous than righteous, Major Labia is an all-female comedy collective founded by Artistic Director Siobhán Cannon-Brownlie (The Elves and the Shoemaker, Nottingham Playhouse). Performers include Gemma Caseley-Kirk (My Mad Fat Diary, Channel 4), Narisha Lawson (The New Worst Witch, CITV) and Phoebe Frances Brown (Small Island, National Theatre).

Major Labia are a Nottingham based collective who are graduates and associates of the BAFTA award-winning Television Workshop, and have been tickling audiences for over three years. They tackle the insidious notion that women aren’t funny through live sketch shows, recorded work on their YouTube channel, and educational programmes. They have performed in many theatres across the country including Nottingham Playhouse’s main stage, Battersea Arts Centre and Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Major Labia have been supported by PILOT nights, Old Vic New Voices and are a Breakthrough Company at Curve Theatre, Leicester.

Major Labia are elated to be Amplify Creative Associates at their local theatre, and can’t wait to create more seriously silly content for audiences in Nottingham and beyond.

Next Door Dance absolutely adore working with people in an array of community settings and their participatory projects are at the heart of what they do, stand for and believe in. They love delivering projects with lots of different people, creating lasting experiences that are packed with creativity and lots of laughter.

Next Door Dance have worked with arts venues, schools and community groups for the last 8 years. Their work includes collaborations with the Halle Orchestra, Leicester Tigers RFC and English Heritage.

Next Door Dance said, “Creative Associates! We are absolutely thrilled to be working alongside such a prestigious venue. After a challenging year this partnership has come at a great time for us and we are excited to get back to being creative with the support of Nottingham Playhouse. We can’t wait to continue our community outreach work and hope to inspire and engage with more Nottingham folk. Watch this space duck!”