NEWS: AMPLIFY Festival 2023 Artists Call Out

The AMPLIFY Festival 2023 is an annual celebration of artists from across the wider Midlands regions and takes place this year from 18-21 October at Nottingham Playhouse. The Festival will feature a host of new and exciting work from the region, alongside scratch performances, networking opportunities, workshops and panel discussions, it’s a place for artists and audience to come together to delight and invest in local talent.

Nottingham Playhouse is seeking applications from talented theatre-makers to take part in the Festival. Whether fresh out of education, an early career starter, or someone who has been making professional work for several years, all are welcome. The Festival will be made up of five different strands:

• Amplify Headline – finished pieces of work
• Amplify Digital Work – specifically designed for streaming / experiencing online
• Amplify WIP – work in progress / scratch performances
• Amplify Connections – artist spaces, social and networking opportunities
• Amplify Development – artist development opportunities

To be eligible, companies or individuals must live in or be connected to the Midlands. Submissions are open for a wide range of work, including physical theatre, spoken word, dance, devised, new writing, circus, clowning, music theatre and children’s theatre. Spaces throughout Nottingham Playhouse, including the 98 seat Neville Studio, will be available for performances and to be used in creative ways.

Nottingham Playhouse welcomes everyone and is keen to see work that has considered audience accessibility in the making of the work. The AMPLIFY Festival 2023 application process will also be accessible, with both captioned and BSL interpreted information sessions available.

Beccy D’Souza, Artist Development Producer at Nottingham Playhouse, said:

“We are aiming to programme a diverse range of exciting, innovative and interesting performances and events across the Festival. It’s been a tough few years for a lot of theatre-makers, and it’s so thrilling to be in a position to provide a platform for voices and stories from across the region, as well as a place for people to come together, network and develop their artistry. I’m looking forward to seeing the range of submissions that come in – I’m certain there’s a rich pool of talent and work to consider, and it’s so great to have this window of opportunity to see more of what the Midlands is making.”

To apply to be part of the Festival, read our information pack and application form. If you’d like to take part in an informal session to talk through the process, these will be held in-person and on-line:

• In-person information session – 2 May, 3.30-5pm
• On-line information sessions:
  • 3 May, 3.30-5pm – captioned using Zoom captions
  • 15 May, 6-7.30pm – BSL interpreted and captioned

Applications close at 12 noon on Monday 5 June 2023.

Amplify is the artist development programme run by Nottingham Playhouse. It aims to develop a network where ideas can be shared, challenged and grown. Throughout the year, there are opportunities and events which help professional artists develop skills, showcase work and connect with other artists. These include the Amplify Festival, scratch nights, networking events, masterclasses, co-working opportunities and one to one mentoring and guidance sessions.