Project Type: Opportunity

Multi-Stories 2025 Artist Call Out

Posted on March 13, 2025 by -

Westquay and Southampton Forward are looking for 4 local artists and illustrators to paint live during ‘Multi-Stories’ a street art jam event
on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th May 2025

Westquay is a prominent shopping centre in central Southampton with over 16 million visitors per year. It owns and operates the attached Multi-Storey carpark which, as part of a yearly joint event with Southampton Forward, levels 4, 5 and 6 are being brought to life with over 25 permanent street art murals from inspiring national and local graffiti artists. This will be the 3rd year of Multi-Stories, with murals previously painted on levels 7, 8, 9 and 10 (Yr 1)
and 1, 2 and 3 (Yr 2).

Over the weekend, a huge breadth of talent from the graffiti and street art scene will be creating new works on large scale walls and boards on levels 4 to 6. The space will be designed for the whole community in mind and curated to include a variety of artistic approaches. We want to show that Southampton is a destination for world-class street art
and to inspire local artistic talent.

This is a great opportunity to come and see new artworks being created and explore completed works. There will be activities for all ages to join in and learn some skills during the event with a variety of workshops in art, skateboarding, rollerskating, pus breaking dance battles and demos, a makers market, music and food trucks.

In addition to the permanent wall murals, we also have the opportunity to commission 6 local artists from any discipline from the SO postcode, to produce work on art frames located in the Car Park. This is an example of a frame to be re-purposed for Multi-Stories. Previous years artworks can also be found on the project insta: @so.multistories

The opportunity is aimed at students and emerging artists, this is reflected in the fee, but other artists are not excluded.

This is an opportunity for non-Street Artists to have a go at painting live. There are no designs required beforehand. The artist can paint for one day or plan their time for both days of the event. A fee of £240 (including materials) will be paid to shortlisted artists and is in line with both A-N and The Arts Union England.

The permanent art pieces will be produced on 6 x Art Frames (3M w x 1.5M h) located at West Quay Multi Story Car Park. Artists will draw/paint live onto the frames on 17 and/or 18 May. This year the theme of the event is “Connections” – this could be a literal translation (connecting the various levels of the carpark) or a higher goal of bringing together people and communities, showing how art encourages collaboration or humans living in harmony
with nature. Use your creativity to explore the theme from your unique perspective.

Applications are encouraged from under-represented groups including Disabled, Black Asian, Ethnically Diverse and LGTBQ+ Artists.

To register your interest as an individual artist or as a group of artists for more than one art frame, please email a short bio of you and your work and a selection of images of your style or a link to your work with the Subject Heading: WestQuay SO Art Frames to: multistories@paintshopstudio.com

Timings

  • Expression of interest submission: by 20th April 2025 (midnight)
  • Shortlisted artists to be informed & confirmed: 29th April 2025
  • Painting of mural: 17th and/or 18th May 2025

Conditions

Please note that whilst you retain ownership of your designs, photos and/or videos of the progress and/or finished artworks may be used within Marketing materials and social media to promote WestQuay, Southampton Forward, the project and project partners.

Further Information

  • If you want to have a chat about the opportunity, please phone Joe on 07894 939521
  • All materials used on site must be approved by Hammerson PLC
  • As we are a public facility, all artworks should not be of a religious or political nature or contain material which is abusive, offensive, or sexually explicit.
  • Artists must have their own public liability insurance.
  • The murals are expected to be on permanent display (approx 8-12 months). Artists must consider durability and lifespan of image.

Sponsored by:

Produced by:

City Partners:

Event Partners

Emerging Writers – Creative Writing Commission: Pub Cultures

Posted on January 30, 2025 by -

Creative Writing Brief 
Southampton Forward has a creative writing commission for emerging writers to bring the stories and heritage of Pubs across Southampton to life. Pub Cultures celebrates pubs and their heritage by linking up 9 pubs and their communities with 9 local artists that will result in bespoke works of art. We are collaborating with nine local pubs, each with unique stories and cultural roots, managed by publicans from diverse backgrounds. The final creative can be produced in any writing genre of your choice.   

Project Background 
Through Pub Cultures, we aim to highlight that pubs are not just businesses but vital gathering places at the heart of their communities. They serve as lifelines for social connection and mutual support—symbols of resilience, identity, and the diverse stories that shape local life. 

We are collecting oral histories with each of the publicans, landlords and landladies, capturing their personal stories and reflections on their pub’s place in the community. The oral histories will be shared with the selected writers to inspire and inform their work. 

The final creative writing piece will be part of a printed and digital resource that explores the project in more detail and maps the locations of all nine pubs in the series.  Along with the creative writing will be images of the pub and the creative work that is being created for each pub involved in the project. 

Brief Overview 
We are commissioning three emerging creative writers, each assigned three pubs, to create a bespoke poem for each venue —resulting in a total of three poems per writer. We want the pieces to reflect the cultural and community significance of the pub and draw on the oral histories provided, to highlight the historical, emotional and cultural impact of these pubs. This can be in any writing genre of your choice.  These final pieces will be shared with the individual pubs, be printed on posters, and be part of a digital exhibition for the project. 

Final writing commission requirements: 

  • Word Count:  Each of the nine individual pieces:  Please keep each the piece between 150 to 300 words (max). This is essential to ensure it fits on one side of a poster using accessible 12-point font. 
  • Tone and Style: All pieces should be warm, evocative and community-focused, capturing the spirit and diversity of Pub Culture as vibrant community story. 
  • Format: Submit as a Word document or PDF. 

Timeline/Key Dates 

Application deadline: Midnight on Wednesday 19th February 

Commissions awarded: Wednesday 26th February 

Oral histories supplied: No later than Friday 28th February 

Final pieces submitted by: Wednesday 12th March 

We are looking to give this opportunities to new or emerging writers to be involved in this project. 

Fees:   
£450 for each commissioned writer to produce 3 short pieces  

How to Apply 
If you are a new or emerging writer and are interested in applying, please send by midnight on 19th February.  

Please send your information in word or pdf format to: info@southamptonforward.org.uk 

  • A copy of your CV (no longer than 2 pages of A4),  
  • A brief outline of how you would approach the commission (no more than 500 words) 
  • A short portfolio sample of your writing (max 1 page) 

This is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the unsung role of local pubs and share their stories. We look forward to seeing how you will bring this project to life! 

Artist Commission: PUB CULTURES

Posted on November 15, 2024 by -

Artist Commission: PUB CULTURES

Artist Brief
Southampton Forward wishes to commission up to nine artists to collaborate on an exciting new project, PUB CULTURES, celebrating the role of pubs as important places for sharing culture, creativity, community, connectivity and conversation.

We want to hear from artists who are experienced in working collaboratively as part of their practice and are energised by the opportunity to explore this further in Southampton. We will pair each artist with a pub in Southampton and its community, providing a unique opportunity to co-create and develop ideas for a permanent art installation that reflects the pub’s stories and spirit.

Project Background
Pubs have long been at the heart of British culture – evolving into communal spaces that serve many social, cultural, community and economic functions. As community hubs, they provide a focal point where communities can thrive and come together. They form cultural landmarks providing a link in time as buildings and places of historical events.  Pubs have long been part of a vibrant live music scene and have played a significant part in the continuity of local folk traditions.  PUB CULTURES will explore the role of these spaces in our cultural history by creating bespoke art installations inspired by the unique identity of each pub and its patrons.

The artworks will be created through a collaborative process, but imagine a mosaic welcoming visitors at the entrance, a mural bringing the pub’s walls to life, pavement art inviting people inside, or a sculpture in the garden celebrating Thursday darts night. We would also be interested in approaches which consider digital, photography, film or performative elements that are documented in different ways. Each artwork designed and created with local people will resonate with their stories and become a unique tribute for years to come.

Brief Overview
We are looking for artists to:

  • Collaborate with one of nine diverse pubs across Southampton in creation of a new artwork
  • Host community workshops and conversations to uncover stories, themes, and ideas that inform the artwork.
  • Create a permanent artwork that is unique to each pub and its community.

Final commission requirements

  • Medium: Any medium suitable for public art, including but not limited to sculpture, painting, textiles, murals, lighting, illustration, photography, film, digital and performative elements that are captured as a physical output.
  • Co-curation: the process of creating an artwork must have a co-curated approach embedded from the beginning.
  • Engagement workshops: working with pubs and the wider community you will host workshops to ensure that local people can help shape the creative process.
  • Launch event: selected artists will be involved in a launch event in March 2025.

Timeline/Key Dates

  • Application deadline: 9am Monday 9 December 2024
  • Artists selected: Monday 16 December 2024
  • Community workshops: January 2025
  • Creation period: February 2025
  • Launch of artworks: March 2025

Fee
The artist fee is £1,000 (incl. VAT).

In addition to the fees, the following budget allocations are also available for each pub:

£300 artwork production costs and materials

£300 for workshop costs

How to Apply
If you’re interested in applying, you must be

  • An artist currently living or working in Southampton
  • An artist experienced in co-creation as part of your practice

Please send us:

  • A CV (no more than two pages) or list of projects you have recently completed that are relevant to this opportunity.  This should include your experience of living or working as an artist in Southampton. You could also record this as a video or audio file
  • Two examples of projects that you have delivered with communities (max 2 sides of A4 or video/audio file) clearing outlining:
    • The community you worked with
    • The approach to co-creation you took
    • What artwork was produced
    • What you learned from the experience
  • A brief outline of how you would approach this commission, including your interest in pubs in Southampton and your approach to co-creation (max. 500 words or video/audio file).
  • Images of your public art or place-based work or up to three weblinks of your work (max. one page).

Send your application in a Word, PDF or video/audio file to info@southamptonforward.org.uk by 9am Monday 9th December 2024.

This is an incredible opportunity to celebrate the role of pubs as cultural and creative landmarks, and we look forward to seeing how you will work with local communities to bring a new creative lens to these much loved spaces.

Creative Writing Commission: Corner Shop & Portal into Other Worlds

Posted on October 31, 2024 by -

Creative Writing Commission: The Corner Shop & Portals into Other Worlds

THIS OPPORTUNITY HAS NOW CLOSED

Creative Writing Brief

Southampton Forward is commissioning a creative writer to bring the stories of corner shops across Southampton to life. This project, The Corner Shop & Portals into Other Worlds, celebrates the essential role these small shops and their shopkeepers play in the heart of Southampton’s communities. We will be collaborating with seven local corner shops, each with unique stories and cultural roots, run by shopkeepers from diverse backgrounds.

Project Background

Corner shops are much more than convenience stores. They are cultural landmarks and community hubs, each one a portal to the traditions, foods, and stories of faraway places. Through Corner Shop & Portal into Other Worlds, we honour these spaces as more than businesses; they are at times gathering places, lifelines, and symbols of resilience and diversity.

With the help of Southampton Solent University students trained in oral history, we have documented interviews with shopkeepers, capturing their personal stories and reflections on their shop’s place in the community. This collected oral history will be shared with the selected writer to inspire and inform their work.

The final creative writing piece will be part of a printed and digital resource that explores the project in more detail and maps the locations of all seven shops in the series.  Along with the creative writing will be images of the shops, affirming messaging creatively designed for the shopfronts and photos of a fashion shoot project by students from Southampton Solent University and Winchester School of Art, which all celebrate the role of these spaces and their place in the social history of the UK.

By way of background research we also recommend looking at The Corner Shop by Babita Sharma.

Brief Overview

We are seeking a creative writer to produce a piece that:

  • Celebrates the cultural and community significance of corner shops in Southampton.
  • Centres the unique stories of the participating shops and their role in the community.
  • Draws on the oral histories provided to highlight the historical, emotional and cultural impact of these shops.

Final writing commission requirements:

  • Word Count: Please keep the piece between 200 to 300 words. This is essential to ensure it fits on one side of an A5 flyer using accessible 12-point font.
  • Tone and Style: The piece should be warm, evocative, and community-focused, capturing the spirit and diversity of corner shops as vibrant community anchors.
  • Format: Submit in a Word document or PDF.

Timeline/Key Dates

Oral history and other information supplied: Monday 11th November

First draft feedback session: Tuesday 19th November

Final piece submitted: Wednesday 27th November

Fee: £650

How to Apply

If you’re interested in applying, please send a copy of your CV (no longer than 2 pages of A4), a brief outline of how you would approach this commission (no more than 500 words) and a short portfolio sample of your writing (max 1 page) by midnight on Wednesday 6th November. Please send your information in word or pdf format to info@southamptonforward.org.uk

This is an opportunity to celebrate the unsung role of corner shops and share stories that connect us across cultures and generations. We look forward to seeing how you will bring this project to life!

Home Theatre – Directors Call Out

Posted on August 6, 2024 by -

Home Theatre – Directors Call Out  

Calling all Southampton based Theatre Directors and creatives to deliver a new collaborative community project “Home Theatre”. 

Southampton Forward is inviting directors, theatre-makers, and members of the public to shape a bold and exciting new project that will see the creation of bespoke new pieces of theatre sharing stories from our communities. Made in collaboration with artists and performed in homes across the city, the plays will celebrate the voices of our residents through their stories of what it means to be Sotonian from the many different perspectives of people living in Southampton.  

The performances will take place in the intimate settings of local homes across Southampton and filmed over the weekend of Saturday 26th October and Sunday 27th October 2024.  A screening of the film in early 2025 will invite audiences from around the world to see the work and be part of and online conversation about what it means to live in a global city that speaks over 160 languages with a rich maritime history.  

Apply to be a Director

To bring this project to life Southampton Forward is collaborating with Olivier Award-winning Theatre Director Kerry Kyriacos Michael. Kerry was Artistic Director at The Theatre Royal, Stratford East for 13 years, and led one of the most pioneering programmes of work in developing community-led collaborations both inside and outside of the venue.  

We are looking for Directors to help shape this project working with local residents who will hosting performances in their homes and the Theatre Makers bringing those stories to life. Working collaboratively to co-design the performances, theatre makers and residents will come together to make new work based on the diverse stories of people living in any of the 17 wards of the city and what it means to belong in Southampton. Rehearsing together and devising the performance, our local hosts will be encouraged to invite their own audience of friends and family to a final performance in their homes supported by our creative team of theatre makers, producers and film crew. 

We would love to hear from Directors who are interested in exploring a practice of collaboration and co-design and who are driven to work with local people bringing new perspectives to theatre and performance. You will be supported by a dramaturg/director and there will be stage management and production support. 

Home Theatre will create three networks: local people, theatre makers and filmmakers. The collaboration between these groups is anticipated to generate creative energy, new ideas and insights making this an important and immensely exciting project. 

We are looking for:  

ROLE Director 
LOCATION Southampton various locations 
FEE: 1 week rehearsal fee of £695 ITC and Equity rates + 2 days training workshop and evaluation @ £300 = £1,295 
STATUS: Freelance contract with Southampton Forward
REPORTING TO: Producer – Annie Sanger Davis 
CONTRACT DURATION:1 training day, 1 week rehearsal, 1 evaluation day

When will Home Theatre (Southampton) happen? 

  • Your contract will run from Monday 14th October 2024 on a freelance basis, and you would need to be available for the following dates.  
  • Monday 14th October – training workshop with Kerry Kyriacos Michael and the team. 
  • Tuesday 15th October – Oral Histories CPD training with Padmini Broomfield 10am – 4.30pm  
  • Meet local connectors  
  • Full-time rehearsals will take place in your own time and in scheduled hours at Solent University from Monday 21st October  
  • You would need to be available for all of this week from Monday 21st October – Sunday 27th October 2024  
  • Thursday 24th and Friday 25th October there will be dress rehearsal and sharing at MAST Studio 3 – 10am – 4pm. You must be available for both of these days.  
  • The performances will happen over the weekend of 26th/27th October 2024  
  • Screening date: Saturday 25th January at MAST  

Filming 

We will be filming the process of creating Home Theatre Southampton and the performances themselves.  

These will be recorded by one person with a small camera recruited from the University’s Film and Television degrees.   

These films will then be screened on our website to broadcast Home Theatre (Southampton) to the rest of the world! 

Alongside the filming of the performances, we will also be making a short documentary film to record some of the process of creating Home Theatre (Southampton)  

This will be shared at a screening event at MAST Theatre Southampton early in 2025.  

The process is being filmed but we can talk to you about it if you don’t want to be caught on camera.  

How can I get involved? 

We are looking for 3 directors, who will support artists/theatre-makers and be there as an outside eye to create a professional performance to take place in local homes over the weekend of 26th/27th October 2024 

What expectations are there of the Directors?  

  • You are there to support local theatre makers/artists to deliver a bespoke show for their allocated host families.    
  • You should be available for the initial training session with Kerry Kyriacos Michael and for week 2 of rehearsals – 21st – 27th October.  
  • You can also attend the Oral Histories training if this is useful for you – but this is optional.  
  • It will be up to your allocated artists to develop the work with their host families. 
  • You will be working with allocated actors and filmmakers as an outside eye and to help bring out clear narrative, objectives and storytelling.  
  • You will have more than one actor to work with – you will be overseeing up to 5 stories.  
  • You may wish to input into specific sections of the filming of Home Theatre (Southampton) or have an idea about particular moments the filmmakers may wish to capture. 

Required Dates: 

  • Monday 14th October 2024 Training workshop with Kerry Kyriacos Michael 1000 – 1600  
  • Tuesday 15th October 2024 Oral Histories Training with Padmini Broomfield 1000 – 1600  
  • Full-time rehearsals from Monday 21st October 2024 – Friday 25th October 2024  
  • Thursday and Friday 24th and 25th October – sharing and feedback at MAST  
  • The weekend of the 26th and 27th October 2024 for the performance.  Performance times are  
  • Saturday 26th October 3pm and 7pm  
  • Sunday 27th October 4pm  

How do I apply? 

Please complete the application form here by 28th August midnight. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept any applications received after this date.    

If you don’t have access to the internet, or you would rather apply in person or over the phone please call Annie on 07973 963688 and she will be happy to assist you with your application.  

Apply to be a Director

Home Theatre – Stage Manager Call Out

Posted on August 6, 2024 by -

Home Theatre – Stage Manager Call Out  

Calling all Southampton based Stage Managers to deliver a new collaborative community project “Home Theatre”. 

Southampton Forward is inviting artists, theatre-makers, and members of the public to shape a bold and exciting new project that will see the creation of bespoke new pieces of theatre sharing stories from our local communities. Made in collaboration with artists and performed in homes across the city, the plays will celebrate the voices of our residents through their stories of what it means to be Sotonian from the many different perspectives of people living in Southampton.  

The performances will take place in the intimate settings of local homes across Southampton and filmed over the weekend of Saturday 26th October and Sunday 27th October 2024.  A screening of the film in early 2025 will invite audiences from around the world to see the work and be part of an online conversation about what it means to live in a global city that speaks over 160 languages with a rich maritime history.  

Apply to be a Stage Manager

To bring this project to life Southampton Forward is collaborating with Olivier Award-winning Theatre Director Kerry Kyriacos Michael. Kerry was Artistic Director at The Theatre Royal, Stratford East for 13 years, and led one of the most pioneering programmes of work in developing community-led collaborations both inside and outside of the venue.  

We are looking for stage managers to help shape this project working with local residents who will hosting performances in their homes. Working collaboratively to co-design the performances, artists and residents will come together to make new work based on the diverse stories of people living in any of the 17 wards of the city and what it means to belong in Southampton. Rehearsing together and devising the performance, our local hosts will be encouraged to invite their own audience of friends and family to a final performance in their homes supported by our creative team of theatre makers, producers and film crew. 

We would love to hear from stage managers who are interested in exploring a practice of collaboration and codesign and who are driven to work with local people bringing new perspectives to theatre and performance. You will be supported by a dramaturg/director and there will be stage management and production support. 

Home Theatre will create three networks: local people, theatre makers and film makers. The collaboration between these groups is anticipated to generate creative energy, new ideas and insights making this an important and immensely exciting project.  

We are seeking 11 Stage Managers/Front of House staff to help support the artists/directors, hosts and filmmakers with the delivery of Home Theatre Southampton 

We are looking for:

ROLE:Stage Managers/Front of House Staff  
LOCATION:Southampton various locations 
FEE:8 hours paid work
STATUS:Apply through via link
REPORTING TO:Producer – Annie Sanger-Davies 
CONTRACT DURATION: 2 weeks – but you are paid for the weekend of 26th/27th October

When will Home Theatre (Southampton) happen? 

Home theatre is running from Monday 14th October 2024 to 27th October 2024, and you would need to be available for the following dates.  

Monday 14th October – training workshop with Kerry Kyriacos Michael and the team. 

Between Tuesday 15th October and Saturday 19th October – meet your allocated Artist and discuss requirements at a time that works for you both  

Full-time rehearsals will take place at Solent University from Monday 21st October  

You will not need to be available for all of this week, however you may wish to touch base with your artist on a couple of occasions to both learn from then and to find out if they have any specific requirements.  

Friday 25th October there will be dress rehearsal and sharing at MAST Studio 3 – 1000 – 1600 You should be available for this day.  

The performances will happen over the weekend of 26th/27th October 2024 (you will have an allocated performance slot – times to be confirmed)  

Screening date: Saturday 25th January at MAST (optional)  

Filming

We will be filming the process of creating Home Theatre Southampton and the performances themselves.  

These will be recorded by one person with a small camera recruited from the University’s Film and Television degrees.   

These films will then be screened on our website to broadcast Home Theatre (Southampton) to the rest of the world! 

Alongside the filming of the performances, we will also be making a short documentary film to record some of the process of creating Home Theatre (Southampton)  

This will be shared at a screening event at MAST Theatre Southampton early in 2025.  

The process is being filmed but we can talk to you about it if you don’t want to be caught in camera.  

How can I get involved? 

We are looking for 11 stage managers/front of house staff, who would like to support a professional performance and artist which will take place in a local home over the weekend of 26th/27th October 2024 

What expectations are there of the Stage Managers  

  • All we ask is that you are open and receptive to supporting the project, artist and host family.  
  • You may need to act as a runner for certain items and tasks. 
  • You may need to help with administrative tasks  
  • You will need to usher guests into the family home and be there to support host and artist.  

Performances 

Who else will be in the house during the performance? 

Along with yourself, the artist and camera person, there will be the host and their invited family and friends.  

Do you need access to more than one room? 

Yes, there is a possibility that you will need access to more than one room, which might be used for the artist to get changed in. The actual performance will take place in one room.  

Will you be using lights and other electronic equipment? 

No, none of the performances will use professional lighting or any other special electrical equipment. You may plug in a laptop or speaker to play music during the performance and if you wish to use anything else, it will be very minimal and won’t take up large amounts of space. 

Required Dates: 

  • Monday 14th October 2024 Training workshop with Kerry Kyriacos Michael 10am – 4pm  
  • Week beginning Monday 14th October arrange a time to meet your artist at a time that suits you both.  
  • You will need to touch base with your artist during this week to see if they need help finding props/costumes etc.  
  • Friday 25th October – sharing and dress rehearsal at MAST  
  • The weekend of the 26th and 27th October 2024 for the performance.  You will be doing one of the performance times which are  
  • Saturday 26th October 3pm and 7pm  
  • Sunday 27th October 4pm  

How will you benefit? 

  • Paid opportunity 
  • 8 hours of paid work – amazing on your CV  
  • Project induction with Kerry Kyriacos Michael  
  • Work alongside a local professional theatre maker/practitioner   
  • building network opportunities 
  • develop your professional profile  

Useful links:  

Home Theatre overview – Theatre Royal Stratford East  

Home Theatre Ireland documentary  

How do I apply? 

Please fill in the application form here by 28th August midnight. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept any applications received after this date. 

If you don’t have access to the internet, or would rather apply in person or over the phone please call Annie on 07973 963688.    

Apply to be a Stage Manager

Home Theatre – Theatre Makers Call Out 

Posted on August 6, 2024 by -

Home Theatre – Theatre Makers Call Out  

 Calling all Southampton-based Theatre makers and creatives to deliver a new collaborative community project “Home Theatre”. 

Southampton Forward is inviting artists, theatre-makers, and members of the public to shape a bold and exciting new project that will see the creation of bespoke new pieces of theatre sharing stories from our communities. Made in collaboration with artists and performed in homes across the city, the plays will celebrate the voices of our residents through their stories of what it means to be Sotonian from the many different perspectives of people living in Southampton.  

The performances will take place in the intimate settings of local homes across Southampton and filmed over the weekend of Saturday 26th October and Sunday 27th October 2024.  A screening of the film in early 2025 will invite audiences from around the world to see the work and be part of and online conversation about what it means to live in a global city that speaks over 160 languages with a rich maritime history.  

To bring this project to life Southampton Forward is collaborating with Olivier Award-winning Theatre Director Kerry Kyriacos Michael. Kerry was Artistic Director at The Theatre Royal, Stratford East for 13 years, and led one of the most pioneering programmes of work in developing community-led collaborations both inside and outside of the venue.  

We are looking for theatre makers to help shape this project working with local residents who will hosting performances in their homes. Working collaboratively to co-design the performances, artists and residents will come together to make new work based on the diverse stories of people living in any of the 17 wards of the city and what it means to belong in Southampton. Rehearsing together and devising the performance, our local hosts will be encouraged to invite their own audience of friends and family to a final performance in their homes supported by our creative team of theatre makers, producers and film crew. 

We would love to hear from theatre makers who are interested in exploring a practice of collaboration and codesign and who are driven to make work with local people bringing new perspectives to theatre and performance. You will be supported by a dramaturg/director and there will be stage management support. 

Home Theatre will create three networks: local people, theatre makers and filmmakers. The collaboration between these groups is anticipated to generate creative energy, new ideas and insights making this an important and immensely exciting project.  

We are looking for:  

ROLE:Theatre Makers 
LOCATION: Southampton various locations
FEE: 2 weeks fee of £573 ITC and Equity rates = £1,146  
STATUS:Freelance contract with Southampton Forward 
REPORTING TO:Producer – Annie Sanger Davis
CONTRACT DURATION: 2 weeks 

When will Home Theatre (Southampton) happen? 

Your contract will run from Monday 14th October 2024 on a freelance basis, and you would need to be available for the following dates.  

  • Wednesday 18th September Morning induction with Kerry Kyriacos Michael and afternoon Oral History Training  
  • Monday 14th October – training workshop with Kerry Kyriacos Michael and the team. 
  • Tuesday 15th October – Oral Histories CPD training with Padmini Broomfield 10am – 4.30pm  
  • Meet local connectors  
  • Between Tuesday 15th October and Saturday 19th October – meet your allocated host resident at a time to be arranged to suit you and them.   Earlier in the week is preferable as it gives you time to develop the work.  
  • You will be paid for 1 week R+D time and 1 week of rehearsal.  
  • Full-time rehearsals will take place in your own time and in scheduled hours at Solent University from Monday 21st October  
  • You would need to be available for all of this week from Monday 21st October – Sunday 27th October 2024  
  • Thursday 24th and Friday 25th October there will be dress rehearsal and sharing at MAST Studio 3 – 10am – 4pm. You must be available for both of these days.  
  • The performances will happen over the weekend of 26th/27th October 2024  
  • Screening date: Saturday 25th January at MAST  

Filming 

We will be filming the process of creating Home Theatre Southampton and the performances themselves.  

These will be recorded by one person with a small camera recruited from Solent University’s Film and Television degree courses.   

These films will then be screened on our website to broadcast Home Theatre – Southampton to the rest of the world! 

Alongside the filming of the performances, we will also be making a short documentary film to record some of the process of creating Home Theatre – Southampton.  

This will be shared at a screening event at MAST Theatre Southampton early in 2025.  

The process is being filmed but we can talk to you about it if you don’t want to be caught on camera.  

How can I get involved? 

We are looking for 11 Theatre-Makers who would like to create a professional performance to take place in a local home over the weekend of 26th/27th October 2024 

What are the expectations of this role? 

We expect that the Theatre Makers will enjoy the practice of co-creation with local communities and have had some experience working collaboratively. The outcome of the project is the process of coming together to make a bespoke show with your allocated host family and the story of that family must be authentic and sensitive to their lived experience. 

You will be available to meet your host at the beginning of the week of Monday 14th October (at a time convenient to you) so you have time to develop the work and get ideas prior to rehearsal.  

You will be working with an allocated director filmmaker as an outside eye but the theatre making will evolve between you and your local host.  

Required dates: 

  • Monday 14th October 2024 Training workshop with Kerry Kyriacos Michael 10am – 4pm  
  • Tuesday 15th October 2024 Oral Histories Training with Padmini Broomfield 10am – 4pm  
  • Week beginning Monday 14th October arrange a time to meet your host family and your filmmaker.  At a time that suits you both  
  • Full-time rehearsals from Monday 21st October 2024 – Friday 25th October 2024  
  • Thursday and Friday 24th and 25th October – sharing and feedback at MAST  
  • The weekend of the 26th and 27th October 2024 for the performance.  You will be doing one of the performance times which are  
  • Saturday 26th October 3pm and 7pm  
  • Sunday 27th October 4pm  

How do I apply? 

Please complete the application form here by 28th August midnight. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept any applications received after this date. 

If you don’t have access to the internet, or would rather apply in person or over the phone please call Annie on 07973 963688.  

Apply to be a Theatre Maker

Home Theatre – Filmmaker Call Out

Posted on August 6, 2024 by -

Home Theatre – Filmmaker Call Out  

Calling all Southampton-based filmmakers and creatives to deliver a new collaborative community project “Home Theatre”. 

Southampton Forward is inviting artists, theatre-makers, and members of the public to shape a bold and exciting new project that will see the creation of bespoke new pieces of theatre sharing stories from our communities. Made in collaboration with artists and performed in homes across the city, the plays will celebrate the voices of our residents through their stories of what it means to be Sotonian from the many different perspectives of people living in Southampton.  

The performances will take place in the intimate settings of local homes across Southampton and filmed over the weekend of Saturday 26th October and Sunday 27th October 2024.  A screening of the film in early 2025 will invite audiences from around the world to see the work and be part of and online conversation about what it means to live in a global city that speaks over 160 languages with a rich maritime history.  

Apply to be a Filmmaker

We are looking for filmmakers to film this project working with local residents who will hosting performances in their homes. Working collaboratively to co-design the performances, artists and residents will come together to make new work based on the diverse stories of people living in any of the 17 wards of the city and what it means to belong in Southampton. Rehearsing together and devising the performance, our local hosts will be encouraged to invite their own audience of friends and family to a final performance in their homes supported by our creative team of theatre makers, producers and film crew. 

To bring this project to life Southampton Forward is collaborating with Olivier Award-winning Theatre Director Kerry Kyriacos Michael. Kerry was Artistic Director at The Theatre Royal, Stratford East for 13 years, and led one of the most pioneering programmes of work in developing community-led collaborations both inside and outside of the venue.  

We are keen to hear from filmmakers with an interest in exploring a practice of collaboration and codesign and who are driven to make work with local people bringing new perspectives to theatre and performance. You will be supported by a dramaturg/director and there will be stage management and production support. 

Home Theatre will create three networks: local people, theatre makers and filmmakers. The collaboration between these groups is anticipated to generate creative energy, new ideas and insights making this an important and immensely exciting project.  

What does the film look like? 

A documentary that records the process of making Home Theatre – Southampton  

This should be contemporary and engaging with the aim of entering film festivals and used as a tool for creatives making further work.  It could include exciting graphics/animation and we would like it to be an interesting creative piece.  

What do we require the filmmakers to do? 

We would need you to film the process of the project.  Work closely with the artist to visit the host and record the performance.  

  • Film process 
  • Film performances 

We also require editors – this could be you or somebody to help you edit the work together to make an exciting, contemporary documentary.   

What we would like filmed:  

  • As much as possible  
  • Artists/Directors will be working at Solent for the week leading up to the event  
  • There is also a training event/workshop on October 14th  

How will you benefit? 

  • Paid opportunity
  • 23 hours of paid work – amazing on your CV  
  • Project induction with Kerry Kyriacos Michael  
  • Work alongside City Eye consultancy  
  • Work alongside key practitioners from the city – building network  
  • You-tube/website exposure will develop your professional profile  

When do I need to be available? 

  • Monday 14th October 2024 for workshop and planning with artist  
  • Week of 21st October – a couple of days rehearsals
  • Weekend of 26th/27th October to film the performances.  

You may also be required to go with the artist during the week of 21st October – 25th October to the host home to see the space and practice camera angles etc for the filmed performance.  

Useful links:  

Home Theatre overview – Theatre Royal Stratford East

 

Home Theatre Ireland Documentary

  

How do I apply? 

Please fill out the application form here by 28th August midnight. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept any applications received after this date. 

If you don’t have access to the internet, or would rather apply in person or over the phone please call Annie on 07973 963688.  

Apply to be a Filmmaker

Home Theatre – Community Hosts and Storytellers

Posted on August 6, 2024 by -

Home Theatre – Community Hosts and Storytellers 

Southampton Forward has an exciting project starting this autumn that connects local directors and actors with the stories of people in Southampton, culminating in theatre pieces performed in homes around the city.

We want to find people who are happy to host a performance about them in their home – that can be a big house, small house, houseboat or tent – we don’t mind, all we ask is that you are up for having a theatre maker get to know you and what is important to you as someone who lives in Southampton. They will make a 20-minute show that you can then invite your family and friends to watch in your house. This is all completely free. 

We are looking for a total of 11 community hosts to volunteer to share their story and host a performance.

Sign up to be a Community Host

What is Home Theatre Southampton?  

Home Theatre Southampton is an exciting, new festival of theatre where we will get an actor to create a unique show for you in your own home.  

Your show will be based on your personal stories, experiences, likes and dislikes! 

As the host, you will be in charge of inviting your family and friends to the performance.  

You will be one of 11 different homes chosen from across the city. 

When will Home Theatre (Southampton) happen? 

The performances will happen over the weekend of 26th/27th October 2024  

  • 3 Performances at 3pm on Saturday 26th October  
  • 3 Performances at 7pm on Saturday 26th October  
  • 3 Performances at 4pm on Sunday 27th October  

Filming 

Your show will also be recorded by one person with a small camera.  

Alongside the filming of the performances, we will also be making a short documentary film to record some of the process of creating Home Theatre (Southampton)  

All this will be shared at a screening event at MAST Theatre Southampton early in 2025.  

If this concerns you in any way we can talk about how you are or are not caught on camera.  

FAQ’s for Community Hosts

What expectations are there of me as the host? 

All we ask is that you are open and receptive to the idea of having a show made for you.   

You should also be available to meet the actor at the beginning of the week of Monday 14th October (at a time convenient to you) so the actor can find out more about your stories and experiences which will help them develop their show for you. 

Will it cost me anything? 

No – it is completely free for you but we would like you to provide refreshments for your invited audience after the show. During this time, we’d like to start a discussion and hear your thoughts about the performance! 

How can I get involved? 

We are looking for 11 hosts, from all different backgrounds, who would like to volunteer to have a professional performance take place in their home over the weekend of 26th/27th October 2024. 

What happens on the day of my performance? 

Will the actor need to rehearse in my home before Saturday 26th October 2024? 

The actor will need access to your home at some point before the show so they can practise the performance. There is also a chance that the actor may want to visit your home earlier on during the week, so they can get a feel of your home! They will arrange a time which is convenient for you. 

When will the camera person need access to my home? 

The camera person will need to come with the actor so that they practise their camera angles and on the performance day, Saturday 26th October 2024.  

Who else will be in my house during the performance? 

Along with the actor and camera person, there will also be one front of house person from Solent University there to help everyone. 

Do you need access to more than one room? 

Yes, there is a possibility that the actor will need access to more than one room, which they will use to get changed in. The actual performance will take place in one room. If there are certain rooms that you do not want to use, then this is absolutely fine! 

Does it matter what type of property my home is? 

No, not at all. We are looking for a variety of properties, as we want to reflect what ‘home’ means to different people across Southampton. It doesn’t matter how big or small your home is. 

Do I need to apply for permission from the council or any other local organisations for Home Theatre (Southampton) to take place in my home? 

No. Home Theatre (Southampton) will be a private event for you, your friends and family, so you don’t need permission from the council or any other organisations. All we ask is that you have permission from anyone else that lives in your home for the performance and filming to take place! 

Will you be using lights and other electronic equipment? 

No, none of the performances will use professional lighting or any other special electrical equipment. We may plug in a laptop or speaker to play music during the performance and if we have to use anything else, it will be very minimal and won’t take up large amounts of space. 

Will I be able to say what kind of show I want performed? 

When the actor meets you on the Monday or Tuesday, they will spend some time with you so they can find out more about your interests and personal stories. For example, your show could be about the happiest period of your life so far, something which you feel very passionate about or the first time you fell in love! This will then help the actor create the show. So, yes, you will have some input into the show! 

Will people have to pay to watch the performance? 

No, this will be a completely free performance for your friends and family! You will be in charge of inviting the audience. 

APPLYING 

How do I apply? 

Please fill in the form here by 28th August midnight. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept any applications received after this date. 

If you don’t have access to the internet, or would rather apply in person or over the phone please call Annie on 07973 963688. 

SUMMARY OF DATES WE NEED YOU TO BE AVAILABLE FOR: 

  • Week beginning 14th October 2024 to meet your actor (day and time to suit you and your actor) 
  • The actor and film-maker will need to access your home the week before the performance to practise – again this will be at a time that suits you.  This is the week of 21st October 2024  
  • The weekend of the 26th and 27th October 2024 for the performance.  

Sign up to be a Community Host

Call out for Southampton-based Theatre producers, directors, writers, practitioners and storytellers.

Posted on February 29, 2024 by -

We are pleased to announce an exciting workshop opportunity with Kerry Kyriacos Michael, run in conjunction with Southampton Forward and MAST Mayflower Studios

Who is it for?

We are looking for local theatre producers, directors, writers, practitioners and storytellers to take part in a two-day workshop delivered by Olivier Award-winning Theatre Director Kerry Kyriacos Michael.

What is it about?

Kerry was Artistic Director at The Theatre Royal, Stratford East for 13 years, which has had one of the most pioneering programmes of work in developing audiences within the community. The workshop will focus on community engagement, co-creation, Verbatim theatre, and audience reach to explore Kerry Kyriacos Michael’s model of Home Theatre, which has run in South Africa, Brazil, Ireland and London.

The workshop will be an invaluable professional development experience for any artists or practitioners who already work with, or aspire to work on, community projects, co-creation and developing audiences as part of their working ethos.  The work is aimed at local theatre practitioners who are keen to learn more and share knowledge about working collaboratively with communities.

How much will it cost?

The 2-day workshop is free for all, with light lunch, tea and coffee provided.

Workshop dates:Saturday 27th (10am – 6pm) &
Sunday 28th April (10am – 4pm)
Location:MAST Studio 2, Mast Mayflower Studios
142, 144 Above Bar St, Southampton, SO14 7DU
Saturday 27thEthics and values, what makes a story? Sharing practices, sharing stories
Sunday 28thMethodology and verbatim theatre
Deadline for submissions:By 23:59 on Wednesday 20th March

Expression of Interest form/video or voice note:

Please spend a few minutes to either fill in this form or alternatively you can send a video or voice recording with your answers by We Transfer to info@sfbranding.local

Submit expression of interest

What happens next?

We will let you know if you have a space on the workshop by Thursday 28th March. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact Annie Sanger-Davies by email: anniesd@sfbranding.local

For any more information, help or guidance on applying get in touch and we will be happy to help.