Artist development
Find out about our PROPEL Artist Development Programme and how you can get involved
Our approach
At the heart of Mayflower’s creative approach is our commitment to supporting the work of local artists and those with a strong connection to Southampton and the surrounding area.
We define this area as east to west, Bournemouth to Portsmouth, and from north to south, Basingstoke to the Isle of Wight.
We aim to support artists at all stages of their development and particularly want to hear from artists who are currently underrepresented in our industry.
We are dedicated to supporting artists develop both their work and themselves. We offer opportunities to meet with our team and receive advice and guidance on any ideas or projects you may have.
If you’d like to discuss any of our opportunities or about an idea or project, please contact artistdevelopment@mayflower.org.uk
PROPEL associates
The PROPEL associate artist programme is designed to help artists with developing and creating both new work and their practice.
This opportunity may be of interest to early career stage artists, but we welcome applications from artists at all stages of their career. Successful applicants will become PROPEL associates for 20 months and will have access to rehearsal space, mentoring sessions and opportunities to present work. We define artists as individuals or companies that create work for live performance.
As part of the programme, Mayflower will offer:
- Rehearsal space to develop work at key points in the year
- Practical support for production development
- Professional and creative mentoring sessions with Mayflower staff
- Opportunities to share work with invited audiences and receive feedback
- Marketing support and guidance
- A seed commission to help develop work and/or practice
- The opportunity to collaborate with other PROPEL associate artists
- End of residency performance as part of our Shout Season
What PROPEL associate artists are required to do:
- Deliver two workshops to Mayflower Youth Theatre, Mayflower Young Company or as part of Mayflower’s community events
- Deliver one session for the PROPEL Artist Network
- Attend Artist Network meetings and events
- Present work as part of our Shout Season
- Assist Mayflower Studios in developing audiences for Studio 2
- Document the development of work, engagement with Mayflower and overall development as artists
Artist residencies
Our artist residencies support artists creating performance based work including (but not limited to) theatre, dance, circus, music, comedy and spoken word.
Artist residencies are tailored to the needs of each artist/project and may include:
- Space for research and development of new ideas
- Opportunities to scratch work in progress
- Mentoring – including dramaturgical or producing advice, advice on community engagement and fundraising.
- Seed funding of between £250 and £1000
Artist residency date and application details will be updated here.
Workshops
Throughout the year we offer workshops and masterclasses, for local artists, designed to help develop your knowledge and skill-set. Our workshop programme sees artists work alongside some of the industry’s most exciting practitioners and companies.
Join the PROPEL Artist Network
If you are an artist aged 18 or over and creating performance-based work, you can sign up to become an Artist Network member.
Signing up is free and members benefit from the following:
- Invitations to free networking and professional development events
- Regular updates via email about professional opportunities and events in and around Southampton
- Discount for selected artist workshops
- Discount at the café and bar at Mayflower Studios
- Discounted tickets for selected shows
Join the WOVEN Network
Tangle and Mayflower Studios are partnering to deliver WOVEN, a safe space for African, Caribbean and Global Majority live performance artists living in Southampton and the surrounding areas to meet and connect regularly as an artist-led community.
Signing up is free
The WOVEN network offers opportunities for training and learning at Mayflower Studios, social events, allyship, and a space to share projects and working practices. Our hope is to build a community where members with diverse skillsets can connect, form working relationships and support each other.
This is a newly formed group. Whilst theatre is our passion, we welcome African, Caribbean and Global Majority creatives working in any live performance artform to join us in sharing and embarking on this journey together.
Book your ticket for our artist development events
More events coming, please check back soon.
PROPEL: Script in Hand
In collaboration with The Stage Door, PROPEL: Script in Hand is an opportunity for local writers to have their writing explored in two phases.
Writers submit a new script for consideration and, if selected, will take part in a two-part development programme. Part one will see writers work with a director and actors to explore sections of the script, before performing to an audience and receiving feedback.
For phase two, the writer will work with The Stage Door, receiving free rehearsal space and the chance to show the whole play during a work in progress evening.
Writers will receive:
- Advice and guidance on their script
- Two days of exploration with a director and actors during part one
- Technical support
- Performance photos
- An opportunity to develop the work further with The Stage Door
- A financial contribution from The Stage Door during Part 2 of development
- Audience feedback during part one and two
PROPEL: Scratch Night
We host regular PROPEL: Scratch Nights, where artists can showcase work that is in development and meet, share and discuss with their peers. Our scratch nights are a great chance for audiences to be part of the creative process, giving their input on shows early on in development.
Scratch night artists benefit from:
- Technical support
- Rehearsal time during the day
- Professional performance photos
- Audience feedback
- Support and guidance on next steps
Details of our next event will be added here, as they become available
Applications to perform at our next Scratch Night aren’t open yet, get notified when applications open by joining our Artist Network
Mayflower Young Company
Our year-long theatre and performance programme is for people aged 18-30, who are interested in performing, acting and creating theatre. Mayflower Young Company focuses on performance and ensemble skills, generating new ideas, developing theatre knowledge, and receiving masterclasses and workshops from local and national artists. Company members also undertake rehearsals for and create a yearly production.
Mayflower Young Company meet regularly on Tuesday evenings 7.00pm – 9.00pm.
Details of our available term will be added here, as they become available.
Writing for Page and Stage
Writing for Page and Stage is an online, relaxed, interactive writing group for anyone aged 18+ who is interested in creative writing – no past experience necessary! Together, the group will explore writing across forms and genres, including poetry, short fiction, playscripts, and more, working on individual and collaborative writing pieces, through a wide range of prompts, challenges, guided writing activities and games.
These sessions are free but we are looking for commitment. All workshops are suitable for beginners and advanced writers.
Details of our available term will be added here, as they become available.