Polka Theatre has announced the six artists and companies chosen for Catapult, its artist development programme supporting creatives who have been historically underrepresented in Theatre for Young Audiences.
Now in its second year, Catapult provides funding, mentoring and industry opportunities for artists working on ideas for audiences aged 0 to 12. The programme prioritises Global Majority artists, disabled artists, LGBTQ+ artists and those from lower socio economic backgrounds.
The programme is divided into two strands: First Steps and Next Steps. First Steps supports brand new ideas for shows aimed at 0 to 6 year olds.
The First Steps artists are Arlo Wilson, who will develop They’re A Pirate!; Little but Fierce, who will create Roy and Silo the Penguins; Inna Cebotari, who will develop Little Lids, Big Wonders; and Kassna, who will create Mira and the Whispering Roots.
Next Steps supports artists further along in the process as they prepare to move projects into production. This year’s participants are Jeanzia Guan, Izzia Jiang and Yunshu Jiang, who will develop Heimer, and Layla Madanat with Roann Hassani McCloskey, who will develop Home.
Polka’s Artistic Director Helen Matravers said:
“We are so excited to embark on a year with these six brilliant artists and collectives. Every story going into development offers a truly unique idea, told through such a diverse range of storytelling skillsets: from puppetry to new writing, baby sensory play to clowning and movement led work. These First Steps ideas are in such promising, limitless infancy, it will be a fascinating journey to see them develop into stage plays, or perhaps venture into creative worlds as yet unknown to both Polka and the artist. And for the Next Steps artists, we are hoping to plug a gap that exists between initial R&D exploration, into solid ideas and further development, to provide the possibility for future programming. It feels more important than ever that we provide space and support for artists to explore and innovate without pressures, and that’s exactly why this programme exists. Polka is building on our reputation as a home for artists to create, inspire and learn from children, and by nurturing amazing networks of artists with a passion for TYA to support each other. I hope through training, space, mentoring and seed funding, we are able to give long term possibility to both artists and projects through this vital programme.”
Over the next year, the Catapult programme will support the selected artists with seed funding, training, rehearsal space, connections to schools and programmers, and an industry showcase at Polka’s Big Dreams Early Years Festival.
Listings and ticket information can be found here
