We are delighted to extend a call out to Artists for our seventh annual Activate Residency Programme at Backstage Theatre in 2026.

Our 2026 Activate Programme offers bursaries and short term residencies at Backstage Theatre to Artists across three strands, and includes an exciting new professional development programme for resident artists led by Rough Magic Theatre Co.

|SUCCESSFUL APPLICIANTS WILL RECEIVE:

• A bursary of up to €5,000 to support the development of work.
• Access to our studio space for one week.
• Accommodation for the lead and guest artists, arranged and financed by the theatre up to a maximum cost of €1,200.
• Technical and admin support and artist mentorship.

The successful Artists under Strand 1 will be eligible to attend a 2 day artist professional development initiative led by Rough Magic Theatre Co in Summer 2026 (date tbc). This intensive training programme will provide a valuable opportunity for resident artists to meet each other and share their experience and learning, while engaging with leading theatre-makers including producers, directors, designers and actors.

This initiative will take place in Backstage Theatre and accommodation will be provided locally for the participating artists.

The successful YPCE artist will receive a consultancy session with the team at Branar Meitheal, which is a creative supports programme committed to the development, creation & presentation of high-quality performing arts for young audiences across Ireland and internationally.

Please note that the Activate programme is a residency opportunity, and as such priority will be given to submissions that demonstrate how access to space at Backstage will benefit the proposal e.g. time spent in collaboration with a creative team or performers to workshop a piece in development.

Activate is kindly supported by Arts Council Ireland, Creative Ireland and Longford County Council.