See It First New Work Callout 2026

The Belgrade Theatre is thrilled to open applications for Midlands-based creatives to perform new work as part of See It First 2026, an exciting programme of new work, workshops, and conversations between artists and audiences.

We are pleased to bring back this opportunity after 2025’s successful launch of The Jag, where we showcased six sold-out performances of new work.

What We’re Offering

· Two back-to-back evening performance slots in our underground Jag space,

· A paid opportunity to preview work ahead of touring or other performance opportunities in one of the Midlands’ top producing theatres,

· A chance to be part of See It First, a programme of new work, workshops and conversations between artists and audiences,

· The opportunity to take pictures and video of work,

· The opportunity to test work in front of an audience. We will also support with gathering feedback if needed.

Practical Information

Space: The Jag Basement (see images below)

Dates: Two performances on one of the following days: Wed 22, Thu 23, Fri 24 and Sat 25 Jul 2026

Fee: £500-£1000, depending on the stage of development the work is currently at (find further details in information sheet below)

What We’re Looking For

· Work made by Midlands-based creatives, ideally with a connection to Coventry and the local area,

· New productions (i.e. never been seen in a full production by a public audience),

· Shows that are ready to meet a public audience, at any stage of their development.

We expect creatives applying to:

· Have already secured funding or be in the process of acquiring funding to support the development of the production,

· Have already assembled or be able to independently assemble a creative team, cast actors, and hold rehearsals,

· Provide us with copy and images for on sale,

· Be going on to further opportunities (e.g. festival or tour) or planning for this in the future.

Further Information

For further information, please:

· Download the detailed document at the bottom of this page.

· Join our information session on Zoom, taking place on Wed 25 Mar at 5pm. Please contact us ahead of the session with any access requirements.

· Alternatively, join our monthly Artist Network Zoom catch-up, taking place on Fri 27 Mar at 1pm. Join by signing up to our Artist Network here.

· Download and preview the application form questions at the bottom of this page.

· Email communityadmin@belgrade.co.uk with any other questions.

How to Apply

You can apply in any of the following ways:

1. Complete the online form here.

For longer responses, there is the option to upload a video or audio response rather than written text. You will also have the opportunity to upload supporting files like a script or video.

2. Email your application to communityadmin@belgrade.co.uk.

Please use subject line: “SEE IT FIRST OPEN SLOT APPLICATION”. Please feel free to attach Word documents, audio or video files. Please make sure you answer the questions from the downloadable document below.

3. For any alternative formats, please email communityadmin@belgrade.co.uk. We can schedule a phone call if needed, and a member of staff can record your application responses.

The deadline for applications is 12 noon, Mon 6 Apr.

We will aim to offer artists a slot by Mon 13 Apr.