Applications Now Open for Seven Dials Playhouse Artist Development Programmes: First Steps and Next Step

Seven Dials Playhouse is delighted to announce that applications are now open for First Steps and Next Step — two artist development programmes designed to provide theatre-makers with the time, space, and financial support to create new work. Applications are open from 3–27 November 2025.

Launched earlier this year, both initiatives offer funded rehearsal space and paid development time at Equity minimum rates, supporting artists to experiment, refine ideas, and move forward at any stage in their creative journey. Together, First Steps and Next Step form part of Seven Dials Playhouse’s ongoing commitment to nurturing bold ideas, supporting sustainable creative careers, and breaking down barriers to artistic development.

The first round of 2025 participants showcased an exciting mix of projects, including Defenestration, For the Love of Jollibee, Transit, Into the Blue, There’s a Mouse in the Kitchen, and Run to the Nuns — spanning gig theatre, puppetry, psychological drama, and queer musical comedy.

“It felt like the initiative was tailor-made for where my piece was in its life cycle,” said Cal-I Jonel, writer of There’s a Mouse in the Kitchen and Next Step artist. “It gave my work the energy it needed for the next phase. I’m now a few steps closer to seeing it on stage and continuing my journey as a theatre-maker.”

Taylor Ayling, co-director of Defenestration and First Steps participant, added: “First Steps gave us permission to fail forward. The space and time allowed the work to breathe — and in doing so, allowed us to grow.”

Katie Pesskin, Creative Director of Seven Dials Playhouse, said:

“The response to our first round has been incredible. We’ve seen artists use this opportunity to unlock new layers of their creative practice — often in ways that are brave and deeply personal. First Steps and Next Step are about more than individual projects; they’re about building a culture wh

ere risk-taking and experimentation are valued and supported. We want artistic development to be sustainable, inclusive, and truly championed. We can’t wait to see what ideas come through in this next round.”

Applications are open 3–27 November 2025.
Full details and how to apply: www.sevendialsplayhouse.co.uk/artists