SEEDS Applications Open
We are delighted to announce a new SEEDS programme!
In 2001, Rough Magic launched SEEDS as a pioneering initiative bridging third-level training and professional practice. To date it has supported 58 emerging theatre artists, with the vast majority of these going on to establish themselves as theatre professionals.
Collaboration is the essential element of theatre making, and theatre companies are a clear embodiment of this. There is currently a lack of support for early-career theatre collectives, and Rough Magic is setting out to respond to this gap in provision.
The programme has evolved over time in response to the needs of the sector, and this year Rough Magic will be evolving SEEDS once more to support emerging theatre collectives. This new version will be piloted throughout 2025 – 2026.
Who can apply?
– Early-career theatre companies/collectives
– Collaborators who have made work together and are interested in forming a company
(N.B. You don’t need to be a formal company to apply for SEEDS, but applicants do need to have a clear history of collaboration)
What are we looking for?
– A collective/ensemble/company/group that ideally includes artists in a variety of roles (i.e. director, producer, designers, actors, writers, production manager) although not every group will comprise all these roles
– A shared commitment to making work together
– A clarity about the kind of work you want to make, and who this work will speak to
– Curiosity about the Irish theatre sector
– Vision and ambition
What we can offer
– Access to our Dublin City Centre office space and administrative facilities throughout the programme
– The opportunity to develop a new project, including a week-long slot later this year in Project Arts Centre for workshopping and (if applicable) presenting a work-in-progress showing
– Guidance from Rough Magic in planning an achievable production roadmap for their work
– Additional group events including theatre visits, masterclasses, workshop opportunities – structured around the needs of the successful group
– Mentoring from the Rough Magic team in all areas of artistic, strategic and financial planning
Application Procedure
– Please fill in the application form at this link
– Closing Date for applications is 5pm, Friday 7 March 2025. Applications received after that time will not be considered.
– Shortlisted applicants will be invited for interview the week of 7 April 2025.
– The programme will run from May 2025 to November 2026.
