First Steps, for brand-new sparks of inspiration for audiences aged 0-6 years.
For Artists who have woken up in the night with a brilliant, risky, exciting idea and aren’t sure how to take it to the next stage. Something that hasn’t been drafted, performed or rehearsed before.
First Steps is open to artists currently underrepresented in the sector. This includes those marginalised due to ethnicity, disability status, gender identity, sexuality, age and socio-economic status.
Can be for any audience aged 0-6 years.
Applications have now closed for 2026 artists and will re-open in Autumn 2027.
What we offer
- 2 Days of rehearsal and play space (to be decided by availability of the Polka spaces and the availability of the company).
- Financial support of £1,200 to contribute towards creative fees and materials.
- Mentoring from Polka Artistic Director, Executive Director, Senior Producer and core Polka team over the course of 12 months.
- Two industry training days bespoke to the TYA sector, but also around ACE application writing, marketing, working with communities and schools.
- Research and development opportunities can be arranged with children from schools, nurseries or community settings.
- Scratch performance sharing opportunity at Polka’s Big Dreams Festival 2026, with invited industry audience and technical support.
- Tickets to Polka’s Adventure Theatre, or Y C Chan Theatre Early Years productions.
First Steps applicant criteria
- Applicants should clearly show how they fit into the need to address underrepresentation in the TYA sector, as detailed above.
- Applicants may not have made children’s theatre before, but have a demonstrable interest in, and commitment to creating children’s theatre.
- All applications should demonstrate how they will include the voices of children as part of the creative process.
- Work that is completely unique, and not a book, TV, film adaptation. Can be for any age between 0-6yrs
- Artists from any discipline, with a really exciting idea!