Thank you for your interest in Polka’s Catapult Programme.
Please find below some commonly asked questions about Catapult. Anything not covered? Email producing@polkatheatre.com and we’ll try and help!
-
What is the difference between First Steps and Next Steps? First Steps: For brand new ideas for audiences of 0-6 years
Next Steps: For taking that first draft or second R&D to the next stage for audiences of 0-12 years
Both strands offer mentoring, training, free rehearsal space, scratch performance opportunities and tickets to Polka productions. View more on each strand’s page.
-
When is the deadline? Applications will close on 15 December 2025.
-
How do I apply? You can apply by filling out the form below.
Want to read the questions before filling out your application? Download a copy here.
-
I don’t live in London, can I still apply? Yes, we would love to hear from artists outside of London, and have a small pot of travel funding to support with. Unfortunately we cannot support international artists with this.
-
Do I already have to have contacts with childrens/children’s organisations to demonstrate how I’ll include them in the making of the work? No. We can support projects with our schools and nursery contacts throughout development. We are just interested in HOW you would work with them.
-
Can I pay myself with the seed funding money? The money is yours to allocate to the project and the development of the show in the most effective way and which will achieve the best results. We want you to demonstrate a rough idea of how it will be spent on your proposal, but if selected we can work with you to support budgeting.
-
What happens on the training days and what subjects do they cover? We will ask all the selected artists what they hope to get out of the year on the programme. From this we will tailor training to best suit the needs of the whole cohort. This could be devising, writing, touring, marketing, producing, fundraising, co-creation etc…There are two training days across the year, both include approx. 3-4 separate sessions.
-
Is there a chance to showcase the work on the programme? Yes, at our Big Dreams Festival we offer the chance to share the work you have been creating. This isn’t obligatory, but is a great opportunity to pitch or share to programmers, venues, directors and producers from all over the UK. It can be performance, pitch or any kind of presentation you like.
-
I have a First Steps idea, but it’s for 6-12 year olds, can I apply? No, the First Steps strand is just for 0-6 years.
-
Does my show have to be for the whole age range 0-6 or 0-12 No, the show you make can be for any range of ages within those brackets. E.g could solely be a baby show for 0-18 months, or could be a pre-teen adventure for 11 & 12 year olds.
-
I’d love to make a show from a book or TV show, is that possible? No, the programme is only open to brand new ideas.
-
Will we get to meet the other artists on the Catapult programme? Yes! At the training days, at Big Dreams – but also you’re welcome to see all Polka made shows at Polka, and our dream is to create a wonderful network of exciting artists who inspire each other.
-
I’ve never made Early Years work before, is that ok? Yes, there are no restrictions on who can apply in terms of experience, or creative discipline. We’d love to hear from makers, writers, designers, puppeteers, singers, musicians et all at any stage of your career!
-
Can you cover access costs for artists on the programme? Access is at the heart of everything Polka does, please include your access needs as part of the application and we will work with all individuals to make sure they can take part.
-
Can I read the questions before I start the application? Yes! Download the PDF below.
-
Can I read more about the previous Catapult Artists? Read all about the 2024 Catapult Artists below.