For Artists who may have a first draft, or could have already workshopped some of their idea, ready for the next steps in getting it to its feet and in front of programmers and producers.
Applications have now closed for 2026 artists and will re-open in Autumn 2027.
Meet our 2026 Next Steps artists here.
Our Next Steps Catapult alumni include: Kiota and Ruby Kitching.
What We Offer
- 1 week of rehearsal space over the year (to be decided by availability of the Polka spaces and the availability of the company).
- Financial support of £2,500 to contribute towards creative fees and materials.
- Mentoring from Polka’s 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.
- Feedback and input from Polka’s Young Voices Panel or school partners, depending on the age appropriateness for sharing.
- 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, with invited industry audience and technical support.
- Tickets to Polka Theatre productions.
Next Steps Application Criteria
- Applicants must have a demonstrable interest in, and commitment to creating children’s theatre, but don’t have to had made children’s theatre before.
- All projects must be developing work that is completely unique, and not a book, TV, film adaptation.
- 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.
- All project must be for any age between 0-12yrs.
- Artists from any discipline can apply.
Find out more
Learn more about our other strand of Artist Development on the Catapult programme, First Steps
