CapTheatres Associate Artist Scheme
CapTheatres launches new initiative and call-out for creatives
Capital Theatre has launched a new Associate Artists scheme, to support two for mid-career Scottish theatre makers creating work for people living with dementia or children with complex or additional support.
Capital Theatres say that this inaugural Associate Artist Scheme aims to provide vital professional development opportunities for mid-career theatremakers, alongside developing brand new work for audiences frequently underserved by mainstream theatre. The placements will run for 18 months.
Previous Associate Artists composite. Above: Brrr Pic: Brian Hartley; Scratch Night. Pic: Andrew Perry. Below: The Gift. Pic: Andrew Perry; Jackin the Box. Pic: Greg Macvean.
The producer is seeking two Associate Artists for placements that will run over 18 months between October 2026 and March 2028.
- One artist to develop work for people living with dementia
- One artist to develop work for children with complex or additional support needs
Captheatres say: “We will work with you to agree a bespoke programme of activity that reflects your needs, interests and availability across the period so you are able to continue working on other creative projects and/or manage your own access needs or caring responsibilities during this time.”
Each Associate Artist will receive a bespoke package of support including:
- £10,000 to support the Associate Artist engagement with the project, with £5,000 ringfenced for time and professional development activities over the 18-month period and £5,000 towards the creative project
- Ongoing mentoring and professional development support from across the Capital Theatres team
- Mentoring and outside eye consultation from leading artists working in their chosen field
- Facilitated opportunities to gain practical experience with the chosen audience
- A five-day residency in the Studio Theatre to consolidate learning through research and development of a new creative project for the chosen audience.
Claire Swanson, Director of Creative Development at Capital Theatres said: “At Capital Theatres, we believe everyone should have the opportunity to experience the joy, creativity and connection that theatre can bring.
inclusion and collaboration
“Through our Associate Artist scheme, we are investing in artists who are passionate about creating work alongside and for people living with dementia, older adults, and children with complex or additional support needs.
“We are excited to support artists with the time, space and resources to develop ambitious, high-quality work that is shaped around the experiences, needs and creativity of these audiences from the very beginning.
By placing inclusion and collaboration at the heart of the creative process, we hope to nurture innovative new work and help create a more accessible and welcoming future for theatre.”
Capital Theatres has a track record of collaborating with artists and specialists to create high-quality work for audiences who are often underserved by traditional theatre experiences. Previous collaborations include Hayley Earlam on Brrr, Barrowland Ballet on The Unexpected Gift, dementia specialist Magdalena Schamberger on Curious Shoes and In The Light Of Day, and Michelle Burke on Jack In The Box and The Christmas Box.
Natasha Gilmore, Artistic Director of Barrowland Ballet, added: “It’s really important that artists are given access to the support and spaces needed to develop work for and with children with complex needs. The spaces and the support of the venue is essential to the success of this type of work.”
Deadline for applicants for the two positions is midnight on Monday 31 August 2026. Full details are here: Associate Artist Scheme.
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