The New Wolsey Theatre is excited to open applications for a new round of its Associate Artists Programme, supporting brilliant artists and companies across East Anglia, with a particular focus on those connected to Ipswich and Suffolk.

This 18-month programme is about building a meaningful, collaborative relationship between the theatre and artists or companies already working professionally in the sector. Together, we’ll focus on achieving a goal that could make a real difference to your career — whatever that means for you.

You might be:

  • Developing a new project
  • Looking to move into making work for the midscale stage
  • Seeking support to secure funding
  • Hoping to grow your professional network
  • Or exploring something entirely different

This is your journey — and we’re here to back it.

 

What We Offer

We’ll tailor the support to your needs, drawing on the expertise of our team and the leadership of our Chief Executive/Artistic Director, Douglas Rintoul, to help you take your next step.

You’ll have a conversation with Douglas and our Executive Director and Rachel Fitzgerald our Producer, as part of the selection process — we want to understand who you are, where you’re going, and how we can best support you.

This initiative is part of our wider commitment to investing in the creative ecology of our region, championing East Anglian voices and supporting sustainable, diverse careers in theatre and performance.

 

Who We’re Looking For

We welcome applications from professional artists or companies who:

  • Are based in or connected to East Anglia (with a priority for Suffolk and Ipswich)
  • Have a clear idea of what they want to explore or achieve with us
  • Are at a career stage where this programme will offer meaningful development
  • Have a project or ambition that aligns with what NWT can support
  • Will contribute to a diverse pool of voices and perspectives

This might not be the right offer for everyone — if we feel another organisation could better support your needs, we’ll let you know.

Take a look at our first round of Associate Artists to get a sense of the range of people and companies we’ve worked with:
The Paper Birds, Martha Loader, Jamie Beddard, Aspire Black Suffolk, Spinning Wheel Theatre, and Mae Munuo.

 

How to Apply

We’d love to hear from you. Please send a short statement (written or video) telling us:

  • A bit about you and your work
  • Where you are in your artistic journey
  • What you’d like to explore or achieve through a relationship with us

You’re welcome to include:

  • A CV or link to your website
  • Images, reviews, or videos of your work

📧 Send your application to: Sam Bates, Administrator – admin@wolseytheatre.co.uk

🗓️ Deadline: 10am, Monday 15th September 2025. Meetings will take place in September. Associate placements should commence between October and December 2025 dependant on your plans.

📎 Please complete our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Form (linked at the top of this page)

If you’d like to chat informally about the opportunity or need adjustments to support your application, contact Sam at the email above or call 01473 295914.

We are keen to hear from people of all backgrounds, and particularly encourage applications from those currently underrepresented in our industry — including Black, Asian and ethnically diverse artists, D/deaf and disabled people, neurodivergent people, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

Let’s make something happen. Together.