NEW DIORAMA AND UNDERBELLY OPEN APPLICATIONS FOR THE UNTAPPED AWARD 2019, FOLLOWING STAGGERING 2018 SUCCESS
· New Diorama and Underbelly launch the second year of the Untapped Award for 2019, offering unprecedented support for emerging and mid-career artists
· The Untapped award 2018 was supported by Arts Council England, and Technical Sponsor from The Mandy Network
“theatrical fireworks.”
Lyn Gardner on the Untapped Award-Winning shows 2018
New Diorama Theatre’s award-winning artist development programme, launched in 2016, was described by Exeunt as “the most exciting artist development plan Britain has ever seen”. As part of this continued work, on 15th October NDT are opening submissions for the second year of the Untapped Award for early and mid-career theatre companies.
The Untapped Award presented by Underbelly and New Diorama supports three companies each year – removing the barriers that prevent some of the most talented groups from showcasing their work at the Fringe. The award opened in 2018 receiving over 300 applications, and will run for three years, offering the opportunity to a total of nine companies.
The 2018 Untapped Award saw winning companies Breach Theatre with It’s True It’s True It’s True, Nouveau Riche with Queens of Sheba and ThisEgg with dressed. receive critical acclaim, totally sell-out their runs, and claim two Fringe First Awards, two awards from The Stage and a Total Theatre nomination.
New Diorama Theatre’s Producer, Helen Matravers, says:
“The Untapped Award has proven to be an incredible and game-changing opportunity for the winning companies in 2018, and we cannot wait to work with Underbelly again to open the application process and discover more exciting work from talented emerging and mid-career companies. Alongside a £3,000 investment in each chosen group, each receive a great slot at Underbelly – with no venue deposit or guarantee, press support paid for, a flyering team, free marketing support and an enhanced box office split. We also make it possible for every company to stage accessible performances, covering all costs. It is truly one of the best strands of support that we are able to offer, and we are beyond excited to see what 2019 holds for the Untapped Award”.
Underbelly’s Head of Programming and Producer, Marina Dixon said: “Underbelly is delighted to continue our partnership with New Diorama Theatre for Untapped 2019. We both share a commitment and passion for supporting new artists and new work. We are thrilled that the 2018 Untapped companies could present work of such a high standard at the world’s largest arts festival and that these three award-winning shows were so well received by Fringe audiences and critics alike. We are excited to open applications for Untapped 2019 and offer our support to more intriguing ideas and exceptional talent.”
Artistic Director of 2018 winners ThisEgg, Josie Dale-Jones said:
“We wouldn’t have gone to Edinburgh with our show if we hadn’t won the untapped award. It was the 7th year ThisEgg had taken to a show to the Fringe, but being selected and given the opportunity to present our show at the biggest arts festival in the UK (probably actually the world) with support from New Diorama and Underbelly raised the profile of our show & company like nothing else. “
Applications for the Untapped Award presented by Underbelly and New Diorama will open on the 15th October 2018 and close on 9th January 2019.
The Mandy Network will be New Diorama’s Technical Sponsor 2018/19. Mandy.com brings together the world’s largest network of actors, backstage and theatre professionals working in the UK today. Continuing a collaboration formed in 2018 Mandy.com will support the Untapped Award submission process by providing a bespoke online application portal.