Theatre Breakthrough Fund (North)

The Theatre Breakthrough Fund (North) is a new fund of approximately £2,000,000 to support Black, Asian and ethnically diverse theatre makers in the North of England to make ambitious new work. The fund redistributes public funding previously allocated to Eclipse Theatre Company and will continue support for the types of innovative theatre, touring and artist development that the Company was recognised for. The fund operates in two stages: Stage 1 requires applicants to provide basic information about their project idea, track record, and financial viability for projects with a minimum cost of £100,000. Successful Stage 1 applicants (approximately 15) will receive £1,000 towards developing their Stage 2 application and access to a 'Creative Lab' of specialist practitioners. Stage 2 applications can request a minimum of £100,000 with no maximum, and the fund anticipates awarding 5-10 grants from the total budget. Successful applicants must demonstrate a track record of creative ambition, risk-taking and innovation in professional theatre making (at least three years), commitment to working with partners, and the ability to clearly evidence the skills and partnerships to achieve their stated goals. The fund seeks investments that enable growth and progression in theatre making, push boundaries with new content or collaborations, and demonstrate commitment and capability to develop new audiences in the North and nationally for ambitious, high-quality theatre.