Open call: Creative incubator programme in SA

Independent community theatre groups can submit their proposals and sign up to showcase their original, new and cutting-edge stage productions in the areas of music, drama and dance. Over a three-year period, PACOFS has spearheaded and implemented the incubator programme within the Free State demographics, with the aim of producing multidisciplinary works of artists covering music, drama and dance.

The successful applicants will be part of 2024-25 incubator programme, which will run over six months to benchmark and prepare six selected community theatre groups for the inauguration of Yarona Youth Festival.

Eligibility and requirements

• All Free State performing artists (unemployed and out-of-school youth) between the ages of 18 to 35 years.  
• Prerequisite for Community Theatre Groups, written original script and the production must be already in rehearsal stages.
• Synopsis and/or artistic treatment of the production.
• Language preferences: any/all official South African languages.
• Maximum number of participants in each production must be no more than 10 cast members, including core, crew and technical team.
• Unclear narrative and/or unstructured storyline will not be considered.

How to apply

• Applicants must send a written proposal with the background of the theatre group and company electronically.
• Applicants must confirm the accuracy of the content.
• Submit a synopsis/artistic treatment of the production.
• Applicants must tell the organisers why the production is relevant for the incubator programme and how it will benefit the applicant’s group and community.
• Applicants must provide PACOFS with one reference letter from a mentor and/or community leader.
• Applicants must be prepared to showcase 15 minutes of their creative work, adjudication and recommendation.

Note: Preference will be given to Free State Province drama and theatre graduates.

Applicants should take note of the following:

• It is the responsibility of candidates with foreign qualifications to have them verified by the South African Qualifications Authority.
• PACOPS reserves the right not to make an appointment.
• Failure to submit all the requested documents may result in the application not being considered.
• PACOPS subscribes to the principles of employment equity.

Applications should be submitted via email at arts2@pacofs.co.za before 23 June.

View the original call here.