October 2026 | Lion & Unicorn Theatre
Proforca Theatre Company announces HERE | FOR, a supported mini-season of new work at the Lion & Unicorn Theatre, taking place across four consecutive weeks in October 2026.
Here | For is designed to pass on the experience we’ve gained over the last ten years, and to offer the kind of genuine leg up to a new generation of theatre creatives that we wished we’d had.
At a time when long-term subsidy is increasingly difficult to secure and pathways from fringe to mid-scale work are narrowing, Here | For exists to provide meaningful, practical support to companies who have already begun to establish themselves and are ready to take high-quality work to its next stage.
The programme will support three independent theatre companies to create and premiere brand new pieces of work for public audiences, alongside a new Proforca Theatre Company production presented later in the season.
WHAT IS BEING OFFERED:
Each selected company will receive:
A £1,000 cash contribution towards the creation of a brand new show
One week of free rehearsal space at the Lion & Unicorn Theatre
A five-night performance run in October 2026
A one-night showcase performance at the Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, supporting audience development beyond London
Two days of allocated technical and dress rehearsal time at the Lion & Unicorn Theatre
A risk-free 50/50 box office split, with no guarantee exposure
PR and marketing support from the Lion & Unicorn and Proforca teams
Access to heavily discounted photography and A/V packages
Mentorship and guidance from an award-winning, Offie-nominated producing team and a panel of industry mentors
A dedicated press night, with all performances on sale to the general public
This is a fully audience-facing programme. It is not a scratch showcase or venue hire arrangement, and is designed for companies ready to take a confident step forward in their producing practice.
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR:
We are particularly interested in companies who:
Are developing strong, story-led ideas for new work, including new writing
Have a clear concept and delivery plan appropriate to the Lion & Unicorn Theatre
Have previously created two or three productions, or are production-ready with a new idea
Make work that is creative, agile, forward-thinking and audience-inclusive
Are commercially aware and interested in reaching beyond niche fringe audiences
Are actively considering the future life of the work, including touring or transfer opportunities
Can demonstrate a clear track record of quality in their previous work
This programme is aimed at artists who are ready to scale, rather than those at the very beginning of their practice.
All projects must have a producer attached, or a member of the team willing to take on that role. Applicants will be expected to demonstrate clear, realistic marketing thinking as part of their application. A marketing plan will form part of the preparation for the show itself.
WHAT WE ARE NOT LOOKING FOR:
· “Issue led” shows which are not story or concept driven
· Adaptations of previous work or classic revivals
· Cabaret or comedy shows (for example improv)
HOW THE SEASON WORKS:
The mini-season will run across four consecutive weeks in October 2026:
Three weeks programmed with one supported company per week
The fourth week dedicated to a new Proforca Theatre Company production
Each supported company will present their work as a full performance week within the season.
HOW TO APPLY:
This opportunity is offered via open call, and we actively encourage applications from artists and companies beyond our existing networks.
The application process:
· 9th February 2026: Submissions window opens. All applicants apply via the Dedicated submissions form with full details of their show.
· 2nd March 2026: Submissions Window Closes (5pm) & shortlisting begins
· Week of 30th March 2026: Shortlisted companies will be invited to a second round pitch meeting at the Lion & Unicorn Theatre where they will be asked to present their vision for their show & final decisions will be made.
· Week of 1st June – Season Announcement.
Full application details, eligibility criteria and deadlines can be found via the application form.
We strongly encourage participation from members of the LGBT+, working class and Global Majority communities.