HERE | FOR 2026 - PROFORCA THEATRE COMPANY & THE LION & UNICORN THEATRE
programming q&a

HERE | FOR (2026)

What is HERE | FOR?

HERE | FOR is a financially supported mini-season of new work at the Lion & Unicorn Theatre, curated by Proforca Theatre Company.

Across four weeks in October 2026, three independent theatre companies will be supported to create and present brand new work, alongside a new Proforca Theatre Company production.

The programme is designed to support work that is ready to be seen publicly and is thinking about its life beyond a first run.

Who is HERE | FOR aimed at?

HERE | FOR is aimed at independent theatre companies who:

  • Have made two or three shows already

  • Have a clear artistic voice and production awareness

  • Are ready to take their next step

  • Are thinking about touring, transfer, or wider life for the work

We are particularly interested in story-led, audience-facing work that is commercially aware and designed to connect with a broad audience.

Do we need to be an “established” company to apply?

We use the word “established” to mean companies who have already made work publicly and are now looking ahead, rather than making their very first piece.

If you have presented work before, are confident in your idea, and are thinking seriously about where it might go next, you are likely the kind of company we are hoping to hear from.

Is this opportunity suitable for early-career or first-time companies?

HERE | FOR is not designed as an early-career or introductory programme.

While we actively encourage applications from a wide range of artists, this programme is best suited to companies who already have some experience of producing and presenting work and are ready to build on that foundation.

What kind of work are you looking for?

We are looking for brand new ideas and new writing.

The work does not need to be fully written at the point of application, but it should be clearly conceived and ready to move into rehearsal and production within the programme timeframe.

We are open to a wide range of styles and forms, provided the work is story-led and designed for a live audience.

Is HERE | FOR a commission?

No. HERE | FOR is a supported production opportunity, not a commission.

Each selected company receives financial support, rehearsal space, performance time, and producing and marketing support. Companies retain artistic ownership of their work.

What financial support is provided?

Each selected company receives:

  • A £1,000 cash contribution

  • One week of free rehearsal space

  • A five-night public run at the Lion & Unicorn Theatre

  • Tech and dress rehearsal time

  • A 50/50 box office split with no financial risk

Additional marketing, mentorship, and producing support is also provided.

What do you mean by “no financial risk”?

The box office operates on a 50/50 split, but companies are not liable for losses if ticket sales do not cover costs.

The aim of the programme is to remove financial risk and allow work to be presented confidently to an audience.

What level of marketing support is provided?

Proforca Theatre Company and the Lion & Unicorn Theatre will provide coordinated marketing and press support for the season.

This includes shared campaign planning, press activity, and visibility across venue and company channels. Companies are also expected to actively promote their own work as part of a shared responsibility.

Do companies need to be London-based?

No. Companies do not need to be based in London to apply.

However, selected companies must be able to rehearse and present the work in London during the programme period.

What is the application process?

Applications are submitted via an online form.

Shortlisted companies will be invited to a second-round conversation at the Lion & Unicorn Theatre. Final decisions will be made following these conversations.

Due to the volume of applications, we are not able to provide individual feedback.

Key dates

  • Applications close: 2 March 2026 (5pm)

  • Shortlist conversations: late March 2026

  • Final decisions announced: late spring 2026

  • HERE | FOR season: October 2026

How many companies will be selected?

Three companies will be selected through the open call.

Can we apply with more than one project?

No. Each company may submit one application only.

How do we apply?

Full details and the application form can be accessed via the link on the HERE | FOR page. or via the button below.

For any other questions please email HERE

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