We support emerging artists to make inventive theatre - particularly about issues that matter to people right now.
We programme through a combination of public call outs, welcoming submissions from a broad range of artists, and curated seasons with themed festivals throughout the year.
Under the artistic leadership of Brian Logan, CPT prioritises bold, unexpected theatre and performance that addresses the issues that matter to people now. We like work that is radical, entertaining – and that brings new audiences to theatre. We seek out work that speaks to our status as a ‘people’s theatre’ and that blurs boundaries between professional and community, art and engagement.
CPT works to a festival-driven programming model. We stage 2-3 festivals annually, often themed around issues of social, political or cultural currency. We programme these festivals largely through open call for submissions – advertised on this website and distributed widely.
Around these festivals, we stage an (almost) year-round curated programme of the best new theatre we can find from the country’s most distinctive independent artists – particularly those who are early in their career.
Artist support is central to everything we do and much of the work we programme has been supported by or developed at CPT. Sometimes we can offer seed commissions or co-production support, often via our dedicated artist support schemes. To find out how we support artists, and for more information about e.g. our Starting Blocks programme or seed commission scheme for artists from marginalised backgrounds, head to our Artist Support page.
Other visiting shows in our programme tend to be booked on the basis of a box-office split, usually 60/40 in artists’ favour. Our theatre has 65 seats and we our usual ticket price is £12, concs £10 or £8 for work-in-progress shows.
The length of a run at CPT can vary from 1-3 nights to one-week runs to, on occasion, three-week runs. If you’re interested in being part of our curated programme, you should:
- Email us with information about your project – and why CPT is the right venue for it
- Include documentation, video footage, reviews & testimonies where possible
- Invite us to sharings, open rehearsals, etc as appropriate. Please fill out our show invites form linked here.
We try and see as much work as we can. If we can’t make it, we try and send someone on our behalf. Please note: We are not a new writing venue and tend not to programme work that starts with a script, or that is made according to the usual writer / director / actor hierarchies.
The best way to find out about our programming is to join us for an evening and catch some shows.
Outside of our curated programme, we also hire out our theatre and rehearsal space. For longer hires (1 week or more), our availability is best between June and early September. However, we’re always happy to hear from you. Head to our Hire Us page below to find out more info.
Please get in touch. We need exciting projects from amazing new creatives just as much as you need us!
