Lowry Scratch Nights x Projekt Utopia First Drafts

This edition of Scratch Nights is presented in collaboration with PROJEKT UTOPIA as part of their FIRST DRAFTS programme. Discover more about PROJEKT UTOPIA here. 

PROJEKT UTOPIA is a performing arts organisation celebrating the diversity, richness and power of migrant creativity. It works to internationalise the UK theatre industry by supporting migrant artists, amplifying marginalised voices and championing the many international perspectives and creative practices already present within our sector. Its work challenges narrow narratives of migration and brings the multiplicity of migrant experience to the centre of cultural life - crossing borders, connecting different worlds and opening new ways of imagining the future. 

FIRST DRAFTS is PROJEKT UTOPIA’s platform for new and experimental work by migrant and international artists. It gives artists an opportunity to test early ideas in front of an audience, share work while it is still taking shape and invite audiences into the first stages of the creative process. 

We are delighted to partner with Projekt Utopia on our next Scratch Night and invite first generation migrant artists based in the North of England to submit a proposal to test a new idea in the Aldridge Studio Theatre on Friday 12 March 2027. 

SCRATCH NIGHTS X FIRST DRAFTS: CALL FOR PROPOSALS 

Lowry’s Scratch Nights are dedicated to developing brand-new live work. They give artists the chance to put early ideas in front of a supportive audience, discover what connects and explore what the work might become. 

These informal evenings offer a supportive space for artists to experiment, take creative risks and share new work while it is still taking shape. 

Who can apply?

For this edition, we’re inviting proposals from first-generation migrant artists based in the North of England whose practice includes live art or performance. This might include theatre, dance, movement, circus, physical theatre, interdisciplinary performance or another live form.

We welcome applications from artists at all stages of their careers. You do not need to identify as an emerging artist or have worked with PROJEKT UTOPIA or Lowry before. 

Please note that this opportunity is intended for artists whose work has a live or performance-based element. We cannot accept proposals focused solely on developing a script or a piece of music. 

What are we looking for? 

We will select four proposals, each receiving a performance slot of up to 20 minutes. 

Your proposal should be for a brand-new idea or work in progress that has not previously been presented to a public audience. This is an opportunity to experiment, test something on stage and learn from sharing it with an audience - not to present a polished or finished piece. 

What do we mean by "first-generation migrant"?

First-generation migrant is used to describe someone who was born outside the UK and has moved to the UK to live. 

It does not matter when you moved to the UK or how long you have lived here. You might have arrived as a young child, as an adult or at any point in between. 

This could include someone who: 

• was born outside the UK and holds a non-UK passport;
• is an asylum seeker or refugee living in the UK;
• is undocumented in the UK; or
• was born outside the UK and has since acquired British citizenship or a British passport. 

These are examples rather than requirements. We recognise that people describe their experiences in different ways and welcome applications from anyone who feels that “first-generation migrant” meaningfully describes them. 

Our understanding is informed by the work of Migrants in Theatre. You can read its full guidance here. 

SELECTED ARTISTS WILL RECEIVE 

• A fee of £1000 to develop and present your idea
• Rehearsal space at Lowry where possible
• Producer support from Lowry Staff  
• An online mentoring session with Projekt Utopia
• A set of production images and video archive footage
• Anonymous feedback from audiences in response to the questions you want answered about your work
• If required, extra financial support will be made available as a contribution towards access costs, including interpretation, language support, help with caring responsibilities and any costs associated with wellbeing and safe working in relation to the activity you wish to undertake.  
• Please visit our website for the technical specification of Lowry’s Aldridge Studio - thelowry.com/visiting-company-information 

SCRATCH NIGHTS GUIDELINES

• The work must be a new idea or piece in development (not having been shown anywhere else), with basic technical requirements
• The work must be suitable for the Aldrige Studio space Please visit here for more details on the technical specifications of the Studio
• This opportunity is for artists at any stage of their career

KEY DATES

• Deadline for Submission: Thursday 10th December 2026, 5pm 
• All artists will be notified by: Friday 18th December 2026
• Technical Rehearsals Dates: Thursday 11th and Friday 12th March (includes full dress run from 2pm) 2027
• Scratch Nights date: Friday 12th March 2027, 7pm - 9pm Lowry Aldrige Studio

Lowry is committed to encouraging diversity and intersectionality in the arts and we actively encourage proposals from artists from under-represented communities, including people who experience racism, identify as working class, have disabilities, are from the LGBTQ+ community, care experienced or are discriminated against.  
 
We encourage you to apply for this opportunity no matter what your age, caring responsibilities, disability, gender, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and sexual orientation.  
 
If you have any queries, please get in touch with Grace Ng at artistdevelopment@thelowry.com. We can answer queries about the application process and Scratch Nights programme but cannot read draft applications in advance. 

HOW TO APPLY

To apply and submit your application online:

Click Here

To download the Application Form and Qual Opportunities Monitoring in a Word Document:

Click Here

This can be used to draft answers to the questions before applying online, or for audio or video applications. 

To download the contents of this page, Application Form, and Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form in Large Print Word Format:

Click Here

To download the contents of this page, Application Form, and Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form in Easy Read Word Format:

Click Here