Light the Blue 2026: Various Stages, Call-Out for Proposals
Light the Blue 2026
Various Stages
Call-Out for Proposals
Have you got exciting new solo performance work that would benefit from being tested out in front of an audience?
We are looking for extracts of existing solo performances to be showcased at Various Stages on Wednesday 3rd June as part of Light the Blue, our festival for and by young people. The event will feature an evening of performance extracts at various stages of development from some of the most exciting up-and-coming professional artists across Aberdeen and Scotland. If that sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you!
We’re interested in extracts of around 20 minutes of innovative new work that hasn’t yet been seen by an audience and that would benefit from dramaturgical support, advice from industry professionals and feedback from a supportive audience. This may be new writing, musical performance or devised work presented at any stage – as a fresh idea or a fifth draft.
Whilst the material you’re looking to perform must be as-yet-unseen, you might have already shared other extracts of the work at previous public events.
We are open to hearing from artists working in a range of live performance disciplines but please consider the stage dimensions below if applying with more movement-based or physical artforms.
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for passionate artists based in Scotland who have an original performance they’re looking to develop further. You might be at the very start of your creative journey or have a few performances under your belt.
Your work should be suitable for adult audiences, but you must be emerging/early career artists aged between 18 and 30. We appreciate it is difficult to define ‘emerging’ – we are happy to hear from those in the early stages of their career and who are looking for support to present and develop their work.
In the interests of supporting artist development in Scotland, we will accept submissions from those based across the country, with a particular interest in hearing from those based in/around Aberdeen and the North East. We are also particularly interested in hearing from those who feel their voices are not well represented on our stages, and those whose work promotes inclusivity.
What can we offer?
Artists selected for Various Stages will receive:
- A fee of £300 for presenting at Light the Blue, as well as reasonable expenses if based outside Aberdeen;
- Rehearsal space in the lead-up to the event if required, availability dependent;
- Tech/rehearsal session on the day;
- Directing/outside eye support on the day as required;
- Dramaturgical and mentoring support throughout the process;
- Light touch technical support and access to limited equipment;
- Professional photography on the night;
- Feedback from attending industry professionals and wider audiences to inform future development;
- Free tickets to selected events across the festival programme;
- Networking opportunities with other artists involved in the event and wider festival.
We will work with all programmed artists to ensure access requirements are provided for on performance days as well as in the lead-up to the festival.
Venue
Various Stages will take place on Wednesday 3rd June, 7.30pm in Big Sky Studio at Aberdeen Performing Arts’ Music Hall, Union Street, Aberdeen, AB10 1QS. The stage space is raised and limited to 7.3m wide by 2.4m deep.
Selected artists will have access to a PA, basic lighting, mics and a projector if required. The event will be operated by an APA technician – due to limited tech time, we are looking for work with minimal cues.
If you would like to find out further details about the space and set-up to inform your proposal, please get in touch via the contact email below.
How do you apply?
Please submit your proposal by Friday 1st May at 5pm via the following online form.
The form asks for information about you/your collaborators, the piece you’re proposing, and its suitability for Light the Blue. A List of Questions has been made, which can be useful for preparing answers before submitting.
For accessibility, we are also happy to receive proposals by video or audio recording of no more than 5 minutes in length. Please answer all QUESTIONS and send by email (with a link to view or download via YouTube, WeTransfer or similar platforms) to lightthebluefestival@aberdeenperformingarts.com.
If you require any additional support in submitting a proposal, such as receiving the call-out information in an alternative format, or you have any questions please contact us via lightthebluefestival@aberdeenperformingarts.com.
What happens after the deadline?
We will accept proposals until Friday 1st May at 5pm. Any submissions received after this time will not be considered.
Proposals will be reviewed and discussed by the Light the Blue and wider Aberdeen Performing Arts team. We will select proposals that excite us the most, that best support artist development and that allow us to fulfil our ambition to create a diverse and relevant festival.
All applicants will be notified of the outcome of our selection process by Tuesday 5th May at the latest. We look forward to hearing your ideas!
To find out more about Light the Blue and other opportunities to get involved in the festival, visit Light The Blue.
Deadline: EXTENDED TO Friday 1st May at 5pm.
