Free space. Open access. Room to grow.
Bold new ideas take time and space to develop, but we live in a city where space comes at a premium. At New Diorama, we champion the art of collaboration, which is why we're teaming up with Theatre Deli in search of long-term solutions to a chronic problem.
This autumn, we're launching The Allotment, offering free R&D and rehearsal space in Central London to independent artists, with no strings attached. Building on the legacy of NDT Broadgate, these spaces will be offered through lottery selection, democratising access to a much-needed resource.
The first season of The Allotment runs from 29th September - 19th December. Applications are now open via a simple form at the bottom of this page, with a deadline of 15th September.
Eligibility
This opportunity is open to independent theatre companies, ensembles, or collectives developing or rehearsing new theatre and performance work this autumn. If successful, we ask that you commit to using the space for the full period you are offered. In order to maximise the impact of this resource, NPOs and commercial entities are not eligible to apply.
We are particularly interested in supporting companies using devised, collaborative, or non-traditional making processes for whom studio space is critical for testing ideas, but all theatre artists are welcome to apply.
We will reserve 50% of spaces for companies that are led by Black, Asian, and/or Global Majority artists, Disabled or Deaf artists, Working Class artists, and/or trans artists.
Selection Process
Spaces will be allocated through lottery selection. The application will cover only the essential details we need in order to schedule and assign studios, and the rest will be left to chance.
The lottery will take place in two stages: the first will allocate priority spaces and the second will cover the remaining pool of applications. Anyone who is unsuccessful in the priority draw will be placed in the wider pool for the second draw.
Apply Now
Applications for the autumn 2025 season of The Allotment are now open. The deadline for submissions is 10:00am on Monday 15th September. All applicants will be notified of their lottery outcome by Friday 26th September.
Apply Now
If you have any questions about the process, we recommend first taking a look at our Frequently Asked Questions.
If you would like to view the application questions in advance of filling out the form, you can download them below:
Application Questions (Large Print PDF)
If there's anything that hasn't been covered by the FAQs, you can get in touch with us at [email protected].