Is it really free?
Yes!
Do we count as a company?
We define a theatre company as a group of people who come together and creatively collaborate over a number of productions, making work that only they could create. You don't have to be a legally registered company.
We're an NPO. Can we apply?
The space is only available to independent companies, as that's who we believe this space will best serve.
We’re not an NPO, but we do have some Arts Council funding through Project Grants / DYCP. Can I apply?
Yes!
I’d like to put The Allotment in as “expected” in a Project Grant application. Can I do that and how much is it worth as “in-kind” support?
Because of the short turnaround for The Allotment during this first season, we’re happy for people to put it as “expected” in their Project Grant applications on the understanding that your application for space may not be selected from the lottery.
The “in-kind” value of a studio space as part of The Allotment is £1,000 per week, or £200 per day.
What if I get space in The Allotment but don’t get all the funding for my project? Will you take my space away?
New Diorama is a project-funded company too, so we get it. We don’t get a lot of the funding we apply for and understand things change.
If things change once you’re offered space just get in touch - we’ll have a human conversation about it and it’ll all be fine.
Do we have to be based or registered in the UK to apply for space?
Absolutely not, but we aren't able to resource travel or accommodation for this programme and spaces are located solely in Central London.
How many weeks of space are on offer?
We are offering 2 companies space each week during The Allotment. When you apply you can indicate a preference for dates, and interest in one or two weeks of space.
Can I ask for more than two weeks?
Not this time. We want to make sure we're serving as many companies as possible while still offering a meaningful amount of time.
Why can I select as many weeks as I want in the form?
Selecting all of the weeks you can do helps us to balance the schedule as efficiently as possible. If you're successful, we'll allocate space to you based on the weeks you've said you're available in question 8 and the number of weeks you said you want in question 7.
Can I use The Allotment on evenings and weekends?
Currently, The Allotment spaces are only available Mon-Fri, 10am-6pm.
Can I ask for space before 29th September or after 19th December?
No, those are the only dates that the spaces can be booked for at this time.
How big is the space?
As there are a number of a spaces being allocated by lottery, we’ll use the information you provide in the form about the number people using the space and what you'll be using the space for to allocate the space best suited to your needs. If you’re selected, you’ll be informed of the exact room you're being offered and its dimensions in your acceptance email.
Can I book irregular space, for example on every Monday in a month?
To maximise use of the spaces, we can only allocate weeks rather than days.
Why are you selecting companies randomly by lottery?
We want this resource to be open to all theatre companies with as few strings as possible. Please note that applying multiple times will not improve your chances.
It also means the application form can be as simple and straightforward as possible to fill out, so you don't have to justify why you deserve the space.
I see that you’re reserving space for work led by Black, Asian, and/or Global Majority artists; Disabled or Deaf artists; Working Class artists; and/or trans artists. What does that mean?
We define 'led by' as meaning that the artists from those groups are the lead artists in the room. But the work doesn't have to be focussed on your identity. You have total artistic freedom to collaborate with who you like, and do whatever you like.
I don't identify as coming from one the groups you are reserving space for, but I still consider myself a marginalised artist. Can I still apply for space?
Yes! The Allotment is open to everyone. We've chosen to focus on certain groups who we believe have been underrepresented on our stage and in the wider industry. However, no matter how you identify, this is a space for you.
I know someone at NDT, can I just email them to get around the lottery system and guarantee space?
No. We've very intentionally chosen the lottery system so that access to the space is as equitable as possible.
Can I host a performance in the space?
No. The space can't be used for any public performances, only for development.
I have a question that isn't answered here. What do I do?
You can ask it to us by emailing [email protected], calling us on 0207 383 9034, or by sending smoke signals and hoping one of our taller and more observant staff members is paying attention.
Will there be more seasons of The Allotment?
We're planting seeds (watch this space).