Stiwdio Clwyd Announces New Artist Development Initiative

Stiwdio Clwyd has announced the inaugural cohort for Tearing The Roof Off, a major new artist development initiative designed to support the next generation of Welsh theatre-makers as they expand their practice and step into larger creative spaces.

Bringing together some of the most exciting directors, writers, designers and producers working in Wales today, the programme offers dedicated time, bespoke mentorship and high-level professional development opportunities to help artists make the leap to large-scale theatre- making.

The 2026 cohort comprises of Alice Eklund (Director), Catherine Dyson (Writer), Cory Shipp (Designer), Harry Mould (Writer), Jenny Davies (Director), Katie Elin-Salt (Writer), Rhys Warrington (Writer), Shane Nickels (Producer) and Sophie Thomas (Designer).

Each participant has been paired with a leading industry mentor, including Lucy Atkinson, Lizzie Clachan, Helen Edmundson, Marianne Elliott, Sarah Frankcom, Pippa Hill, Lucy Kirkwood and Vicki Mortimer.

Commenting on her involvement in the programme, director Marianne Elliott said: “Tearing the Roof Off is giving talented Welsh theatre-makers the invaluable space, time and rigorous challenge to think bigger. I'm proud to support this exciting next chapter in Welsh theatre."

The programme begins with an intensive residency at Theatr Clwyd in June, featuring masterclasses and workshops led by some of the UK's most influential theatre practitioners. Contributors include Katie Mitchell, Matthew Xia, Georgia Lowe, Winsome Pinnock, Daniel Schumann, Lucy Osbourne as well as speakers from Factory International, Bristol Old Vic and the Sherman Theatre, bringing expertise across directing, design, writing and producing.

Suzanne Bell, Director of Stiwdio Clwyd, said: "Tearing The Roof Off is investing deeply in artists from across Wales, giving them the tools, confidence and support to tell bigger stories on bigger stages. We know this programme will help create the conditions for a new chapter of ambitious Welsh theatre."

The programme will also support producer Shane Nickels to work with Stage One, the UK's leading producer training organisation. Joe Smith, CEO at Stage One, commented:
“Stage One is delighted to be working with Stiwdio Clwyd to strengthen the support for Welsh and Wales based theatre producers. Developing skilled, confident producers is essential to the future of the industry, and we share Stiwdio Clwyd's ambition to create meaningful opportunities for producers to learn, experiment and build sustainable careers.”

By connecting Welsh artists with world-class mentors and industry leaders, Tearing the Roof Off aims to build a stronger pathway of creative talent capable of shaping the future of theatre in Wales and beyond.

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