Fifth Word Launch 'Pop-Up Plays' Call Out Across The East Midlands

Playwrights with a connection to the region will be given opportunities to have their work 'pop up' in unusual settings and locations. Fifth Word has announced their latest call out to East Midland writers, dedicated to producing new shorter plays that can 'pop up' outside of a traditional theatre space.

The final pieces will be original ideas that have been proposed to Fifth Word, responding to the theme of connection, aiming to reach new audiences and giving them new means to encounter theatre.

These could be short immersive site-specific pieces, audio walking stories, installations, outdoor performances, through to digital-live hybrid work, and could take place anywhere that we encounter in our everyday lives- a café, a park, a bus stop, a library and people's own homes.

Laura Ford, Artistic Director of Fifth Word, said: "Pop-Up Plays is an exciting opportunity to rethink how and where theatre happens. By commissioning new work from East Midlands writers and bringing it directly into everyday spaces, we hope to spark fresh ways for audiences to connect with live storytelling. This initiative isn't just about creating theatre in unexpected places- it's about giving more production opportunities to writers, amplifying unheard voices, and proving that great theatre can happen anywhere."

Cara Nolan, Associate Director, Curve, said: "We believe that access to the arts is a right for everyone, and engagement with art and culture plays a vital role in building self-confidence, raising aspirations, and enhancing well-being. Building on the strength of Neighbour-Hubs, Curve is thrilled to collaborate with Fifth Word to deepen our connections with local communities and bring theatre directly into their own spaces."

Sarah Brigham, CEO and Artistic Director at Derby Theatre, said: "At Derby Theatre, we see firsthand how local talent shapes the region's artistic landscape. We have a longstanding commitment to talent development and are delighted to be supporting this initiative. Pop-Up Plays offers a unique opportunity to showcase East Midlands writers, providing a platform for writers at all stages of their careers to experiment, collaborate with audiences, and make theatre more accessible to all."

In our world where people are increasingly disconnected, Pop-Up Plays will inspire moments of connection through performances in everyday spaces.

The Pop-Up Plays will help tackle the shortage of paid productions for East Midlands writers to create bold, boundary-pushing work. Writers are encouraged to consider how they want to engage the audience with their play, its development, or how audiences can be part of the creation of the plays.

East Midlands playwright, Mufaro Makubika, (We Need New Names, New Perspectives/Brixton House, Shebeen, Nottingham Playhouse/Theatre Royal Stratford East,), said: "Like so many other theatre makers in the region and across the country, Fifth Word has played a significant role in my development as writer. I have no doubt that without their support and encouragement, I would not have been able to create some of the work I've done."

This programme of work is open to all, new, emerging and existing writers, the only requirement is that they have a connection to the East Midlands, as Fifth Word are looking for pieces that directly reflect the communities in which the East Midlands serve.

Peter Knott, Midlands Area Director at Arts Council England, said: "We're delighted to support Fifth Word's Pop-Up Plays using funding from the National Lottery. As well as giving writers the opportunity to develop skills and showcase their talents, it will attract new and younger audiences - many of whom may be experiencing theatre for the first time."

Fifth Word envisions Pop-Up Plays as an ongoing series of commissions, bringing together artists, and cultural organisations across theatres, museums, festivals and public spaces.

To find out more about Pop-Up Plays visit www.fifthword.co.uk/productions/pop-up-plays