First Bite Festival Applications Are Now Open

The First Bite Festival is an eclectic mix of extracts and ideas from some of the Midland's most exciting theatre makers. It provides a platform for new work in progress from theatre makers based in the Midlands, and is an exciting and unique opportunity for artists/companies across the region to develop new ideas and perform work in front of an audience of theatregoers and national venues/industry professionals.

The festival operates an open-access application process and submissions are now open to theatre makers from across the Midlands to take part.

Artists wishing to apply or to find out more information should go to: www.chinaplatetheatre.com/first-bite-bite-size

Companies are invited to submit proposals for a 10-20 minute performance that pitches their show to the panel and audience. This performance can take any format and can be for a brand new piece of work or a show currently in development.

First Bite will take place at 3 different venues, across 3 dates:

02nd March 2019 Midlands Arts Centre

22nd March 2019 Derby Theatre

05th April 2019 Attenborough Arts Centre

Three of the programmed companies will go on to receive a commission of £3,000 to develop the work and to present it at its next stage, alongside a showcase of new performance work, during Bite Size at Warwick Arts Centre in January 2020. The commissioned companies will also have an opportunity to show their work in London in partnership with Camden People's Theatre

Previous First Bite commissions include: the Olivier Award nominated Caroline Horton You're Not Like The Other Girls Chrissy; Paul O'Donnell We've Got Each Other; Maison Foo A Thing Mislaid; Stephanie Riding The Road to Huntsville; Humanish Holy Presents; Babakas Our Fathers.

2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats

Best New Musical - Top 3

1. The Lost Boys

36.4% of votes

2. Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)

24.4% of votes

3. Schmigadoon!

23% of votes

Vote Now! View Live Stats