Sparks

A flagship programme designed to ignite enduring sparks of creativity among artists throughout Wales.

This bespoke programme provides customised development for Welsh and Wales-based theatre-makers. In the fast-paced theatre sector, especially for freelancers, the pressure to constantly deliver is unrelenting, leaving little time to reflect, develop, or deepen practice. The demands of survival often drain creative energy as individuals chase jobs, build careers, and complete work.

Sparks is a purposeful intervention based on what hundreds of freelancers have told us they need – an opportunity to take a step back from production and concentrate on exploration and growth. It is a small start enabling us to take time to shape each iteration of the scheme around the individual artist, providing a bespoke and nurturing environment that encourages imagination, artistic rigour, and sustainability.

The programme focuses on personal development and fostering a sustainable Welsh theatre community. Participants will also be supported to go on and mentor other emerging talent – promoting collaboration, peer reflection, and intergenerational learning.

Once an artist has taken part in Sparks they won’t be able to take part in a similar scheme through Stiwdio Clwyd for a minimum of 3 years.

• Sparks is about creative development, reflection and mentorship – not production.
• Sparks places emphasis on process – this is a non-outcome-driven opportunity focused on rigorous enquiry and sustainable support.
• Sparks is open to theatre-makers of all disciplines (including technical areas, design areas, stage management) with a connection to Wales.

Join us for Sparks. Spark your creativity. Set your imagination alight.

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In addition to this, we are working with theatre organisations across Wales to support the amazing work they are already doing to develop artists and theatre-makers. While this is a closed element to the Sparks Scheme designed to enhance the work that artists are already doing with Welsh companies, we will be celebrating this work and these artists across the website and social media.

Sparks is delivered with support from Arts Council Wales

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Want to find out more?

Join us for an on-line Q&A about the Sparks Scheme at either:

1pm on Tuesday 3rd March
6pm on Thursday 5th March

Email stiwdio@theatrclwyd.com to sign up.

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Application Deadline

6pm on Monday 13th April 2026.

If any of this information is unclear, or you need support in accessing it in any other formats, please contact us at stiwdio@theatrclwyd.com and we will provide.

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FAQs

What is Sparks?
Sparks is a flagship artist-development programme designed to ignite long-lasting creativity among Welsh and Wales-based theatre-makers. It offers space, time, and tailored support away from production pressures, allowing artists to reflect, explore, and deepen their practice.

Who is Sparks for?
Sparks is open to theatre-makers of all disciplines—including performance, writing, directing, design, technical areas, and stage management—who have a connection to Wales.

Why was Sparks created?
Freelancers across Wales told us they needed time to step back from constant delivery and focus on growth. Sparks is a purposeful intervention designed to meet that need, fostering imagination, rigour, and sustainability in an increasingly fast-paced theatre sector.

Is Sparks focused on creating a production?
No. Sparks is not production-focused. It is a non-outcome-driven opportunity centred on personal and artistic development, enquiry, and mentorship rather than making or presenting work.

What are the different Sparks opportunities?
Sparks Open: Provides 5 theatre-makers with a fully supported residency at Theatr Clwyd’s redeveloped spaces. Participants gain access to the in-house team and receive mentorship from theatre leaders.

Sparks Mini: Supports 5 theatre-makers through a paid, six-month mentorship programme plus reflective practice sessions with Stiwdio Clwyd. This pathway does not include a residency.

Can I apply for both Sparks Open and Sparks Mini?
Yes—you may apply for either or both schemes if you meet the eligibility criteria. However, selection to one programme may affect assessment for the other depending on demand.

How many artists will be selected?

• 5 artists for Sparks Open.
• 5 artists for Sparks Mini.

A wider group will also be supported through mentorship, training, and peer-learning opportunities.

Can I take part in Sparks more than once?
Once an artist has taken part in any Sparks programme, they cannot take part again (or in a similar Stiwdio Clwyd scheme) for a minimum of 3 years. This helps us reach a wider range of artists.

What support will I receive?
Depending on the scheme, the support may include:

• Time and space for creative enquiry
• One-to-one mentorship from UK/international practitioners
• Access to Theatr Clwyd’s in-house expertise and facilities
• Peer-learning and reflective practice sessions
• Mentor training to support future generations of artists
• Paid development opportunities

What are the aims and objectives of Sparks?
Sparks aims to:

• Provide time, space, and tailored artistic support
• Ignite and sustain creative development in Wales
• Strengthen Welsh theatre’s resilience and infrastructure
• Foster mentorship, leadership, and intergenerational learning
• Support excellence, innovation, and deep artistic enquiry
• Equip artists with the skills to mentor others

Full aims & objectives are listed in the programme packs.

Do I need to produce anything by the end of the programme?
No. Sparks values exploration of practice over defined product. There is no expectation to present or create finished work.

How do I apply?
You will find links to the detailed programme packs for each Sparks strand.

Can I find out more before applying?
Yes! Join our online Q&A about the Sparks scheme at:

• 1pm on Tuesday 3rd March
• 6pm on Thursday 5th March

Email stiwdio@theatrclwyd.com to sign up.