A flagship programme for large-scale theatre-making in Wales.
Tearing the Roof Off is a bold new six month development programme for mid-career theatre-makers in Wales who are ready to create work at scale – for big stages, wide audiences, and national/international touring.
We’re selecting a Cohort of 10 artists across four disciplines – 3 playwrights, 3 directors, 2 designers, and 2 creative producers – to join a programme of paid residencies, placements, mentorship, and industry masterclasses.
Tearing the Roof Off aims to support Welsh theatre-makers in expanding their practice beyond studios and building sustainable careers driven by ambition and commercial potential. The programme is designed to build the skills, leadership, networks and confidence artists need to scale up creatively and professionally — and to connect them to venues, commissioners and producers ready to support ambitious work.
Tearing the Roof Off will help shape Wales’s theatre scene, ensuring ambitious Welsh voices are celebrated on big stages.
Let’s make bold, brilliant, ambitious theatre in Wales. Let’s build the future. Let’s tear the roof off.
Want to find out more?
To find our more and how to apply, sign up for an on-line Q&A session with the Stiwdio Clwyd team at either:
- 1pm on Wednesday 4th February 2026
- 5pm on Thursday 5th February 2026
Email stiwdio@theatrclwyd.com to sign up.
Application Deadline
6pm on Monday 16th February 2026.
If any of this information is unclear, or you need support in accessing it in any other formats, please contact stiwdio@theatrclwyd.com and we will provide.
Tearing the Roof Off is delivered with support from Arts Council Wales.
FAQs
What is Tearing the Roof Off?
Tearing the Roof Off is a six-month programme from Stiwdio Clwyd, designed to help Welsh theatre-makers expand their practice and develop the skills to create large-scale, ambitious work.
It brings together playwrights, directors, designers, and creative producers to collaborate, learn from leading UK practitioners, and explore what large-scale theatre can look like in Wales and beyond.
Who is it for?
The programme is for mid-career theatre-makers who are ready to scale up their work. We’re looking for:
- 3 Playwrights
- 3 Directors
- 2 Designers (Set and/or Costume)
- 2 Creative Producers
Applicants should have over 5 years of professional experience, but not yet have led or created large-scale productions.
What does ‘mid-career’ mean?
For the purposes of this scheme, applicants should have over 5 years of professional experience and an ambition to make work at scale for large audiences.
What does the programme include?
Over 6 months, participants (known as The Cohort) will take part in:
- Mentorship with leading UK theatre-makers
- Residencies for creative exploration and collaboration
- Online masterclasses on producing, directing, design and leadership
- Individual placements with partner theatres and companies
- Tailored development plans for each artist
- Networking with industry leaders and commissioners
When does it take place?
The scheme runs from 1st June 2026 to 30th November 2026. Residencies will be hosted at Theatr Clwyd, with placements and events across Wales and the wider UK.
Is it full-time?
No – the programme is part-time and flexible, designed to fit around existing professional commitments. You must, however, be available for:
- Three residencies (June/July, September, November)
- Regular online sessions
- Two theatre trips
- Meetings with your mentor
- A short placement (approx. 2 weeks)
Is it paid?
Yes. Participants receive a fee in line with Theatr Clwyd’s freelance pay rates to support their time on the programme. Travel, accommodation and access costs will also be covered. For full details please see the recruitment information packs.
What kind of artists are you looking for?
We’re looking for theatre-makers who are:
- Ambitious and curious about large-scale work,
- Excited to collaborate and share practice,
- Committed to Welsh theatre,
- Ready to lead and innovate,
- Eager to reach wider audiences
We strongly encourage applications from underrepresented and marginalised voices in the Welsh theatre sector.
How will the programme be evaluated?
We’ll measure success through:
- Participant feedback and reflection,
- Mentor and placement reports,
- Independent evaluation,
- Post-programme surveys,
- Long-term tracking of alumni achievements
This will ensure the programme leaves a lasting impact – for artists and for the wider Welsh theatre sector.
Will there be future rounds?
At this point we don’t know – this will be subject to funding.
Got a question?
If you’d like to know more or need support with your application, email stiwdio@theatrclwyd.com. Join an online Q&A session, either:
- 1pm on Wednesday 4th February 2026
- 5pm on Thursday 5th February 2026
Sign up by emailing stiwdio@theatrclwyd.com.
