This is a new short programme for 5 Deaf, Disabled or neurodivergent artists writing their first autobiographical play to support them in taking their work onto its next stage of development.  

Deadline for applications 30th November 12 noon.

Beyond Me is designed to support artists in creating high standard work, to raise the visibility of  Disabled led work and the lived experience of our community in particular where disability intersects with other barriers. 

The programme aims to prepare artists for one or more of the following (dependant on the stage of their piece) 

1. Pitching to potential collaborators
2. Completing an ACE funding application
3. Preparing work for programmers   

Artists can be writers, performers or theatre practitioners based in England. Priority will be given to artists experiencing significant barriers to the industry. This includes access requirements not being met and or intersectional characteristics that multiply barriers and discrimination. They must have a first draft or completed outline and the play can, but does not have to be about disability or social justice.  

Each writer will receive a small payment of £500, a programme of 5 online sessions, time with a mentor or dramaturg and access to a Wellbeing Practitioner  

The online sessions will run on a Monday daytime or evenings between January 11th and February 8th 2027. Times TBC  

This is an Open Call we are keen to support writers who may or may not  have connected with Graeae before.

To apply please send us in written, BSL, audio or video format to beyond@graeae.org  

• An outline of your play (max 200 words )

• 8 – 10 pages of your current draft  

• A description of what you hope to get from the programme (max 200 words): for example do you want to be prepared for any of the following:
  
  -Pitching to potential collaborators
  -Completing an ACE funding application
  –Preparing work for programmers   

• Other creatives or organisations already involved /supporting you  

• Tell us what significant barriers you are facing in moving your script further or getting your work programmed (max 150 words ) 

• Agreement to attend the 5 online sessions  

• CV or description of your experience in the industry over the last 3 years.    

Key dates 

10 November 6pm – 7pm  online Q&A session about the programme by Laura Guthrie & Tanika St Marthe. Contact Beyond@graeae.org to book a place. 

30 November 12 noon – Deadline for applications  

14 December – Writers invited on the programme  

4 January 2027 – Beyond Me starts  

11 ,18,25 January 2027 1 & 8 February 2027 – Monday daytime or evening online workshops  

March to April 2027 – time for writing and meeting with Mentors or Dramaturgs 

31 April 2027  Beyond Me finishes.