RESIDENCIES 2025: NEW NARRATIVES
New Narratives is a studio space residency programme at ODAC supporting the creation of new performance projects that challenge conventions and offer fresh perspectives on the world.
ABOUT ODAC
OUR ARTISTIC VISION
“We collaborate with artists who have a vision of the world they want to be part of, and who are finding new ways to make it together.”
Old Diorama Arts Centre (ODAC) is a shared hub for creation and community, with Euston as our inspiration, collaborator, and stage.
As a creation centre, our focus is on making. ODAC’s in-house programmes support contemporary artists working across interdisciplinary performance, live, participatory, and social practices, regardless of their background or training.
We collaborate with artists from across London, the UK, and internationally to support their development and projects, amplifying their perspectives within our creative and local communities. Together, we strive to build the world we want to live and work in.
While our current studios are primarily designed for performing arts, we also facilitate a wider range of artistic creation through additional spaces and partnerships.
OUR SPACES
ODAC has nine spacious rehearsal studios, a casting studio, a Neighbourhood Studio, two offices, and a new Neighbourhood Makeshop space just a short walk from our main centre. Last year, our spaces were in use for over 28,000 hours, primarily for rehearsals, classes, castings, costume fittings, readthroughs, meetings, and small-scale events.
We’re proud to host a diverse range of groups, from large commercial theatre, TV, and film companies to local charitable and grassroots arts-led projects. Many of these organizations benefit from complimentary access to our purpose-built studios, and all share our spacious foyer and communal areas
OFFER
We want to provide 2-4 consecutive weeks of rehearsal space to shows that represent new narratives - whether through original themes, innovative storytelling methods, or from underrepresented voices or untold stories. We are offering semi-exclusive* rehearsal space to five or six groups during 2025, with access from 9am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday.
ODAC is unfortunately not able to offer a financial contribution to production costs, so we are looking for projects which are already funded.
In addition to the rehearsal space, we are offering:
Two hours of professional rehearsal photography.
Inclusion of the project in Old Diorama Arts Centre’s communications channels, both during the rehearsal process and the show’s production(s).
Access to the Neighbourhood Makeshop for set building and design (subject to availability, and if applicable.)
We would ask for the following:
The credit "Created at Old Diorama Arts Centre" (or "@olddiorama" on Instagram) to be included on all digital and printed materials related to the show, including programmes.
Production shots from the show, with permission for us to share them on our channels.
A one-hour interview with someone involved in the show for ODAC to write up, edit and share - highlighting your production and our residencies programme.
*With our semi-exclusive arrangement, the rehearsal space will be yours exclusively during the weekdays, allowing you to focus fully on your project. However, please note that we may need to use the studios in the evenings. Closer to your rehearsal dates, we can coordinate any arrangements for small sets or props that need to be left at the centre!
From left to right: With Echoes Filling Up the Orbit but Damaged, Moa Johansson & Andre Neely, Evita 2 by Sh*t Theatre. Photo credits: Zbigniew Kotkiewicz
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR
We are excited to support a range of theatrical shows across different scales and styles. To help us guide our selection, we are hoping to see the following:
Shows that represent a vision of the world the creators aspire to be part of and explore new narratives—whether through original themes, innovative storytelling methods, or by amplifying underrepresented voices or exploring untold stories. We are particularly excited by works that challenge conventions and/or offer fresh perspectives on the world.
Shows that have a strong likelihood of production in 2025 or early 2026.
Shows where the free space will make a significant difference to the project and its impact.
Shows that involve people who are underrepresented in the arts and address themes that are underrepresented in theatre.
Shows where the creative people involved in the project are paid for their work.
Shows with opportunities for collaboration with ODAC’s in-house programmes or the Camden Collabs network.
From left to right: Extinction Trilogy by Ocean Chillingworth; Grills, part of our Camden NoW! Commission, Photo credits: Zbigniew Kotkiewicz
APPLICATION PROCESS
ACCESSIBILITY
We are committed to making our application process as accessible as possible, with our focus on the relevance of your project and needs, rather than your application writing ability. If there’s anything we can do to support you—whether it’s an in-person meeting, submitting a recorded application, or any other form of assistance—please don’t hesitate to reach out. We aim to keep this process simple while gathering the key information we need to assess applications fairly.
APPLICATION
We are looking for a brief statement (ideally one page, equivalent to 400 words or approximately three minutes spoken or on video*) that addresses the following questions. You are welcome to answer each question individually or as you prefer.
*We understand that conciseness can be a challenge, and we do not want this to cause stress or hinder applicants.
PROJECT BACKGROUND
Briefly describe the background of your project up to this point.THEMES, RELEVANCE & NEW NARRATIVES
What are the main themes or topics of the show? How do these themes reflect new narratives (original stories, innovative storytelling methods, or voices from underrepresented perspectives)?PERFORMANCE PLANS
Where and when do you expect the project to be realised?TEAM
Tell us about the key people involved in the production.PARTNERSHIPS AND COLLABORATIONS
Are you partnering or collaborating with any other organizations, artists, or institutions for this project? If so, please share details about these collaborations and how they support the production.IMPACT OF FREE REHEARSAL SPACE
How will receiving ODAC’s free rehearsal space enhance the overall impact of your production?ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Besides rehearsal space, do you have any additional needs from the venue? For example, would you require a breakout room or any additional support?WHEN?
If successful, when would you require the rehearsal space? How many weeks do you envision needing (2-4 weeks)? How flexible are you with the scheduling?
HOW TO APPLY
Send your statement to: artists@olddiorama.com
Fill in our equal opportunities monitoring form
Application deadline: 9am Monday 13th January 2025
Next stage: We won’t be holding formal interviews or meetings, but we may reach out for clarifications or additional questions. By default, this will be done via email; however, if you prefer another communication method, please include your preference along with your application.
If you have any questions or require any clarifications about the process, please don’t hesitate to be in touch with us on artists@olddiorama.com or call 020 3951 9891.
