Opportunity Knocks: the Stepladder Award
'Electrolyte' by 2018 Stepladder Award winners Wildcard Theatre. Photo Credit: The Other Richard.
Attention theatre makers: applications are now open for the third year of Les Enfants Terribles’ annual Stepladder Award. In association with house and The Other Richard, this prestigious award offers one Edfringe 2019 company the chance to receive industry support and touring mentoring, as well as production photography, a show recording and an edited trailer for promotional use. Not sure yet if you qualify? Fringebiscuit got in touch with producer James Seager of Les Enfants Terribles, to find out the nitty gritty details and why you should apply…
Who are Les Enfants Terribles?
We are a theatre company that specialises in storytelling whether it’s through large scale immersive shows like our Olivier nominated Alices’ Adventures Underground, or with our stage shows that have been featuring at the fringe for the last 18 years!
What are some of the biggest challenges for emerging theatre companies?
Quite simply money. The festival is expensive with most of your budget when you start out going on accommodation and travel. It’s hard to finance a show and know where and how to do it - there’s no magical answer I’m afraid. The next issue is what happens after one or two successful fringe runs? When you try and make that next step? How do you do it? How hard is it when inevitably there are people in your company who understandably have day jobs to bring in living money. Hopefully our award focuses on this.
Who should apply for The Stepladder Award?
Companies who have been to the fringe and have had success but want to and need to get to the next step but don’t know how. These are companies that have the potential for growth but don’t know how to do it - we’re here to help them with that.
Key piece of advice for emerging theatre makers?
Surround yourself with likeminded individuals who share the passion, talent and drive.
"Our company doesn't have much professional experience... Should we bother applying?"
Yes! If you have a passionate, ambitious company and have done one or two festivals then that’s the criteria.
What motivates you?
Seeing exciting theatre that takes my breath away and striving to create something new and fresh in the work we create.
What's the most exciting thing you've seen onstage this year?
Probably Emilia.
Companies wishing to apply should follow this link and submit their applications by 3rd August 2019.