TONIC

A crucial part of the work of Camden People's Theatre has always been the support and development of practitioners in the early stages of their careers.

We aim to help emerging artists not just by providing an affordable, supportive and sympathetic performance space, but by offering more direct assistance with training and development.

Much of this support is offered informally - for example, CPT staff are happy to give whatever help and advice they can to visiting companies during their stay, and will always try to make time for a cup ot tea to discuss projects.

However, since 2002, we have also offered selected companies a more structured programme of training and mentoring. It's all part of our TONIC scheme, supported by Arts Council England, London.

TONIC (Training Of New Innovative Companies) is part of CPT’s Artists' Development Programme.

Following evaluation of the previous years, we've now developed a more flexible package of support, in recognition that each participating company has different needs and ways of working. In 2008 we'll work with up to eight companies, each developing a new piece of work. The support we offer each company might include:

R&D space
Opportunities for Work-in-progress showings
Rehearsal Space
Performance oportunities
artistic mentoring and feedback where appropriate
advice and guidance on funding, touring, promotion, management, creative practice etc.
networking opportunities

Two of the companies will also be offered

the opportunity to present a show at CPT for a three-week run as part of a TONIC season.
Production bursary
full marketing & press support
technical support

In considering those that we would like to offer this opportinity to, we prioritise companies and artists who are working in experimental theatre, collaborative performance and/or live art; and whose working practices and policies are in accord with CPT’s own policies and remit.

If you would like to be considered for TONIC, it’s best to develop some kind of relationship with CPT. If you’re not able to stage a three week run here or at another theatre, performance opportunites also exist through SPRINT, our annual festival of new and experimental theatre.