HOW WE PROGRAMME

Alongside producing our own Omnibus Theatre productions, we also invite artists to apply to be a part of our programme

Our programming meetings are held once a week, consisting of our Artistic Director, Executive Director, Literary Officer and members from our Marketing and Admin teams. There, we look at each submission with the aim to decide on whether it’s a production in line with our artistic programme or if we would be keen to contribute to its development. Some of our discussion is based on the following 3 factors.  

  • Artistic Content: Story, Themes, Resonance of today, how it aligns with our programme.  
  • Development: Is it ready for production, R&D, part of Engine Room. 
  • Producibility: Cast size, set, venue choice, marketing and PR campaigns, plans for funding or already attached.  

We aim to respond within 8 weeks, if you don’t hear from us then please do nudge! 

If we think the submission is at a good stage of development and identifies with our artistic vision, then we will respond with a view to take your submission further.  

If a submission isn’t taken forward, then we respond with the option to offer dramaturgical feedback to artists. If you would like feedback on the script, please specify in your submission.  

If you would like to submit work to our programme, then please complete the submission form.  

WEDNESDAY CHATS

Do you have an idea or a script you’d like to develop? 

Want to know more about programming and how it works? 

Are you ready to pitch your script to us? 

Introducing Wednesday Chats at Omnibus Theatre. We’re throwing open the digital doors and inviting artists to sit down and have an online chat with Artistic Director, Marie McCarthy or one of the Senior Omnibus team.

Whether you want to discuss an idea, collaborate with us, find out about our artist development schemes or give feedback on what we’ve done so far – we’ve set up 15 minute slots each Wednesday for you to chat with us. 

Click on this link to view and book slots. We’ll send over the meeting link on the morning of the session.

Programming Submission Form – here

Please complete the submission form to tell us about your project. This helps us understand what your project is and what kind of slot you would like to have as part of our programme. In this form, you will be asked:

Name of main contact Email Phone Name of artist/company Show title Show description – Tell us about your show. Be sure to include a synopsis/overview and any production history. (500) Who is involved – Include a short biography of the company or artist, as well as details about any partners or collaborators. (250) Plans for funding – Please include details of confirmed or expected funding. (150) Why Omnibus – What is it about Omnibus Theatre’s programme that you feel aligns with your submission? (200) 

Invite the Omnibus Theatre team to your performance – here

If you have a show you’d like to invite us along to, then fill out the above form and we’ll do our best to make it. If we are able to attend your show, we will email you confirming attendance.

WEDNESDAY CHATS: 1:1 MEETINGS WITH ARTISTIC DIRECTOR MARIE MCCARTHY
ASSOCIATE ARTISTS

We have a circle of Associates – a rolling programme of support for those who we have established a collaborative artistic relationship, and who’s work we have great belief in.

1 to 3 Week Runs

The Overcoat by Scandal and Gallows Theatre

Our core programme of theatre productions presented in our main Studio Theatre space with shows running from one to three weeks. We are looking for:

– Classic tales reimagined for contemporary audiences

– Adaptations

– Relevant and topical new writing which challenges perceptions

Festivals

Drag Me To Love by Bonnie and The Bonnettes

Our three annual festivals feature theatre, new writing, cross-disciplinary performance, debate and music. The majority of performances in our festivals run for 1 – 3 nights, with a couple of headline shows running for 1 – 3 weeks.

Engine Room

No Shaming by Sumah Richardson

Engine Room is an opportunity for theatre makers test out 20 minutes of their work-in-progress shows. Participating artists also receive free rehearsal space and dramaturgical support.. The scheme runs twice a season.

Theatre for Under-11s

A Strange New Space by Tessa Bide

We programme theatre for under-11s and their and families. We also programme a longer run each Christmas.

Edinburgh Previews

Wondr by Metta Theatre

We hold two weeks of Edinburgh Fringe previews every July, ahead of the festival. We offer slots of one to three nights.