THE NEW WOLSEY THEATRE, IPSWICH PRESENTS PULSE FESTIVAL 2014
FROM THURSDAY 29 MAY TO SATURDAY 7 JUNE 2014
Calling all emerging companies and theatre makers -
Applications now open for the 2014 programme including Scratch Performances and the Suitcase Prize 2014
The New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich is delighted to announce the launch of the 14th annual PULSE Festival from Thursday 29 May to Saturday 7 June 2014.
PULSE Festival is a part curated, part open application 10 day festival focusing on new and innovative approaches, offering a bright and inspiring snapshot of contemporary theatre and performance. Applications are now open for finished pieces, The Suitcase Prize and Scratch Performances.
The festival provides a platform for the development and presentation of new work by regional, British and international artists of vision, and aims to nurture artistic ambition and excellence across a range of art forms. The 2014 PULSE Festivalwill present work across a variety of genres, from comedy to dance and everything in between, in various forms from tour-ready work to rehearsed readings, and works at an advanced stage of development.
Now in its 14th year, PULSE Festival has presented new work from a host of local and international artists and companies including Gecko, Talking Birds, Lucy Ellinson, Made in China, Caroline Horton, Victoria Melody, Chris Goode,Mark Thomas, Daniel Bye, Chris Thorpe, Action Hero and Ursula Martinez.
“An essential date on the theatrical calendar” The Guardian Guide
The 2014 PULSE Festival is now accepting applications for finished pieces, The Suitcase Prize and Scratch Performances:
The New Wolsey is delighted to announce the return of the successful PULSE initiative: The Suitcase Prize on Friday 30 May. Aimed at encouraging theatre makers to think in an environmentally and economically sustainable way, the only stipulations are that the work must be brand new, unfinished and must be able to travel on public transport in luggage carried by the people taking part in the piece. The Suitcase Prize will award £1000 to a bold and adventurous idea, with all artists shortlisted for the prize also having the opportunity to present their work-in-progress at the Festival.
Scratch Performances take place on Saturday 31 May 2014. This Scratch Day will support and showcase new works-in-progress of 60-minutes or less from artists exploring new practice and new ideas, providing a vital development platform for works-in-progress.
Applications are now open, and can be submitted using the online application form at www.pulsefringe.com. The deadline for applications is Friday 10 January 2014 and applicants will be notified by Monday 3March 2014. Applications must be for new professional work, or work by a new and emerging companies - that is, new creations, new productions or new works in development.
The 2014 PULSE Festival welcomes back China Plate as Festival Directors. The established producing team bought last year’s festival a fresh, adventurous line-up that included Caroline Horton’s Mess, Mark Thomas’ Bravo Figaro, a bespoke commission from Lucy Ellinson, and last year’s festival co-commission Gym Party which was developed in collaboration withSPRINT, Mayfest, Battersea Arts Centre and Cambridge Junction‘s Sampled Festival. As part of the Festival and China Plate’s commitment to developing work across the country, they will be supporting Search Party’s production My Son and Heir as this year’s co-commission alongside SPRINT, Mayfest, and Cambridge Junction.
PULSE Festival is committed to accessibility within theatre and increasing awareness and discussion as well as promoting the creative use of communication through theatre. PULSE 2013 saw the success of more accessible performances and the very first Creative Case for Diversity symposium. Launched in 2011 by the Arts Council, the Creative Case for Diversity advocates that diversity and equality can enrich the arts for artists, audiences and our wider society. The 2014 Festival hopes to welcome more applicants from disabled-led companies, building on the work and discussions of the Creative Case Symposium.
The New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich is a regional theatre with a national reputation for the quality, range and reach of its work and for embracing cultural diversity in the widest sense. The theatre is central to the creative life of Suffolk and seeks to expand the horizons of audiences and artists by presenting a programme designed to entertain, enrich and challenge.
For information about the PULSE Festival 2014 please visit www.pulsefringe.com @PulseFringe
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