At Springdrift Theatre Co_ we're looking for expressions of interest for our new project "Loch Leman"
About Springdrift
Springdrift Theate Co_ is a new small-scale theatre company that aims to deliver high-quality theatre experiences to the wider Perth and Kinross region, filling in the artistic and access gaps that our current theatre-buildings cannot deliver on.
As a brand new collective, our primary focus is threefold:
- build community
- make theatre
- scope the landscape
We are a company that is made up of artists and will focus on supporting artists primarily.
About Matthew
I am primarily a dramaturg by trade (but I also write and direct), and have been working between here and Sweden for over five years.I have been working as an in-house script reader/dramaturg at Perth Theatre and have since got an idea of what the region’s audiences are like, what has traditionally been performed in Perth, and what the current climate is.
The First Springdrift Project
We wanted to perform a piece of theatre that has a classic feel, but has modern keys to engage young people with the themes that are resonant with their current lives.
Loch Leman is a play that gives a new life to four recognisable and literary historic figures (Percy & Mary Shelley, Lord Bryon, and Claire Clairmont) and the dark but socially innovative period when Frankenstein was written.
Key themes are:
- sexual politics amidst widespread conservatism,
- uncertainty about the climate and its impact on our lives,
- and a feeling of being a stranger in your homeland
It will be a production with a fixed script, but bookended by devised sections with a youth/community cast.
Timeline
Strategically, we want to perform in early-mid February 2026. This gives us enough time to apply for funding, build the team, and start work on the project whilst also making use of the post-panto blackout of theatre which may offer in-kind rehearsal space. This will also hopefully allow creatives to work around their usual busy periods of Oct-Dec, and Summer (fringe fest).
Budget
The total budget plan is still in the process of being created, however, we arrrently estimating that it will roughly be between £85K-110K.
Roles for Creative Team
A production like this will mean that we will be hiring a strong team of artists to bring the vision the life. We want to prioritise local artists first, however, we are aware that we may also have to hire in peers with relevant experience from elsewhere in Scotland.
Our current list of roles that we will be looking for (and may be subject to change) are:
- Community Coordinator
- Dramaturg
- Producer(s)
- Actors (four)
- Designer
- Stage Management
- Lighting Designer
- Sound Engineer
- Marketing/Communications Lead
Prior to our funding decisions, any help and support on our funding applications, project planning, and artistic direction will be warmly welcomed. Please note, any voluntary work undertaken for Springdrift will always be appreciated but never expected. Please only consider this if you have time, capacity, and financial security already in place.
What We Need Now
Our primary and most urgent need is to be able to submit the necessary funding applications for this project, as such, we are looking for:
- Expressions of interest for creative roles
- Willingness to be used as a potential collaborator on our application
- Your ideas!
- Funding application support
- Connections and network/Spread the word
Note: Title and image are not final.
If you are interested in supporting this project in any way, please e-mail Matthew with your CV and a short bio.
You can also submit voice memos or a video of up to 5 minutes in length.
We are particularly interested in those of you who:
• works professionally or have trained in theatre, performing arts, and/or the creative industries
• wants to make art in and for Perthshire and Kinross-shire
• currently lives, grew up, or wants to work outwith the Central Belt of Scotland, preferably (but not limited to) the Perth and Kinross district
• are over 18.
If you have additional access needs, or would like to talk further in person, then do let Matthew know and we can organise appropriately.
Contact at:
Any expressions of interest are for scoping purposes to see how best we can support and develop the region's artists. It is no guarantee of any paid work on this project, however, it is a good first step in building relationships with you as potential future collaborators.