Established theatre producers are invited to apply for a new Producers ’ Bursary funded by the Federation of Scottish Theatre in partnership with the Scottish Arts Council.

Following the success of its Assistant Director Bursary programme the Federation of Scottish Theatre (FST) is delighted to announce the launch of the FST Producers’ Bursary Programme, Loosening the Purse Strings.

The scheme is designed to further the creative development of established Scottish theatre producers. It aims to do this by:

‧ supporting them to develop their creative expertise
‧ encouraging entrepreneurialism through mentoring with other
producers
‧ exploring different producing models

This is a partnership between the placement producer and the host producer, who can be freelance or a company, and working in the commercial or subsidised sectors in Scotland, the rest of the UK or internationally. FST are asking for joint submissions to the programme, which can last from four to twelve weeks (or longer in exceptional circumstances).

FST Interim Director, Jon Morgan said “We are very pleased to be able to offer Scottish producers the chance to further their careers and to strengthen the Scottish theatre infrastructure. This initiative will offer Scottish producers the space to research and develop ideas by working with their contemporaries in different contexts and applying different methodologies. I look forward to receiving challenging and stimulating applications from Scotland’s producers for this opportunity.”

Chief Executive of the Scottish Art Council, Jim Tough said:

“This scheme demonstrates the Scottish Arts Council’s commitment to continually improving the quality of our support for theatre artists and widening access to that support.

Loosening the Purse Strings now joins the Producers’ Training Matrix as another example of our commitment to increasing our support for Scottish producers.”

It is hoped that successful proposals will involve the completion of a producing project and that the bursaried producer will be supported,
taught and mentored by their host for the duration of the placement.

More information on the Bursary programme is available from the FST’s website, http://www.scottishtheatre.org or by contacting the office on 0131 220 6393.

Applications should be received by 23rd February 2009.