The current climate is as tough as it has ever been. Resources for artist development and new work have drastically reduced due to the cost-of-living crisis, workforce and skills shortage caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. For those starting out and those from traditionally underrepresented communities, the challenge of pursuing a creative career is even greater. Unchecked, this risks alienating generations of artists and audiences, resulting in a theatre landscape of diminished social relevance.

TPE delivers mentored creative development, integrating targeted opportunities for early-career, D/deaf, disabled and neurodiverse practitioners. Early-stage production activity includes engaging diverse cohorts of artists to experience access-informed theatre-making workshops and apply these skills within the development of new works anticipated for mainstream production. In-progress industry-focused showings platform artists and original works capable of engaging wide-ranging audiences.