East Midlands theatre company Fifth Word is asking writers to produce short plays that can “pop up” outside traditional theatre spaces.
Fifth Word wants to hear from writers based in the region who can come up with ideas based on the theme of connection. The company is looking for short, immersive, site-specific pieces that can take place in everyday locations including a café, park, bus stop, library or home.
Laura Ford, Fifth Word’s artistic director, said, “Pop-Up Plays is an exciting opportunity to rethink how and where theatre happens. By commissioning new work from East Midlands writers and bringing it directly into everyday spaces, we hope to spark fresh ways for audiences to connect with live storytelling.
“This initiative isn’t just about creating theatre in unexpected places—it’s about giving more production opportunities to writers, amplifying unheard voices and proving that great theatre can happen anywhere.”
Fifth Word is collaborating with Leicester’s Curve, Derby Theatre and independent producers Fuel on the project.
Derby Theatre’s chief executive and artistic director Sarah Brigham said, “Pop-Up Plays offers a unique opportunity to showcase East Midlands writers, providing a platform for writers at all stages of their careers to experiment, collaborate with audiences and make theatre more accessible to all.”
Mufaro Makubika, whose play We Need New Names was a Fifth Word, New Perspectives and Brixton House presentation, said, “Fifth Word has played a significant role in my development as a writer. I have no doubt that without its support and encouragement, I wouldn’t have been able to create some of the work I've done.”
Further information is available at the Fifth Word web site.