Creative Residencies for Solo Theatre-Makers 2026

Te koha/offer

Creative Residencies for Solo Theatre-Makers responds to feedback from our communities, for support to create work and develop practice. It acknowledges that solo theatre-makers need a supported, collaborative process. Solo performance is a misnomer, it requires whānau. 

Creative Residencies for Solo Theatre-Makers will be delivered by TAHI and sit alongside investment and collaboration from our partners. The residencies will develop practice and explore ideas for new solo theatre work. The model is designed to be flexible to the artist’ process:

• One residency for Māori creatives in partnership with Taki Rua. 

• One residency for queer & LGBTQIA+ creatives, in partnership with BATS Theatre.
  This residency is open to artists who self-identify as queer, takatāpui, fa’afafine, fakaleiti/leiti, or part of the LGBTQIA+ communities.

The residency includes:

• A stipend - equivalent to 4.5 F/T weeks or 180 hours at $40 per hour. Paid in two installments. 

• Use of a dedicated space to develop practice and create new work - equivalent to 4.5 F/T weeks.

• The provision of high-quality mentoring that puts hauora at the centre of the creative practice.

• Collaboration with other practitioners, where desired  - designers, technicians, dramaturg etc and across different art forms providing opportunities for innovation and experimentation with form and multi-disciplinary approaches.

• Opportunities for feedback for the developing work.

• Presentation of the developing work at TAHI Festival.

• Arts management support - funding and marketing guidance.

• Marketing support through the provision of videography and photography, documenting development and any presentation of work.

• Production support for the creative process and any presentation in the form of set, prop and costume materials.

The details of the residency, including hours and periods, will be discussed with TAHI, the artist and partners and a Memorandum of Understanding created.

The outcomes:

Monthly check-ins with TAHI and partners to review the process and ensure that needs are being met. 

• At the three and six month mark, the artist will report back on progress and can present a showing.

• Two months prior to the September festival, a decision is made on what sort of presentation will happen

• Festival presentation at BATS Theatre, or other space on agreement.

• Digital assets available to all partners for further promotion.

What we are looking for:

• Two solo artists/makers with a record of creating their own work and a kaupapa to explore in the residency. 

• Artists will need to be committed to live theatre performances, including dance theatre, performance art, and interdisciplinary forms.

• Artists with vision, agenda and innovation.

• This is Pōneke based residency. Accommodation and travel to Pōneke is not included but we welcome artists from across the motu.

Selection Process

• Decisions will be made by an advisory panel consisting of Sally Richards (TAHI’s Festival director and  producer), and representatives from BATS Theatre, PAYPA, Taki Rua Productions and the TAHI Board. Other representatives may include Arts Access Aotearoa and funders.

• We will make decisions based on the submitted Expressions of Interest information, including a three minute video pitch and artistic CV. Should more information be required, we may call artists and/or reach out to the listed reference.

Applying:

Please use the application form: Apply here

Note that you can arrange an interview in lieu of the application form - please contact Sally Richards (sally@tahifestival.com) to arrange.  

Any questions about the residencies can be directed to Sally, via email or phone on 027 555 9699.