TAHI Festival Creative Residencies for Solo Theatre-Makers 2027
TAHI New Zealand Festival of Solo Performance is excited to announce two Creative Residencies for Solo Theatre-Makers in 2027.
WHAT’S ON OFFER:
Two Creative Residencies for Solo Theatre-Makers
A Deaf and/or disabled solo theatre maker
A Pacific/Māori theatre maker with the provocation to create a new solo theatre work that engages with the theme of Climate crisis, and with a target audience of 15-25 year olds.
DATES:
EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST CLOSE
18 DEC 2026
5PM
RECIPENTS ANNOUNCED
JAN 2027
BY THE END OF THE MONTH
RESIDENCY PERIOD
WITH ARTIST AVAILIBILTY REQUIRED FOR TAHI FESTIVAL 15 - 25 SEPT 2027.
FEB - SEP 2027
THE KOHA:
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:
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 Process:
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:
01
Solo Artists
Two solo artists/makers with a record of creating their own work and a kaupapa to explore in the residency.
02
Live Theatre
Artists will need to be committed to live theatre performances, including dance theatre, performance art, and interdisciplinary forms.
03
Creative Vision
Artists with vision, agenda and innovation.
*Applicants can apply from anywhere in Aotearoa. You do need to be a NZ Resident. If you are working out of Wellington we would find collaborators and rehearsal space in your local community. You need to be in Wellington for the lead up to the presentation of the work.
SELECTION PROCESS:
Applications will be reviewed by an advisory panel consisting of Sally Richards (TAHI’s Festival Director and Producer), representatives from BATS Theatre, PAYPA, Taki Rua Productions, the TAHI Festival Board, and other appropriate representatives.
Decisions will be based on the submitted Expressions of Interest and artistic CV. Applicants may be contacted for further information or references.
APPLYING:
Ready to pitch your idea?
Expressions of Interest close 18 December 2026 at 5pm.
Application Checklist:
Before you submit your application please ensure you have included:
Your contact information
Responses to the application prompts
An artistic CV
Application Support and Accessibility
We want to make the application process accessible and inclusive as possible. We have alternative options to apply available:
A word doc version of the form is available on request.
You can arrange an interview in lieu of the application form.
If you require a New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) interpreter, please let Sally know and she can support the necessary arrangements.
Online Information Session
Join us on Wednesday 25 November at 11am for an information session there will be a focus on the Deaf and/or Disabled Residency. Video link: meet.google.com/pni-zxix-wgu
Get in touch
Contact Sally Richards at sally@tahifestival.com or 027 555 9699 if you have any questions or need support.
This work has been made possible from funding from Creative New Zealand and the support of our partners Taki Rua Productions, PAYPA and BATS Theatre