GTF and Fishamble Autumn Residency

Galway Theatre Festival and Fishamble: The New Play Company have come together to pilot a brand-new autumn residency for theatre artists based in or connected to Galway.

Running from the 1st - 5th September 2025, this week-long residency offers artists the opportunity to develop a project for the stage while building new dramaturgical skills to carry forward in their creative practice. The residency will be facilitated by Gavin Kostick, Literary Manager, Fishamble, and take place in the heart of Galway City. There will be an opportunity to deliver your developed work later in the year, with potential to be considered for Galway Theatre Festival.

Each selected artist will receive:

• A €1,000 stipend

• Accommodation with your fellow artists to foster connection and shared experience

• A group theatre trip during the residency

• A guest talk with a professional theatre artist

• Access cost support, where needed

Participants must be available for the full duration of the residency.

As this is a pilot scheme, we’re gathering some information as part of the application process to help ensure a fair and inclusive selection. This supports our commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices and broadening the range of perspectives within Galway’s theatre community. All information provided will be treated in confidence and used solely for the purposes of selection.

We strongly encourage applications from artists working in the Irish language, and those from diverse backgrounds and underrepresented communities. Inclusion is a key value of this residency, and we’re committed to supporting a wide range of voices and experiences. One residency place for a theatre artist based in Galway County will
be supported by Galway County Arts Office.

Deadline to apply: 25th July, 5pm.

To apply click here: Autumn Residency Application Form

FAQS

Can I come with ideas to develop?
Yes! This residency is designed to support early-stage ideas as well as more developed scripts.

Can I come with a full play that I’ve written?
Absolutely. You’re welcome to bring a completed script, a draft in progress or just an idea. The week is flexible and shaped around your needs.

Is this a full-time commitment for the week?
Yes. While there is flexibility in the creative structure, participants are expected to commit to the full week (1st - 5th September) and be available to attend in person in Galway.

Is this just for writers?
No. This is open to theatre makers of all kinds: writers, devisers, directors, performers, or multidisciplinary artists developing work for the stage.

Will there be a showcase or sharing?
No formal sharing is planned, but informal presentations or feedback sessions may happen during the week, depending on the group’s needs. There will be an opportunity to deliver your developed work later in the year, with potential to be considered for Galway Theatre Festival.

Will accommodation be provided?
Yes. Accommodation is included. The residency is designed to give artists an immersive space to work with peers and spend time together.

If I have access costs, can these be covered?
Yes. Where feasible, we can support access costs of up to €400 for those who require it.