Polka Theatre’s Catapult Programme supports theatre-makers developing work for young audiences. Polka launched the programme during its 45th anniversary year. Its aim is simple: help artists take an idea forward and give more space to voices that remain underrepresented in Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA). This archive keeps the original 2024 announcement while also adding the latest 2026 update.
Polka Theatre Catapult Programme: the 2024 launch
Polka Theatre created Catapult for artists and producers making theatre for children aged 0–12. Artistic Director and Joint Chief Executive Helen Matravers introduced it as a practical way to support new and developing work.
Rather than offering a single workshop or short scheme, Catapult provides support over a longer period. As a result, artists have more time to test ideas, build confidence and develop their work.
What support does Catapult offer?
At launch, Catapult supported six projects across 12 months. Artists could access seed funding and free rehearsal space. They also received mentoring and training from industry professionals.
In addition, the programme gave artists access to Polka-produced shows and links with Polka Primary School Partners. It also created opportunities to present work to the wider industry.
Polka also designed Catapult to tackle underrepresentation in TYA. The programme particularly supports artists from the Global Majority, disabled artists and LGBTQ+ artists. It also aims to reach theatre-makers from lower socio-economic backgrounds.
First Steps and Next Steps
First Steps is for artists and companies with a completely new show idea. The strand focuses on work for children aged 0–6. Crucially, the idea should not already have been drafted, performed or rehearsed.
Next Steps, meanwhile, supports projects that have already started to develop. An artist or company may have a first draft or may already have completed a workshop. The programme then helps them move towards production and industry presentation.
Why Polka created Catapult
Helen Matravers described artist support as increasingly important. She also stressed the value of backing underrepresented theatre-makers who want to take creative risks.
Polka is a dedicated children’s theatre and a National Portfolio Organisation. Therefore, artist development sits naturally alongside its work for young audiences. Catapult gives the theatre a structured way to discover new stories, new voices and fresh ideas.
Polka Theatre Catapult Programme – 2026 update
Catapult has continued beyond its original 2024 launch. In 2026, Polka Theatre is again running the programme through First Steps and Next Steps.
First Steps still focuses on brand-new ideas for audiences aged 0–6. Next Steps, however, is for projects moving beyond an early draft or research-and-development stage.
For the 2026 programme, seed funding increased to £1,200 for First Steps and £2,500 for Next Steps. Artists also receive mentoring, rehearsal space, training and industry showcase opportunities.
Applications for the 2026 cohort have now closed. However, Polka states that the next Catapult application window will open in Autumn 2027.
The 2026 Catapult artists are also due to present scratch work during Polka Theatre’s Big Dreams industry day on 18 September 2026. This links the programme directly with networking, professional development and new work for young audiences.
For current details, visit Polka Theatre’s First Steps and Next Steps pages.
