Put on a summer show with Phoenix!

We are looking for pitches for our Summer Season (May-July)!

Would you like to run a 48 hour musical, cabaret, big sing, community event or even an unconventional show with the Phoenix Players? We would love to hear from you!

Got any questions? Email phoenixplayersamdram@gmail.com

The deadline for applications is 22nd February 2026.

What types of shows will Phoenix consider?

  • 48-hour shows: The cast would only see the script for the first time on Friday evening, rehearse all of Saturday, and perform Sunday afternoon.

  • Cabarets: A short run of Monday rehearsals with an MD, sometimes a bonus weekend rehearsal, and a one-night-only show, with 4-6 full cast numbers and a mixture of group numbers and solos. 

  • Big Sing: Events with no rehearsals, where Phoenix members pitch songs they want to sing on the night and what gets played when is agreed between the organiser and pianist - usually with some group numbers as well.

  • Community events: Teaming up with a local choir, am dram group, arts group, charity or business for a special event

  • Workshops: Run by an expert in their field donating their time to put on an interactive learning event. 

  • New types of show: Maybe it’s time for Phoenix try its hand at an immersive experience, a straight play, an improv musical, or something else?

How would putting on a show work?

  • Dates: We are not confirming specific dates in May/June/July immediately as we may be able to run more than one event - or we may need to work around people’s summer holidays(!) and other events. Note that your show will probably not get more than about a month of rehearsals.

  • Venue: We are liaising with the Shoestring Theatre and Lakes Cafe as performance venues. We would normally use Emmanuel Church Hall for rehearsals, although we will look at other options to save hall hire costs (e.g. a pub for readthroughs).

  • Budget: Please expect a shoestring budget based on ticket and refreshment sales and show fees. Your show does not need to be a fundraiser but should not lose money. We will not have the budget to pay to licence a show for this season. The society has resources you can use, including costumes, bits of set, lights and a keyboard.

  • Team: We particularly welcome those with a team behind them (producer, stage manager, tech crew, MD, depending on the complexity of your vision!). But you do not need all of that to pitch - feel free to come to us with just yourself, an idea and a lot of enthusiasm and we’ll try to help you find the support you need!

How do I apply?

The deadline for applications is 22nd February 2026. When you’re ready to apply, send an email to phoenixplayersamdram@gmail.com, telling us:

  • What is your idea? We’re only looking for around 200 words

  • Who is in your team?

  • What is you/your team’s availability between 22nd Feb and 6th March for a pitch meeting?

  • What is your/your team’s availability in May/June/July? (Any holidays?)

  • How do you prefer to be contacted about your application (we can email or whatsapp or, if you’re in Beamstalk, chat in rehearsals)

If you’re not sure if a pitch is right for Phoenix or have any questions, feel free to pop us an email before you apply and a member of committee will happily chat it through with you. 

What happens after I apply?

The committee will review all the applications and either follow up by email or invite you to a pitch meeting.

The pitch meeting will involve you talking through your plan on a Zoom call with a few members of committee. We aim to make pitch meetings as friendly as possible - this is not Dragon’s Den, you don’t need a polished presentation! It’s just a chance for us to hear more about what you want to do. 

You can expect questions like: 

  • Tell us about your vision for the show.

  • Tell us about your directing and leadership experience. 

  • We are an inclusive group which prioritises fun for everyone in the company. How will you bring that to your show?

  • How will you make sure the full cast - particularly the chorus - is well-used during the show?

  • Tell us about how you will stage the show.

The committee will discuss applications and agree who to take forward in their committee meeting on 8th March. We will then call you that evening with an update. If you are chosen to put on a show, we will confirm next steps at this point in terms of budget, dates, venue and logistics.