OV Lab

As part of our commitment to supporting early and mid-career theatre artists, we are offering free development space in our Clore Learning Centre through OV Lab. This scheme enables freelance theatre professionals to book a block of five days to develop and rehearse work, with the option of holding an informal sharing at the end.

This offer is open to individuals and groups working professionally in theatre. We will give priority to those based in Lambeth or Southwark. We are committed to giving access to artists from backgrounds which are underrepresented in theatre (see ‘Eligibility’ for more detail).

To apply for OV Lab, you must be a freelance individual or group with some previous professional experience of putting on work (this can be at local/fringe level upwards).

The space can be used by a maximum of 15 artists. You will be permitted to host one invited sharing during the development time for up to 15 additional people.  

Priority will be given to applicants who are based in Lambeth or Southwark.  

We are committed to giving access to artists from the global majority, care-experienced artists, disabled artists, neurodivergent artists, artists from working class backgrounds and artists from the LGBTQIA+ community. 

You should be able to articulate a clear objective and/or benefit to your project, that access to space will help you achieve

Inspired by The Old Vic’s artistic ambitions, we are particularly interested in hearing from projects which explore new writing, re-imagined classics and community-driven work.

This must not be something which people pay to take part in e.g. hosting a paid workshop or summer school. Members of the group may be paid as professional freelancers if you have funds to do so.

Whilst projects may have received funding, NPOs and commercial theatre companies are not eligible to apply.

The Old Vic’s brand-new Backstage Building provides a home for our groundbreaking Education & Community programmes, that support local communities, schools and emerging creative practitioners. We are excited that, for the first time, we have a dedicated education studio, the Clore Learning Centre, Writers’ Room for creatives to work and collaborate and a Studio space.    

OV Lab takes place in the Clore Learning Centre, which offers:  

• Approximately 6.4 x 9.5 metres rehearsal space 

• 30 chairs and four tables 

• In-built projector 

• Music system 

• Tea and coffee facilities 

OV Lab will be available for the following dates and times:  

Block 1: Mon 3–Fri 7 Aug, 10am–6pm  

Block 2: Mon 10–Fri 14 Aug, 10am–6pm 

Block 3: Mon 24–Wed 26 Aug, 10am–4.30pm and Thu 27–Fri 28 Aug, 10am–6pm 

You will be asked to indicate your availability for these dates in your application. Dates will be assigned as blocks of five consecutive days, and we will prioritise applications which would make full use of the time available.