Pitch Up | house

COVID-19 UPDATE: Further to the government’s announcement, we have decided to postpone Pitch Up Libraries (20 March). All future Pitch Up events remain under review.

A welcoming gathering of theatre-makers, producers and venue programmers

Pitch Up is a half-day event hosted by Farnham Maltings as part of the house initiative. It’s made up of 5-minute theatre-maker pitches and 2-5 minute venue pitches aimed at sharing new ideas and encouraging the connections to make them happen. Pitches come from artists/companies, producers and venues in a spirit of openness and collaboration, ensuring it’s a valuable event whether you’re pitching or not.

We host up to three Pitch Up events each year in venues across the South East. The focus, dates and locations vary, so keep an eye on Twitter for the latest news or join our mailing list.

Browse past Pitch Up events…

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Pitch Up?: Pitch Up is a half-day event hosted by Farnham Maltings as part of the house initiative. It’s made up of 5-minute artist pitches and 2-5 minute venue pitches aimed at sharing new ideas and encouraging the connections to make them happen. Pitches come from theatre makers, producers and venues in a spirit of openness and collaboration, ensuring it’s a valuable event whether you’re pitching or not.

So if you’re an artist, producer or venue involved in making theatre, and you’re looking for partners for a new project, Pitch Up is for you!
How does it work?: When a Pitch Up event is announced, everyone wishing to attend must sign up to the event via Eventbrite. There are two ways to apply to pitch:

- Via Online Application Form
- Via Video Application (this still requires a small form to be completed online)

Everyone wishing to attend must sign up to the event via Eventbrite.
If you wish to apply for an artist pitching slot you must complete and return an application form.
If you wish to apply for a venue venue pitching slot, you should contact Laura Woodward

These events have a limited capacity and we ask for a maximum of two people per company or organisation to attend. A waiting list will be in operation once the event is sold out.

The day includes time to hear pitches and time to meet new people and connect through informal conversations.
Structure of the day: 13:00 – arrivals for pitch up with refreshments and familiarisation of space (pitchers only)
13:15 – doors open for non-pitching delegates - with refreshments (other programmers, producers and artists)
13:30 – welcome and introduction to all pitchers
13:45 – pitching session one
14:20 – venue pitches session one
14:30 – break for refreshments and conversations
15:15 – pitching session two
15:50 – venue pitches session two
16:00 – break for refreshments and conversations
17:00 – closing comments
How to apply for an artist pitch: To pitch an idea is by application only. If you are considering pitching at future events, you may find this information useful.

We encourage you to consider why you’re pitching and what relationships you hope to gain. This is significant in your application as we’re passionate about venues and artists working together to create new work and learn from each other. And if you’re successful in securing a pitch, it will also help you to make the most of the day.

The main idea you wish to include in your pitch must be at ideas or R&D stage. You’re welcome to mention a full production as your ‘other project’.

A panel will meet to decide the pitches. We try to curate a wide range of ideas and a wide range of artists. We welcome applications from all. All applicants will be notified of the outcome.

If you are unsuccessful in securing a pitching slot we still highly recommend attending Pitch Up to benefit from networking and relationship-building opportunities. You will need to sign up via Eventbrite.
How to apply for a venue pitch: There is no application process to pitch as a venue. Please contact Laura Woodward for information and to register your interest.
Would like to attend, but don't want to pitch?: We'd love to see you there! All you have to do is sign up to attend via Eventbrite. You can find the link on the website, on the Pitch Up event page and on Twitter.
Accessibility: As a venue network we are keen to engage with as many venues and artists as possible. We endeavour to work with venues which provide fully accessible spaces. However, as many of the venues in the house network are listed or old buildings, we can’t always guarantee full accessibility. We will state when this is the case, and we continue to encourage venues in the South East to become as accessible as possible.

Each event will be live captioned by StageText (this is specified on the event page). Speakers are amplified where possible.

Programmes for the event are given out on the day, with a brief description of each pitch and contact details.

Please get in touch if you’d like to discuss how we can make our offers more accessible.

If you have any additional access requirements, including a Personal Assistant or Carer ticket, or a BSL interpreter, please get in touch with Laura Woodward prior to booking.
Expenses: We can offer a contribution towards some expenses for artists who are successful with their pitch application. Details of this will be discussed with successful applicants.
Questions: If you have any questions about Pitch Up, including accessibility enquiries, please contact Laura Woodward from Farnham Maltings / house team.