Our seed commission programme is a new artist development opportunity for artists living and/or working in North Devon and the surrounding areas who are making new work, delivered by Landmark Theatres Ltd.
This initiative is a creative attachment to Landmark Theatres for emerging or developing theatre makers who are creating original, vibrant, engaging and accessible work that is reflective of North Devon and it’s communities.
Who we are looking for:
- Emerging or developing artists and companies who are either based in, or with a demonstrable commitment to making and presenting work in Northern Devon.
- Emerging or developing artists and companies who want to make new work between now and September 2025.
- Artists/ companies who have previously made work professionally. The programme can be applied for by early or mid-career artists/ companies.
- Work that represents the people of North Devon and the spirit of the community. We want to hear from artist who have something to say and want to make bold and exciting work for diverse audiences.
What we offer:
- A seed commission of up to £1500 to go towards your development/ production budget
- Free rehearsal space at the at the Landmark Theatre (subject to availability)
- Artistic mentoring and producing support delivered by the Landmark Theatres team
- Dramaturgical and developmental support for your idea
- Bespoke programme of masterclass workshops in theatre making craft and performance skills between April and August 2025
- Programming at the Landmark Theatre in September 2025
- Support in fundraising and writing project grant applications
- Support with inviting industry professionals to see your work
Register your interest
We are not currently open to applicants for 2026, however if you would like to register your interest or would like more info about the programme please contact the team.
Register your interestMeet our 2025 Seed Commissions Recipients!
Our seed commission programme is a development opportunity for artists living and/or working in North Devon and the surrounding areas who are making new work, delivered by Landmark Theatres Ltd. This initiative is a creative attachment to Landmark Theatres for emerging or developing theatre makers who are creating original, vibrant, engaging and accessible work that is reflective of North Devon and it’s communities.
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Ernie Shorten
Landmark Seeds
Ernie Shorten
Landmark Seeds
I am an 18-year-old dancer/ choreographer based in Porlock (Somerset) who has danced with the company Stacked Wonky from a very young age. I got involved early on, as the company typically works with a mix of ages in the production of site-specific work (performance for a non-stage location). I have carried a lot of what they do into my current view of dance/creation giving me an unusual style which combines movement, voice and detailed relationship with the world around me, as well as direct relationship with the audience.
I also have a lot of interest in dance for camera which is where my choreographic spark was sort of lit, often creating videos of movement in the urban areas I found myself in.
The piece I want to create is a walkabout show that becomes static.
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Fiona Fraser-Smith
Landmark Seeds
Fiona Fraser-Smith
Landmark Seeds
I was born and grew up here in North Devon. I grew up on a farm, rooted in our landscape, with a love of our natural and cultural heritage. I have a deep interest in creative work which reflects the uniqueness and heritage of people, place and landscape as well as human relationships with our natural environments.
For many years I’ve wanted to create my own outdoor walking performances that celebrate the people, place, and environments of our beautiful area. With a background in both biological sciences and subsequently working as an arts producer on a wide range of outdoor events and performances, a Seed Commission from Landmark Theatre’s is a perfect opportunity for me to create my own walking tour for their 2025 Welcome Weekender.
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MOLLY GOOCH
Landmark Seeds
MOLLY GOOCH
Landmark Seeds
My name is Molly Gooch, I’m a Southwest-based Theatre Maker originally from Ilfracombe, North Devon. As a multifaceted creative, I have experience in a variety of theatrical fields and roles across the arts sector. This allows me to know the possibilities, challenges and limitations of creating new original work, from all creative perspectives. My Theatrical work is and will always be rooted in research and real-life stories, exploring issues that can be difficult to communicate and often pushed aside by society and mainstream media. I am a firm believer in the use of theatre as a vehicle for breaking down barriers, cultivating understanding and creating real tangible change. After debuting my original play Seasons last year with the help and support of Seed Commission Funding, I’m so excited to be back working with the Landmark Theatre again in 2025. As a returning artist, I can’t wait to push and develop my creative boundaries and help another commissioned makers to do the same.
The piece I am developing for this year’s Welcome Weekender is called Mind Games. It explores the theme of mental health from a youth perspective. Through developing ideas with input from young people, the hope is to create a piece that they can identify with and characters they can connect to. The aim is to work with a mental health charity to not only raise funds and awareness for the essential work they do but also to ensure the accuracy of the content within the play.
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POPPY KING
Landmark Seeds
POPPY KING
Landmark Seeds
Poppy King has been working as a professional actress for almost a decade, having completed her studies at ArtsEd in 2016. She has enjoyed a varied career, from intimate rural theatre plays to full-scale musical theatre productions. Her career has been filled with incredibly enriching experiences, ranging from a site-specific production of Les Misérables in a Category 2 men’s prison, to working with Richard Stilgoe on his show ‘Orpheus the Mythical’ at The Other Palace, which featured a diverse cast of professional actors and disabled young adults. Alongside performing, she completed post-graduate studies in Voice and has had the pleasure of teaching young people in musical theatre for many years. In 2020, Poppy happily returned to her Devon roots to raise a family, which is her favourite role to date.
‘Finding Connie Converse’ is Poppy’s first venture into writing and devising, which has been made possible by great pillars of support, wisdom, and inspiration within the theatrical community of North Devon.
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RESTLESS SUCCESSORS
Landmark Seeds
RESTLESS SUCCESSORS
Landmark Seeds
Restless Successors is a theatre company based between North Devon and London, founded by writer and dramaturg Natalia Riga and composer and sound designer Peter Buffery.
Their show Fox and Sparrow was presented in Fringe TheatreFest in June 2024 and at the Landmark Welcome Week(ender) festival in September 2024. Their multimedia installation Moving On was presented in Fringe TheatreFest in June 2024 .
Natalia Riga: Natalia studied at the National Theatre of Greece Drama School and at Guildhall School of Music and Drama and currently doing an MA in Writing for Theatre and Broadcast Media at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.
She has worked as a set, costume and puppet maker, stage manager, writer and dramaturg with companies such as multistory theatre company, Theatre Workhouse, and Little Angel Theatre.
Peter Buffery: Peter Buffery is a Composer and Sound Designer working primarily in theatre. Since graduating with an MA in Collaborative Theatre Production and Design from Guildhall school, he has worked with various companies including Kneehigh, Beaford, Tete-Beche, Boundless, Kook Ensemble and Gorilla Circus.
