Programming, Artist Development and Resources
All programming enquiries should be sent to Dorchester Arts’ Artistic Director, Mark Tattersall, at mark@dorchesterarts.org.uk
Some guidelines if you want to approach us about a performance at one of our venues:
What do we programme?
We are a multi-artform venue, running a year-round programme of 120+ shows a year, comprising music, theatre, comedy, family shows, dance, film and general entertainment. We run a programme of outdoor theatre and music in the summer. In 2025 we will also be launching a visual arts programme in a new gallery space. To get a flavour of our programming, take a look at our What’s On pages or download our latest brochure (we publish three a year – Spring, Summer and Autumn).
How far in advance do we programme?
Generally 6 – 9 months in advance, although we frequently have bookings in the calendar as much as 18 months ahead. We can look at very limited late additions to the programme up until 6 weeks before the start of a season (so, mid-November for Jan – April, mid-February for Apr – Aug, and mid-July for Sept-Dec).
What is the best way to approach us?
We get many hundreds of submissions every year, of which we can only programme a fraction, so prefer submissions to come by email, as we just don’t have time to speak to everyone on the phone. Ideally, we like to receive a comprehensive tour pack or email containing as much detail as possible. Trailers, images and links to performance videos are really helpful, but we do understand that while a show is in development not all these things might be available.
Before submitting work to us, it’s worth checking that it will be a good fit for us in a few simple ways:
- Is it at the right scale? We mainly programme into a small scale (145/156 seat venue) and a bottom end of mid-scale (380 seat) venue.
- Will it work technically? Our venue tech specs can be downloaded using the links below. We are of course happy to find work-around solutions where possible and can sometimes hire in specialist equipment, but taking a look at these tech specs might give you an idea of whether we can handle your show.
- Does it seem to fit into our programme? We run a very varied programme and welcome submissions from all sorts of performers, but a look at our existing programme might help you decide whether we are likely to programme your work.
How do we decide what to programme?
As the main provider of performances in the town we aim to run a very varied programme, as we want there to be something for everyone in the mix. Our stated aims are to bring great performances to the town, give local people creative opportunities, and to nurture local talent, so:
- We aim to ensure that everything we present is of great artistic quality
- We aim to be ambitious and give local people really memorable and satisfying live arts experiences
- Our programme aims to be balanced: we are not a specialist venue, so no one artform dominates our programme.
- We are always interested in work that involves local people and gives them a chance to be involved in being creative
- We try to support local creatives, whether that means professional writers, performers, and directors, or local amateur groups and those just starting out in their creative careers
- We want to be distinctive in what we present. There are some really great arts venues across Dorset and some very active clubs and societies in Dorchester, so we try to present a programme that complements and contrasts with those other offers, rather than competing and duplicating
Do we commission new work?
We don’t receive any funding to support the commissioning of new work, so our scope in this area is limited, but:
- We are committed to nurturing local talent and always welcome discussions with Dorset-based creatives on how we can support the development of their work
- We rarely have cash to put into artist development but can help in other ways. We can offer space for R&D and rehearsal, mentoring and support with developing new work (from creative input to advice on design, marketing and how to promote a new show) as well as support with funding applications. We are only a small team, so our capacity is limited, but we aim to help as many artists and performers as we can in this way.
- We run a regular festival (The Script’s The Thing) aimed at supporting writing for all kinds of performance. Although this does not directly lead to work being commissioned, it’s a great platform for new writing and may help with getting exposure and feedback as well as making new contacts. For full details see The Script’s The Thing
Our venues and tech specs
We programme in a variety of venues in and around Dorchester, but our main ones are Dorchester Corn Exchange (145 – 156 raked seats, or 300 flat with stage) and the Hardye Theatre (380 raked seats). You will find links below to allow you to access the tech specs for both venues along with some photos.
Dorchester Arts Scriptwriting Library
Dorchester Arts has started to build a library of scripts and scriptwriting resources with the aim of supporting Dorset’s creative community. The current library contains around 80 books, ranging from classic scripts, such as Molière’s Tartuffe, Georg Buchner’s Woyzeck and Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House, to contemporary scripts by British and international writers, and books about scriptwriting and performance by Simon Callow, Peter Brook, David Edgar and others.
The full list can be found here: Scriptwriting Library download (PDF)
The books are available at the Dorchester Arts office and can either be read in one of our meeting rooms or signed out on loan free of charge. To consult or borrow a book, just give us a call on 01305 266926 to make an appointment or call in to the Dorchester Arts office at the rear of the Corn Exchange, High East Street, Dorchester DT1 1HF (open weekdays 10am – 4pm).
There is lots of space on our shelves so if you have any scripts or relevant books that you’d like to donate to the library, then please get in touch via the phone number above or by emailing mark@dorchesterarts.org.uk. Thank you!
We are very grateful to Nick Hern Books for their generous donation which has formed the basis of what we aim to make a large and useful resource for Dorset’s writers.
Stage and lights for local hire
We have a set of portable LED lights and a large modular stage available for loan or hire by local arts and community groups. For more details, contact mark@dorchesterarts.org.uk
