Aberdeen Performing Arts are looking for extracts of existing solo performances by emerging/early career artists aged between 18 and 30 to be showcased at Various Stages on Wed 3 June 2026 in Aberdeen as part of Light the Blue, their festival for and by young people.

The event will feature an evening of performance extracts at various stages of development from some of the most exciting up-and-coming professional artists across Aberdeen and Scotland.

They’re interested in extracts of around 20 minutes of innovative new work that hasn’t yet been seen by an audience and that would benefit from dramaturgical support, advice from industry professionals and feedback from a supportive audience. This may be new writing, musical performance or devised work presented at any stage – as a fresh idea or a fifth draft.

Whilst the material you’re looking to perform must be as-yet-unseen, you might have already shared other extracts of the work at previous public events.

They are open to hearing from artists working in a range of live performance disciplines but please consider the stage dimensions below if applying with more movement-based or physical artforms.

Who are they looking for?
They are looking for passionate artists based in Scotland who have an original performance they’re looking to develop further. You might be at the very start of your creative journey or have a few performances under your belt.

Your work should be suitable for adult audiences, but you must be emerging/early career artists aged between 18 and 30. They appreciate it is difficult to define ‘emerging’ – they are happy to hear from those in the early stages of their career and who are looking for support to present and develop their work.

In the interests of supporting artist development in Scotland, they will accept submissions from those based across the country, with a particular interest in hearing from those based in/around Aberdeen and the North East. They are also particularly interested in hearing from those who feel their voices are not well represented on our stages, and those whose work promotes inclusivity.

What can we offer?
Artists selected for Various Stages will receive a fee of £300 for presenting at Light the Blue, as well as reasonable expenses if based outside Aberdeen and a package of further support from our team.

Find the full call-out here and apply by Thu 23 April 2026 at 11pm: www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/call-outs/light-the-blue-2026-various-stages-call-out-for-proposals

For further information, please contact lightthebluefestival@aberdeenperformingarts.com (Jordan Blackwood) or visit https://www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/call-outs/light-the-blue-2026-various-stages-call-out-for-proposals.