HYPOTHESIS retreats 2027

TELL ME MORE?
HYPOTHESIS retreats return in 2027, with a new focus for our Open Call. Our 2027 retreats will focus on supporting theatre artists/writers/creatives with new explorations across art/theatre and science. Our 2027 themes are: Life Sciences // Health // Climate.

HYPOTHESIS retreats offer a working week away in our award-winning theatre-making space in Norwich. The retreats offer an opportunity to explore a new area of your theatre practice; what comes out of your retreat time will vary for each applicant - but it’s your time in a new context to think about your creative relationship to science.

GREAT, BUT IS THIS FOR ME/US?
Hypothesis retreats are in their 5th year. Feedback from previous attendees points to theatre-makers/artists wanting to learn from curious directive’s practice. We are actively seeking applications from groups living/working in the UK with global stories to tell based on our themes, and/or those interested in trying something new as part of their practice. You don’t have to have even thought about the art/science intersection before. We aim to offer: Two retreats to applicants who have made 3+ professional theatre shows to date, and one to a group/company/ensemble who have made one professional show to date.

WHY IS CURIOUS DIRECTIVE DOING THIS?
curious directive is an artist-led theatre company. We understand how important it is to have time to think, and space to breathe as part of the cycle of creating new theatre. We understand how challenging it can be to try new ways of working.

THE OFFER
1. £1000 unrestricted grant.
2. UK return travel and self-catered accommodation (central Norwich) covered.
3. Sole use of a 8m x 5m Studio space - warm, creative, with some limited Sound, LX & AV capability. Access to The Studio anytime from 10:00-18:00
4. Free access to our tech library.
5. ‘Surgeries’ during your retreat including primers on art/science.
6. A £50 materials budget for books etc.
7. Office space/resources if you need it, including printing etc.
8. Tinkering space (use of our workshop kit/materials)
9. A welcome dinner in our making space, with curious directive’s team, and members of our Artistic Community to share experiences together.
10. Our carefully-considered Artists’ Welcome Pack 2027, underpinning your experience here in Norwich.
11. No formal sharing required. The Hypothesis retreat is not product-driven or designed for you to prove your ideas.

RETREAT WEEKS
Week X - January 18th - January 22nd 2027
Week Y - January 25th - January 29th 2027
Week Z - February 1st - February 5th 2027

HOW DO I APPLY?
Please read our assessment criteria, then send us a video/audio file (no more than 4 mins) answering these questions;
1. Who you are and what is your need - at this moment - for a retreat?
2. Which of our themes would you like to explore, what might be your specific subject focus and why?
3. How would you like to explore the topic?
4. Which weeks could you do (in order of preference?)

Our application process actively firebreaks AI applications. However, if you’d prefer to complete a word application (2 sides / A4), you can do so here. If you don’t have access to Microsoft word, feel free to use the body of an email.

FURTHER SUBMISSION DETAILS
Your video/audio application can be taken from a smartphone, recorded on Zoom etc. For your submission, please send the file, via a free WeTransfer link to info@curiousdirective.com. Please quote HYPOTHESIS 2027 in the subject line. Please include a URL to your website, if you have one (or a way of engaging with your creative work).

Applications open: 9am, Monday 12th October 2026.
Applications close: 9am, Monday 16th November 2026.

WHAT IS THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS?
1. You can read our 2027 Assessment Criteria.
2. A panel made up of our CEO/Board of Trustees will assess/score the applications against our published Assessment Criteria.
3. Those who meet the critera most strongly will be awarded the retreats.
4. We will contact you with the outcome of your application by 1pm, 7th December 2026.

All applicants will be contacted.

QUESTIONS? Please do get in touch - info@curiousdirective.com

FAQs

We’ve applied before, can we apply again? Yes, please do.
Does my company need to be based in the East of England? No, we’re really happy to hear from groups/companies/ensembles from all over the UK.
Is there flexibility around dates? We’re afraid not, it’s too complicated to organise any cross-overs.
Can some of my team be working remotely? Yes, of course.
Why are we asking for a video/audio file? As well as trying to create a firewall against AI applications, we’re actioning the fact that written applications can make it tricky to convey your personality. We would like to get to know you, without burdening you with an interview. We have a strict Privacy Policy which includes deleting your file post-assessment.
I’m a solo artist/playwright, can I apply? In 2027, we are broadening our scope, so yes, please do.
Can I apply with an existing idea? We know how difficult it is to get projects off the ground, but please try to resist applying with an existing project.
FAQs NOT COVERED?
Get in touch - info@curiousdirective.com (with HYPOTHESIS in the subject time) or call our office on 01603 614 425.
HYPOTHESIS retreat alumni