London’s Seven Dials Playhouse is strengthening its commitment to artistic development with a curated programming model and expanded support for theatre makers and performers. 

The plans for the Covent Garden venue will includ a  brand new 12-week subsidised training and performance programme inspired by the renowned US 'Groundlings' model. This initiative is tailored for performers wishing to hone their comedic performance skills through sketch and character work. The Collective will train with leading writers, performers, and creatives from the sketch and character comedy world. The programme hones their comedic instincts, timing, and performance and writing techniques - equipping them with skills that can shape their careers. The programme culminates in a public showcase, with selected participants forming a paid sketch comedy residency at Seven Dials Playhouse.

Further initiatives include:

• ‘first steps’  – A funded opportunity for groups of up to five* theatre makers to immerse themselves in a dedicated week of creative exploration. With free rehearsal space and paid development time at Equity minimum rates, participants can push boundaries, refine their ideas, and experiment in a supportive, artist-focused environment.
• ‘Next Step’   – A next step for theatre makers ready to shape their work for the stage. This structured programme provides groups of up to five* artists with one week of intensive development time, free rehearsal space, and Equity minimum pay. The initiative culminates in a dynamic work-in-progress sharing with industry professionals, offering artists invaluable insights and the chance to build connections that can propel their work forward.
• ‘The Sketch Comedy Collective’ – A brand new 12-week subsidised training and performance programme inspired by the renowned US 'Groundlings' model. This initiative is tailored for performers wishing to hone their comedic performance skills through sketch and character work. The Collective will train with leading writers, performers, and creatives from the sketch and character comedy world. The programme hones their comedic instincts, timing, and performance and writing techniques - equipping them with skills that can shape their careers. The programme culminates in a public showcase, with selected participants forming a paid sketch comedy residency at Seven Dials Playhouse.
• 7from7 (in partnership with Pleasance) – An accelerator programme supporting seven theatre companies taking work to the Edinburgh Festival. The scheme offers free rehearsal space, mentorship from industry professionals, and a cash grant to help artists prepare, refine, and promote their shows ahead of the Fringe.

 As part of its renewed vision, Seven Dials Playhouse will present a fully curated Pride Mini-Season in June 2025, celebrating LGBTQIA+ theatre makers. This marks the first of many curated seasons celebrating diverse and innovative theatre makers, reflecting Seven Dials Playhouse’s commitment to platforming bold, distinctive voices. Further details of the season’s programming will be announced next week.

From September 2025, productions will be selected through an open application process, with three seasons per year with changing themes, in addition to a yearly Pride season, a season of Edinburgh Fringe previews and a Christmas show, providing a platform for bold, original voices.

Through this evolution, Seven Dials Playhouse is reaffirming its commitment to being more than just a venue - the goal is to cement itself as an essential creative space where theatre makers can develop, collaborate, and present daring new work.

Amanda Davey, Chief Executive of Seven Dials Playhouse says: “This new chapter is about creating meaningful opportunities for artists to take creative risks and to feel genuinely supported in doing so. We’re proud to be building a model that centres long-term sustainability, equity, and care for the creative process - made possible by an evolution in how Seven Dials Playhouse operates and grounded in a deep commitment to the artists we serve. This isn’t just about programming; it’s about creating an environment where creativity, community, and career development can truly thrive.”

* Seven Dials Playhouse will support up to five artists per First Steps/Next Step project with Equity minimum fees. Larger teams are welcome to apply and may bring their own supplementary funding to include additional collaborators.