Cast is passionate about supporting artists in and around Doncaster

Through our Artist Development programme, we offer a range of opportunities for performing arts creatives to explore, develop, and showcase their work. Whether you’re in the early stages of an idea, on the lookout for new collaborators, need a space to experiment, or seeking advice on funding applications, we’re here to help. 

We're interested in connecting with artists and hearing about your work and your ideas and the stories you want to tell, especially if you live or work in or around Doncaster or have a strong connection with the city.  

We understand some of the challenges artists face in developing work and getting ideas off the ground and are pleased to offer our support.

 

We're always on the lookout for artist development funding. Sometimes extra financial support becomes available that we can offer to different projects. 
Two women joyfully dancing with arms raised, onstage with colourful neon lights. The scene conveys energy and excitement.

Danielle Phillips and Charlotte Brown in 'Children of the Night'

© 2026 Marc Brenner

Artist Development

Artist Co-op Newsletter

Cast's Artist Co-op is a free newsletter for local artists, creatives and theatre makers.

This regular newsletter will offer:

  • Creative Spotlights - Showcasing a local artist, company or creative and their recent work, updates or exhibitions.
  • Coming up at Cast - Workshops, job vacancies, free events, networking, shows you might like and exclusive ticket offers.
  • Opportunities in the North - Events, jobs and workshops happening in Doncaster and the surrounding areas.

Sign up to the newsletter using the form at the bottom of the Artist Co-op page.

Drop-in Surgeries

On the first Thursday of every month we'll be hosting a drop-in for local artists, creatives and theatre makers to come for a half-hour chat with a member of the Cast team. 

Whether it's fundraising, marketing or production advice – we're here to help. Each month different members of the team, with different specialisms, will be available. 

The sessions are free and are offered on a first-come-first-served basis each month. 

We'll be accepting sign-ups in the coming weeks. Watch this space.

Artist Socials

Are you an artist or producer looking to make connections with fellow artists and industry professionals? 

Cast invites you for an evening of conversation, artist community building and informal performances as we trial a new model of open forum. 

Click here to check out our upcoming Artist Social event.

R&D Space

We offer in-kind space to local artists looking to try out ideas, develop or rehearse work. 

We can offer our Dance Space, Drama Space or Meeting Space, depending on availability. We can give feedback at end of week, invite industry contracts to see the work, and offer advice about next steps and funding applications. 

Please email sylvia@castindoncaster.com if you have an idea or project in development. 

Associate Artists

A programme that offers support to selected artists and/or companies over a number of years.

They receive extended mentoring, support and opportunities to perform at Cast. We also offer them company and strategic development advice, as well as advocating for them at local, regional and national levels, where possible. 

Our current Associate Artists are Mad Friday Productions. They're a dynamic, women-led company founded by Doncaster-born childhood friends Danielle Phillips and Lauren Yvonne Townsend. Known for championing bold ideas from Northern, working-class and neurodiverse artists, Mad Friday made waves with their sold-out debut show Children of the Night (2023), which was revamped and re-staged for a 2026 UK tour, receiving 5-star reviews from Adventures in Theatreland, Unmissable Theatre, Musical Theatre Review, LondonTheatre1 and many more. Mad Friday's work has helped cement Doncaster’s place on the national cultural map.

Be the first to know when we're looking for our next Associate Artist by signing upto our Artist Co-op newsletter. 

Actor Levi Payne and BSL interpreter Sarah Cox, Scratch Night 2023

© 2023 Rasha Kotaiche

Programming

Performing at Cast

If you’re interested in bringing a show to our Main Space or Second Space, please email Cast's Head of Creative Programme, Sylvia Kluczewski, with your programming submissions to programming@castindoncaster.com

Poet Zainab Tasneen, Scratch Night 2023

© 2023 Rasha Kotaiche

Upcoming shows you might like...

  1. Illustration of a diverse group performing joyfully on stage, with an audience in front of a backdrop featuring urban architecture. Bold text reads "Waiting in the Wings."

    Waiting in the Wings

    • Local Talent
    An extraordinary, original production that uncovers two and a half centuries of Doncaster’s theatrical heart and soul.
  2. Cast Artist Social

    • Local Talent
    An evening of conversation, artist community building and informal performances.
  3. Seven women in colourful, vintage dresses pose dramatically against a red curtain. They each hold a glass, creating a theatrical, nostalgic vibe.

    Crease

    • Comedy
    A sketch show that's a heady treat of Your Aunt Fanny's sharpest, smartest and most hilarious material to date.