London’s Polka Theatre has unveiled the six artists and collectives selected for the second year of Catapult, a vital artist development initiative designed to diversify the Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) sector. Supported by The Garek Trust, the programme provides a year of seed funding, rehearsal space, and mentorship to creators historically underrepresented in the industry, including Global Majority, disabled, LGBTQ+, and lower socio-economic background artists.
First Steps: Nurturing New Ideas
The First Steps cohort focuses on brand-new concepts for children aged 0–6. This year’s participants include:
Arlo Wilson: Developing They’re A Pirate!, a clowning-led show featuring a non-binary Captain.
Little but Fierce: A disabled-led feminist collective creating Roy and Silo the Penguins, a celebration of diverse families.
Inna Cebotari: Crafting Little Lids, Big Wonders, a sensory experience exploring children's fascination with everyday objects.
Kassna: An East-Asian female-led collective building Mira and the Whispering Roots, a tactile forest soundscape.
Next Steps: Moving Toward Production
The Next Steps strand supports artists with existing drafts ready for industry programming:
Jeanzia Guan, Izzia Jiang, and Yunshu Jiang: Presenting Heimer, an original puppetry piece exploring memory and family.
Layla Madanat and Roann Hassani McCloskey: Developing Home, a magical adventure through a multicultural London tower block.
A Hub for Innovation
Artistic Director Helen Matravers emphasized the importance of providing a pressure-free space for innovation: "Every story offers a unique idea, from baby sensory play to clowning. We hope to give long-term possibility to both artists and projects."
The 12-month residency culminates in showcase opportunities, including Polka’s Big Dreams Early Years Festival this September. The success of the inaugural cohort is already evident, with previous participants now developing work with venues such as Sheffield Theatres and Norwich Theatre. As a dedicated community hub, Polka continues to lead the way in creating world-class, inclusive theatre for the next generation.
