What is a Scratch Night?

The Nutshell Scratch Night is an evening dedicated to the development of brand-new, untested performance work. It provides a crucial platform for artists to put initial creative thoughts and ideas in front of a live, supportive audience to see what truly works.

These informal nights are about taking a risk and trying out something bold and innovative that may one day develop into a fully formed piece. It’s an evening of experimentation, shared experience, and supportive feedback, giving artists the confidence to make the leap knowing there are peers and audiences there to catch them.

Call for Submissions

We are seeking proposals for performance-based work in its early stages, including new writing, comedy, spoken word, and music.

• Format: We will select six proposals. Performances must be up to 20 minutes in length.

• Eligibility: Your proposal must be for a new idea or a work-in-progress and must not have been previously performed locally.

• Technical Requirements: The work should have basic technical requirements and must be suitable for The Nutshell space. Please note the restriction on rigging (max working height is 3m; no ground rigging).