Perfect for those looking to test new ideas in front of a supportive crowd and take your original work to the next level.
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What is a scratch night?
Scratch nights act as a ‘first look’ for artists to test their work with a supportive audience. Pieces shared are generally in the early stages of development—meaning they’re fresh, raw, and it’s often the first time they’ve ever been seen by a crowd.
Selected artists have 20 minutes to share their piece. Afterward, we open the floor for a relaxed feedback session where artists can gain the valuable insights they need to help evolve the work into its final form.
For audiences, Key Nights are the best way to see local talent shine while actively contributing to the development of new work and supporting local artists.
We are looking for
- Artists from any art form
- Performances no longer than 20 minutes
- Artists who want to test out their work in February 2026, 7pm at the Key Theatre
- Artists based in and around Peterborough
- Those aged 18+
What we offer
- A commission of £175 for successful applicants
- Free rehearsal space at the Key Theatre
- In house dramaturgical support
- Mentoring
Register your Interest
This Key Nights event has now been and gone. We will announce details of how to apply for our next event in due course. However, you can register your interest early by emailing us using the button below.
Register your interest