FOR CREATIVES
QUEER SPACES Scratch Night
ROOTS and Four WHeel Drive
Queer Spaces offers Yorkshire-based theatre-makers the opportunity to create and perform brand new work in a scratch night setting. Audiences get to be part of the creation process with a first look at exciting new work from local artists.
Wed 3 June - Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough 19:45
Thur 4 June - York Theatre Royal, York 19:00
Presented by Roots and Four Wheel Drive in Association with the Stephen Joseph Theatre and York Theatre Royal
Image courtesy of Hook
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Applications to be involved in Queer Spaces are OPEN NOW and will close on Sunday 26th April (23:59) Apply here
THE BRIEF
We are looking for artists based in Yorkshire to respond to the idea of “Queer Spaces.”
A brand new piece of writing (this must not have been performed before)
Recommended length 5 mins (up to 10 mins max)
Can be a monologue, a duologue or a group performance
We are particularly interested in theatre and spoken word, led by script and text.
Applications are open to individual artist, groups and companies.
Applicants must be currently based in Yorkshire.
WHAT YOU'LL RECEIVE:
£240 flat fee to support the development and performance of your work across both venues (based on two days of work for £120/day)
The opportunity to perform your piece at both the SJT and YTR in front of an audience
Feedback, dramaturgy and support throughout the process
An opportunity to work with professional artists including the teams behind Roots, Four Wheel Drive, the SJT and YTR.
PERFORMANCE DATES (please ensure you're available for the following dates and times):
Wed 3 June - Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough (13.00 - 21.00)
Thur 4 June - York Theatre Royal, York (13.00 - 21.00)
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Scratch Nights are an incredible way to showcase new work, theatre-makers present an extract of something in development to an audience who offer feedback in a supportive environment.
For many, this will be the first chance to share an idea with an audience, test whether it has legs and find inspiration/ motivation to continue developing.
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Lot's of people enjoy attending Scratch Nights to meet like-minded people, experience some exciting new work and be involved in the creative process. It’s a great way to meet local creatives and hopefully feel inspired!
If you like theatre, have an open mind and enjoy offering supportive feedback, you'll probably enjoy this event.
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Roots is Yorkshire’s queer touring theatre company, staging ambitious collaborations between communities and LGBTQIA+ artists. Our productions include UK and international tours of the Fringe First Award-winning Happy Meal.
Queer Spaces offers Yorkshire-based theatre-makers the opportunity to create and perform brand new work in a scratch night setting.
This is event is the first time Four Wheel Drive and Roots have collaborated on Queer Spaces. We’re exciting to be working together to bring this Scratch Night to York and Scarborough!
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Four Wheel Drive run regular TEST DRIVE Scratch Nigths at Theatre@41 in York, the next one of these is 16th July. More info below.
TEST DRIVE Scratch Night
Four WHeel Drive and Theatre@41
Stories are the heart of who we are. They shape our communities and bring us closer together. That’s why we’re thrilled to host York’s vibrant artistic community for TEST DRIVE SCRATCH NIGHT - a space where new work is shared, voices are heard, and stories in development come to life.
Whether you’re excited to experience creativity in its rawest form or a storyteller eager to share your work, this is your invitation to join our community and be part of the journey.
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Do you have a script, an idea, or even just a spark of inspiration you’d like to take for a test drive? Whether it’s your first Scratch Night or your 100th, we’d love to support you in sharing your work with an audience.
This is your chance to:
Hear your work performed out loud.
Meet potential collaborators.
Receive constructive feedback in a welcoming, supportive environment.
Are you a director or actor looking to create something new? Get in touch—we’d love to pair you up with a writer to bring a fresh idea to life.
How Do I Get Involved?
If you’d like to take part, email scratch@fourwheeldrivetheatre.co.uk and let us know:
If you have an idea you’d like to share.
Or if you’re keen to join the creative pool (as a reader, performer, director, or dramaturg).
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Scratch Nights are an incredible way to showcase new work, theatre-makers present an extract of something in development to an audience who offer feedback in a supportive environment.
For many, this will be the first chance to share an idea with an audience, test whether it has legs and find inspiration/ motivation to continue developing.
-
Lot's of people enjoy attending Scratch Nights to meet like-minded people, experience some exciting new work and be involved in the creative process.
Those who attended our last Test Drive Scratch Night have found creative collaborators through the event and gone on to continue developing their work, apply for funding and book further performances and tours for their work.
If you like theatre, have an open mind and enjoy offering supportive feedback, you'll probably enjoy this event.
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Tickets are Pay What You Feel, we hope anyone who is interested in attending feels they can do so. This event as a great introduction to the theatre/ creative scene in York.
If you have a piece you'd like to present at this Scratch Night or a future event, email us at Scratch@fourwheeldrivetheatre.co.uk
If you'd like to support other pieces as a director or performer, please reach out and we can connect you with artists performing at the next event.
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The first TEST DRIVE Scratch Night took place at Friargate Theatre in May '24 as part of the 'Friargate Creative Hub' project in partnership with Riding Lights Theatre Company.
The second event ran in September in partnership with Theatre@41, where it was hosted in association with Junk Drawer Theatre Co.
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16th July 2026
Calling all performers looking for more work in York.
Our Performers Directory is the best way to be on our radar for performing opportunities. But not just us, you can opt in to let us share your details with other creative organisations looking for performers.
Specify the type of work you’re looking for and become one of our valued contacts.
Are you an actor, practitioner, singer, musician or dancer based in York? This is for you.
PERFORMERS DIRECTORY
PREVIOUS PROJECTS For Creatives
FOUR WHEEL DRIVE are passionate about improving the creative ecosystem within York. Find out more about previous projects designed for creatives…
FRIARGATE Creative hub
4 - 18 May 2024, Friargate Theatre (Previous Project)
A space for creatives to meet, collaborate and create!
Friargate Creative Hub offered a series of workshops and events tailored to artists in York, providing a welcoming space for creative work and collaboration.
A collaboration between Riding Lights Theatre Company and Four Wheel Drive.
A flexible workspace designed for creatives; space to focus on your script, find creative inspiration or get something up on its feet. All centred around collaboration.
Enjoy the cafe space with creative break-out areas for FREE. Tea, coffee and snacks will be available to purchase if you’d like.
EVENTS & WORKSHOPS
PRO sessions: run by professionals, pay what you feel.
COMMUNITY sessions: for and by the community, FREE.
A HUGE thank you to everyone who made this project possible and to all who engaged with us over the 2-week project.
CONNECT FESTIVAL 2023
19 - 23 July 2023, Theatre@41 (Previous Project)
A 5-day Theatre and Arts festival championing new work and emerging artists.
Programme Included:
8 New 60 Minute Shows
2 Late Night Cabaret Shows
15 Workshops, Masterclasses and Events
With thanks to our sponsors and supporters; Viridian Labs, The Guild of Media Arts and Brew York. As well as the fantastic team that made it possible.
