4TH - 30TH MAY 2026
SPARKFEST 2026
APPLICATIONS
APPLICATIONS FOR SPARKFEST 2026
SPARKFEST 2026 APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN!
Want to perform at SparkFest 2026?
Apply using our online form below.
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APPLICATION GUIDANCE
Read the guidance below carefully.
Deadline: Monday 1 December 2025
Decisions announced: Between 1st–15th December 2025
For any questions before or during the application process, please contact:
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TIMELINE
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3rd Nov 2025 – Applications open
6th Nov 2025 (6pm) – Online Welcome Talk
10th Nov 2025 – Q&A Drop-in / Application Support
1st Dec 2025 – Application Deadline
1st–15th Dec 2025 – Successful Applicants Notified
Early January - Online Support Talks covering:
Marketing (finding images, copy, social media, posters), Technical (your venue and what to expect for your technical rehearsal) and other support on offer.
W/B 12th Jan 2026 – Production Meetings (discussing image, copy, technical aspects)
2nd Feb 2026 – Copy & Image Deadline
4th–30th May 2026 – SparkFest 2026
WHO SHOULD APPLY
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SparkFest welcomes work from students, alumni, and early-career makers associated with Bath Spa University across theatre, dance, live art, and hybrid performance.
We programme both short and full-length works across all performance disciplines in a range of events, talks, workshops and exhibitions.
HOW TO APPLY
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Complete the online application form linked below.
You’ll be asked to provide:
Creative team contact details.
Your connections to Bath Spa University.
Details on your project, including a short description, title, genre, running time and performance format (site-specific/stage/street).
Any access requirements.
Confirmation of availability for festival dates.​
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If you require alternative ways to submit materials for access reasons, please contact productions@bathspa.ac.uk before applying.
FEES & SUPPORT
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There is no application fee to apply for SparkFest.
SparkFest serves current students and staff, as well as alumni and associated professionals.
Events that are assessed or part of university engagement will not be required to pay a participation fee.
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However, if you are no longer studying, and if your work is selected, there is a £35 participation fee for events longer than 45 minutes, which is taken out of your box office takings.
This applies only to longer events; any events shorter than this cannot charge for tickets (unless part of a longer programme). More details will be discussed with you if you are successful.
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Paying the participation fee allows you to set your own ticket prices and receive the box office income from your event, minus the participation fee.
Alternatively, you may choose to participate without paying a fee, in which case tickets for your event would be free or you would not receive box office income.
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This participation fee contributes towards:
Venue hire
Technical support
Rehearsal space support
Production management support
Support from the SparkFest producers
Inclusion in our marketing outlets (website, social media, festival programme, posters, press releases, and news stories)
AFTER YOU APPLY
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You’ll receive an email confirmation once your application is submitted.
Final decisions will be confirmed between 1st–15th December 2025, when we'll be in touch with you to confirm your participation.
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We look forward to hearing your ideas and welcoming you to SparkFest 2026!
FAQ's
Find some of the most commonly asked questions below of the application process. If you need any further support, please reach out to the SparkFest team.
SUPPORT & NEXT STEPS
​Once you’ve submitted your application, you’ll receive an automatic confirmation email.
Applications close on Monday 1 December 2025, and you’ll hear from us between 1–15 December 2025 to confirm whether your project has been selected for SparkFest 2026.
If your work is successful, we’ll be with you every step of the way to help you prepare and make the most of your experience.
SUPPORT AVAILABLE
As part of SparkFest, you’ll have access to a series of talks, workshops, and resources designed to support your creative and practical development:
Welcome Talk
An introduction to SparkFest, the team, and the application process, with advice on what makes a strong proposal.
Marketing & Technical Talk
How to find a great image, write effective copy and a clear synopsis, and boost your social media reach.
What to expect during your technical rehearsal, how to prepare, and tips on getting the most from your time in the space.
You’ll also have access to:
Rehearsal space support (subject to availability)
Production meeting drop-ins for progress checks
Guidance from the SparkFest producers to help you make the most of this year’s festival
In addition, we’ll be programming a range of creative workshops and talks to inspire you, develop your practice, and help you take your work beyond SparkFest.
KEY DATES
Early January 2026 - Production Meeting Drop ins
2 February 2026 - Copy & Image Deadline
4th - 30th May 2026 - SparkFest 2026
For any questions about your application or support options, please contact productions@bathspa.ac.uk
