FUEL FAQ

How much theatre experience do I need to apply for FUEL?

We are looking for artists with ambition, passion and originality at any stage of their careers. We expect all applicants to have some experience of creating work (outside of a third-level institution), but not every successful FUEL applicant has had a long career in theatre. Your track record in theatre is important, but equally important is the strength and clarity of your idea, your suitability to the FUEL programme, and your passion and originality as demonstrated in your application.

I have just finished a third-level theatre course - can I apply for FUEL?

We welcome applications from recent graduates but we expect some experience of making theatre outside a third-level institution and request that you outline evidence of same.

I am a playwright - can I apply to FUEL?

Yes, playwrights are welcome to apply but we expect all applicants to have a team in mind who you can work with to develop your piece during the residency and showcase weeks. Druid is not in a position to provide cast, creatives etc.

I was born in the West of Ireland but no longer live there - am I eligible for FUEL?

Unfortunately not. FUEL is specific to artists living and working in the West of Ireland, where there are fewer resources available for theatre makers. Successful applicants will be required to provide a recent utility bill to prove current residency in the West of Ireland (Galway, Mayo, Clare, Roscommon, Longford, Leitrim or Sligo).

I have an idea for a project but have already started developing it. Can I apply for FUEL with this idea?

If your idea is early enough in the process so as to allow creative development, it is eligible. FUEL is here to help you inform your creative practice as well as your idea. Please do not apply with an idea which has already been staged, either at third-level or in another environment.

I do not have an idea to develop during FUEL but I want to enhance my practice generally. Is it still OK to apply for FUEL?

Unfortunately not. All applicants are required to apply with an idea for a project, through which they will develop their practice. Your idea may change as the programme progresses, but you should apply with an idea for which you have a passion and a vision.

How developed does my idea need to be?

You should have a clear idea of what you want to do and why you want to do it. You should be able to give us the background of your idea: What sparked it? How does it follow on from work you have created or experienced before? What makes it interesting? You do not need to tell us how you plan to make the work (aside from listing your team), nor do we expect you to go into detail about the elements of your idea, such as the finer plot points.

I am available for some but not all of the residency period. Can I still apply for FUEL?

Applicants should be available for the duration of the residency programme (for FUEL 2023 that is January to September 2023). Advance notice of the scheduled FUEL events will be provided and applicants should be able to work their other commitments around FUEL.

How much of my time do I need to commit to FUEL?

Generally speaking, the FUEL programme consists of approximately 18 paid contact days and additional unpaid optional days where participants may avail of hot desking, Druid Academy workshops, attendance at shows etc.

Must I complete the text-based application form or are there other more accessible options available?

We want to make FUEL as accessible as possible so you can apply via audio, video or text-based application. Audio and video files should be approximately 5 minutes long and provide the necessary information to complete the application process. Applicants will not be judged on quality of the production of video or audio files. Some parts of the application form are compulsory for all applicants including those applying via audio or video recording.