Call for Proposals: Theatre Makers for Bookish – Where books come to life.
Bring stories to life at Bookish! Joburg Theatre Youth and Community Development invites theatre makers and artists to be part of the inaugural Theatre and Literature Festival, where books transform into vibrant stage performances. Bookish invites theatre makers and performers who revel in adapting the page into vibrant, living performances. Bookish celebrates the magical meeting place of literature and the stage.
We’re searching for bold, innovative creators to showcase works inspired by literature. We invite all expressions of literature through the stage, from school set works that make teaching literature a pleasure to children’s books brimming with wonder. Bookish is a space that honours the stories that shape our imaginations, challenge our perspectives, and connect us all. Joburg Theatre invites all theatre forms, from stage plays to dance, spoken word, puppetry, multimedia, book readings and beyond – if your work sparks conversations about literacy, learning, and education, we want to see it!
Important Details You Need to Know:
Festival Dates: 24th March 2025 – 6th April 2025
Venue: Joburg Theatre, Space.com
Target Audience: Families, students, educators and the public
⏰Submission Deadline: 13th January 2025
Shortlist presentation: 24th January 2025
What We’re Looking For:
We welcome all forms of theatre – drama, puppetry, physical theatre, musicals, and more – to reimagine literature for the stage. Your work could:
• Reimagine school set works as performances that resonate with students and families alike.
• Enchant audiences by adapting children’s stories into playful, interactive experiences.
• Dive into classics or contemporary works, exploring their relevance through bold theatrical interpretations (Shakespeare, African literature classics, contemporary work etc.)
• Celebrate multilingual storytelling, highlighting South Africa’s rich cultural and literary tapestry.
• Transform unexpected literary gems into performances that challenge, delight, and inspire.
• Poetry performances or open mic that invite the public
Show us something bold, inclusive and wildly imaginative. Inspire us. Challenge us. Remind us of the power of storytelling.
How to Apply:
It’s easy! Here’s what we need from you:
1) Complete the Submission Form: Y:\Bookish Festival Application Form.docx
2) Tell us about your production (max. 300 words): What’s it about? How does it connect to literacy and education?
3) Include a Video (if available)
4) Send Us Your Creative Team Bios
5) Deadline: 13th January 2025 (Proposals submitted later than this date will not be considered)
Selection Process:
Shortlisted productions will be invited to show and pitch 10 minutes of the production to the Joburg Theatre panel. Our panel will review submissions based on:
• How does your production align with literacy and education themes
• Creativity and originality
• Production quality
• Professionalism
Your Project Title and Concept: Share the heart of your idea (in 500 words or less). What’s the literary inspiration, and how will you bring it to life?
Your Audience: Who is your work designed for? Is it children, teenagers, adults, or a mix?
Your Approach: What makes your adaptation or performance special? Share your artistic style, process, and vision.
The Team: Introduce us to the people behind the magic—bios of your core creative team.
Technical Details: Tell us what you need—stage, lighting, sound, or anything else to bring your story to life.
Samples of Your Work (if available): Share links to videos, past performances, scripts, or concept designs to help us envision your project.
Why Join Bookish?
This is more than a festival; it’s a celebration of creativity, storytelling, and the power of words brought to life.
By being part of Bookish, you’ll:
Showcase your work to diverse audiences, from literature lovers to families and school groups.
Be part of a unique festival that bridges theatre and literature.
Receive technical and marketing support to make your production shine.
Connect with other creators and audiences who share your passion for storytelling.
Important Dates
Submission Deadline: 13th January 2025
Notification of Shortlist: 24th January 2025
Festival Dates: 24th March – 6th April 2025
How to Apply:
Email your proposal to ycd@joburgthatre.com with the subject line: “Bookish Proposal – [Your Project Title]” by 13th January 2025.
For questions or further information, reach out to us at ycd@joburgtheatre.com
Turn the love of stories into unforgettable moments, celebrating the magic of words on stage.
Download Bookish Festival Call For Productions info doc
Download Bookish Festival Application Form
