The 2025 FUEL artists and FUEL programme manager Síomha Nee (third from left) outside The Mick Lally Theatre on Druid Lane, photo by Declan Colohan.
FUEL is a nine-month artist residency programme run by Druid, based in The Mick Lally Theatre, Galway.
The programme is open to theatre-makers based in the West of Ireland, with an original idea that is ready to be developed.
This year's FUEL artists are Caomhnú Creative (Alice Kinsella and Daniel Wade), Aoife Delany Reade, Martin Kenny and Eoin Ó Dubhghaill. Read more about their FUEL projects.
The FUEL programme is a response to artists’ need for a greater commitment to the creative development process.
We are looking for ambitious artists who have the drive to bring their work to fruition and the desire to develop their creative practice.
FUEL offers a nine-month programme that responds to the specific needs of each year's selected artists but broadly speaking we offer:
- Workshops with theatre professionals
- Development and rehearsal periods in The Mick Lally Theatre
- Engagement with Druid’s artistic programme through attendance at rehearsals, meetings with Ensemble members and invitations to events
- The opportunity to showcase work at The Mick Lally Theatre
- Advice and support from Druid staff on producing, finance, marketing and touring
- Assistance with funding and festival applications
- A fee for each contact-day of the programme (workshops, development periods, etc) which amounts to a total fee in the region of €2,000 per successful applicant
- Tickets to select productions in The Mick Lally Theatre and elsewhere in Ireland
Read more about our previous FUEL artists and their projects.
- FUEL is open to playwrights, directors and theatre-makers
- Applicants must identify a creative team (actors, director, dramaturg etc. as required) that they can call on to develop their project
- Applicants must be based in either Galway, Mayo, Roscommon, Clare, Longford, Leitrim or Sligo (a utility bill will be required as a proof of address for all successful applicants)
- Applicants must be available to attend workshops, residencies and events pertaining to the FUEL programme, between January and September 2025
- Applicants must have a fleshed-out, original idea or a draft script ready for development
- Applicants must demonstrate: commitment to theatre/performance; ability to work independently; experience of creating theatre; understanding of the FUEL programme; a desire to advance their practice
Applications for FUEL 2025 have now closed. The closing date for applications was Monday 25 November 2024 at 5pm.
- All applicants will be contacted and updated on the status of their application by the end of December 2024.
- The FUEL programme will commence in January 2025 and run until September 2025.
- All applications must be submitted via the link below.
- You can apply via an audio file, a video file or by completing the written application form.
- Please note that some parts of the application form must be completed by all applicants including those who send us an audio or video file.
- You are very welcome to apply in Irish if your project will be developed in Irish. Applications written in Irish will be read by Irish speakers. During the residency you will receive support in Irish as well as being part of the primary FUEL programme.
- Please note that late applications will not be accepted.
- Submissions will be assessed by Druid staff and an independent assessor.
- If you have a query, please email Síomha Nee, FUEL Programme Manager at fuel@druid.ie.
- Please read our Frequently Asked Questions before beginning your application.
FUEL is supported by the Arts Council, Kumi & Bill Martin, Jim & Lori Steinberg and FinanceBoston.
