Open call Inclusive Theatre

For three years, Oerol Festival will collaborate with the Bartiméus Fund and additional partners to develop a program that will result in a location-based theatre performance during Oerol 2027 – created by theatre makers with and without disabilities.

We believe that an inclusive society begins with opportunities for people with disabilities to participate fully and independently. This means not only actively taking part but also being literally seen. To achieve inclusive theatre, changes will need to happen on several levels. Within this program, we will work on that together. With talent development, theatre makers and companies, theatres, and festivals.

With the Inclusive Theatre program, we want to initiate and realize those changes. Oerol literally means “everywhere,” but we also want it to mean “for everyone.” We aim to be a festival where people with disabilities will participate equally, autonomously, and fully, both on and behind the stage.

For whom

For Inclusive Theatre, we will be looking for makers with professional experience, with and without disabilities, who want to collaborate on a new creation: an inclusive, professional location-based theatre performance for Oerol 2027. An urgent performance that you believe must not be missing at Oerol. We will be open to all disciplines and forms of audience experience. A key requirement, both in the conceptual and performing phases, will be a strong emphasis on disabled-led: makers with disabilities will take artistic leadership.

What we will offer: Phase 1

In the fall of 2025, a jury will review the proposals and select two concepts. In the first half of 2026, each will receive two multi-day residencies on Terschelling: a creation residency prior to the Oerol Festival and a presentation residency during Oerol Festival 2026 (June 12–21).

Together with the makers/companies, we will look for a relevant coach as a valuable addition to the development process. The residencies for both makers/companies will take place simultaneously, creating space for exchange between them. Costs will be covered for up to four people per residency: travel, accommodation, island transportation, meals, and a contribution of €1000 per person towards the time investment. We will also provide artistic and production support from the Oerol team, conversations with a coach, and connections to potential co-producers. In addition, we will support applications for supplementary funding.

What we will offer: Phase 2

One of the makers/companies that complete the residencies in 2026 will be offered the opportunity to create a full location-based theatre performance for Oerol 2027. This decision will be made in July 2026. For this performance, a start-up budget will be provided by the Bartiméus Fund. We will also support applications for additional funding. Furthermore, the aim will be to set up a theatre tour in collaboration with several theatres, so that the performance can be presented nationwide in the 2027/2028 season.

Assessment criteria

The jury, consisting of Malou Gorter, Erik-Ward Geerlings, Ayşegül Karaca, Alicia Hoost, and Sabine Pater, will assess the proposals on the basis of:

• artistic leadership of the maker(s) with disabilities
• collaboration between makers with and without disabilities
• professional experience
• content of the concept
• vision for creating location-based theatre

Procedure

Would you like to create an inclusive theatre performance at Oerol 2027? Please submit your proposal no later than October 27 using the form on our website. Is it difficult for you to complete this form? Please contact miska.aksular@oerol.nl. We are happy to help.

Up to four makers/companies will be invited to present their proposals on Monday, November 24. On Thursday, November 27, we will announce the final selection.