Fuel Theatre

Fuel’s proposal is an exciting pilot residency and intensive training programme designed to equip designers and production managers with the skills to radically rethink how live performance is created in response to the climate crisis.

Born from candid conversations with industry professionals eager to embrace sustainability yet constrained by tight deadlines, limited budgets, and shifting standards, this residency offers a much-needed space to pause, explore, and innovate.

Over the course of an immersive week at Coombe Farm Studios in Devon, ten participants will explore low-carbon design and production methods in depth. Guided by sector-leading experts and pioneering freelance practitioners shaping the future of sustainable performance, the programme is designed to equip participants with the tools, insight and confidence to drive meaningful change within their organisations and creative practice.

More than just a training programme, this pilot is also a valuable learning opportunity for Fuel, who see its potential to inspire others to explore how essential training can be combined with new income generating models. The residency will serve as a testing ground for an ongoing scalable training model that, if successful, could launch as an annual programme from 2026/27 – generating new revenue while embedding sustainability at the heart of the live arts sector.

Fuel leads the field in independent producing in the UK’s live performance sector, working with brilliant artists to explore the big questions of our times, shining a light on how we relate to each other and the world around us, and telling untold stories by under-represented voices.

From theatres to car parks, from schools to public spaces, Fuel produces high quality new theatre that reaches diverse audiences across the UK and internationally. Fuel collaborates with outstanding theatre makers with fresh perspectives and approaches who produce shows, performances or experiences which have direct and playful relationships with their audiences.

Fuel is celebrated for its pioneering producing model that develops innovative ideas through attentive collaboration, a spirit of curiosity, and an emphasis on trust. Fuel has developed a reputation for spirited and surprising new theatre, deep relationships with a wide range of artists, and passionate commitment to inclusion and care for young and diverse audiences.

Fuel was founded in 2004 and is led by Kate McGrath. Since its story began, Fuel has produced shows, festivals, films, installations, podcasts, apps and books. In doing so, Fuel has supported the artistic development of over 120 lead artists or companies and reached more than 1.5 million people, live and digitally, hosted over 100 internships and been recognised with awards for its work.