ShakeSphere 2027

“… spherical, like a globe;
I could find out countries in her”
The Comedy of Errors

The European Shakespeare Festivals Network (ESFN) invites applications for ShakeSphere 2027, a programme supporting innovative Shakespeare-inspired performance work from across the world theatre community.

About ShakeSphere

ShakeSphere presents small-scale, touring productions inspired by the works of William Shakespeare at leading international theatre festivals.

Previous productions:

• Romeo and Juliet and Other Catastrophic Love Affairs (Norway/Poland, 2022)
• The Tragedy of Macbeth (United Kingdom, 2023)
• Hamlet Double Bill (Italy/United Kingdom, 2024)
• Learlike (Belgium/Netherlands/Scotland/Poland/USA/England, 2025)
• Petty Men (United Kingdom, 2026)

What We Are Looking For

• A reimagining of a Shakespeare text or a new work inspired by Shakespeare.
• Running time: 60–80 minutes.
• A touring team of no more than five people, including at least two performers. Solo productions are not eligible.
• No touring set. All costumes and props must fit into two suitcases.
• Suitable for simple and adaptable staging conditions.

Touring and Festivals 2027

The selected production will be offered performances at a minimum of seven ESFN member festivals.

• Barcelona International Shakespeare Festival (Catalonia)
  4–18 April 2027
• York International Shakespeare Festival (United Kingdom)
  22 April–2 May 2027
• Shakespeare Festival at Globe Neuss (Germany)
  May–June 2027 (dates TBC)
• Craiova International Shakespeare Festival (Romania)
  Late May 2027
• Verona Shakespeare Fringe (Italy)
  Dates TBC
• Gdańsk Shakespeare Festival (Poland)
  Dates TBC -Summer 2027
• Summer Shakespeare Festival Ostrava (Czech Republic)
  July 2027

Additional ESFN festivals may also programme the selected work.

Companies must be available for all festivals listed above.

Support and Benefits

• Regular performance fee from each festival.
• Accommodation provided.
• Per diems and local transportation included.
• Support with international travel funding.
• Artist networking opportunities, residencies and complimentary festival tickets.

How to Apply

To apply for ShakeSphere 2027, complete the application form and submit the following materials.

Application shall be sent to Shakesphere@esfn.eu

Application deadline: 11 October 2026

Company CV

A document outlining your company’s background and previous achievements.

Project Proposal (max. 1 page)

Describe your performance idea and confirm your availability for all listed festivals in 2027. This document must be submitted in English and forms a key part of the assessment process.

Video Introduction (approx. 2 minutes)

In English, speak directly to camera about your project.

• For a new work: explain your plans and artistic approach.
• For an existing production: discuss its creation and what you hope to achieve through ShakeSphere.

Phone recordings are perfectly acceptable. Neither production quality nor English proficiency will be assessed.

Optional Supporting Materials

• Links to previous productions
• Photographs
• Video recordings

Materials may be submitted in any language, although English descriptions are recommended.

All video materials must be submitted via link. Attachments and WeTransfer files will not be accepted.

Important Information

By submitting the application form, you confirm that:

• Your company is available for all listed festivals in 2027.
• You agree to the ShakeSphere requirements regarding company size, duration and touring conditions.
• All information provided is accurate and complete.

Electronic submission constitutes acceptance of these conditions. No signature is required.

Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed by ESFN and participating festivals. Shortlisted companies may be invited to a Zoom interview.

Application deadline: 11 October 2026
Selection announced: 7 December 2026

The jury’s decision is final.

Contact

Joanna Śnieżko-Misterek
joanna.sniezko@esfn.eu