Bitesize Festival

Applications are now open for Bitesize Festival VII at Riverside Studios!

Bitesize Festival is an annual celebration of short-form theatre, film and visual art at Riverside Studios. Designed to spotlight new voices and bold creative ideas, the festival brings together artists from across the UK and beyond for a dynamic programme of performances, screenings and exhibitions.

Due to popular demand, Bitesize Festival has been extended by an extra week this year. The festival runs 27 July - 31 August, giving artists the opportunity to present new work, connect with audiences and be part of one of West London’s most exciting platforms for new voices.

Applications open Tuesday 17 March and close Tuesday 31 March (midnight).

Key Dates

Applications open: Tuesday 17 March
Applications close (Artwork & Live Performance): Tuesday 31 March (midnight)
Applications close (Short Film Fest): Wednesday 20 May
Successful applicants notified: End of May
Shows on sale: End of May
Festival dates: 27 July - 31 August
Short Film Festival: 21 - 23 August
Art Exhibition: 6 July - 31 August

Live Performance

We welcome applications from artists and companies working in:

Theatre, Comedy, Cabaret, Dance, Physical Theatre, Spoken Word, Gig Theatre and Pre / post Edinburgh shows.

All productions must have a maximum running time of 60 minutes, making Bitesize the perfect environment for bold, punchy storytelling and experimentation.

Minimal set & technical requirements' turnaround between each show will be 30 minutes.

You'll need to have your own operator as part of your crew.

Selected productions will receive 1- 8 performances in one of two spaces:

Studio 3 – 150 seats

River Room – 80 seats (cabaret-style)

Artists receive:

65% of the net box office.

Marketing support from Riverside Studios.

Access to other festival performances.

The opportunity to compete for Festival Awards.

Application is closed now

Short Film

Alongside live performance, Bitesize Festival VII will feature the second edition of the Bitesize Short Film Festival, expanding the celebration of storytelling across multiple art forms.

The Short Film Festival will take place 21 - 23 August, presenting a curated programme of original short films from emerging and established filmmakers.

Eligible films must be:

Narrative short films (Drama, Comedy, Thriller / Horror) between 5 and 20 minutes.

Animated films under 10 minutes.

Across three days of screenings, audiences will experience a diverse range of cinematic voices and storytelling styles, with opportunities for filmmakers and audiences to connect and share ideas.

The opportunity to compete for Festival Awards.

Apply here via FilmFreeway