BATS Theatre 'Summer and Autumn 2026' Pitch Form

Tēnā koutou,

Welcome to the BATS pitching process. We’re doing things a little differently this season and requesting a video pitch. We hope this approach offers a closer reflection of kanohi ki te kanohi (face to face) connection that sits at the heart of BATS, while still acknowledging that it’s not a perfect substitute, we welcome any feedback you may have. Looking ahead, our intention is to introduce in person or online pitching appointments for our next programming round (Winter & Spring) as the preferred option. If you would like to explore other options or ask any questions before pitching, get in touch with our Programming Coordinator, Sarai, at programming@bats.co.nz. 

 

BATS Summer and Autumn Season covers Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, and June 2026. Feb 13 - Mar 9 is booked with NZ Fringe Festival 2026, May 4 - 24 is booked with Comedy Festival, and we currently have a pencil for May 29 - June 18 in The Stage and Dome.

Looking for dates that are soon? We'll prioritise responding to shows pitching for Jan, Feb, and March to allow for confirmation before putting your show together.

BATS Programme Curation Funding is only eligible for projects between Mar - Jun.

  

The deadline for submissions for this season of Pitches is 5pm February 8th, 2026.

 

BATS welcomes work from first time theatre-makers, through to established artists that are returning to BATS to experiment and develop new work. We are accepting submissions for any and all types of live art to present in any of our theatre spaces. Our priority is 5 night seasons or longer, we will consider smaller seasons under special circumstances.

Please see our BATS Artist Handbook for important information around our processes and timelines. If you have questions this handbook or this webpage of resources is likely to answer them.

 

Got an idea for something different? Exhibition in our Pit Gallery Space? Wānanga? Activation? You can also use this form, just fill out as much detail as possible/relevant.

 

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Please upload a video, feel free to be as creative as you want. Get the team together or have one person respond.

Here’s what we want to hear about:

Tell us about your team!

• What is your company name?
• Who is involved in the project and what are their roles?
• What skills, experience, or perspective do the key collaborators bring?
• Let us know how many people are emerging, established, or in that weird place no one can define where you’re not quite established but you’ve done a bit of work and don’t really consider yourself emerging.

Tell us about your show!

• Describe the work you are proposing and its current stage of development.
• What is the core idea or driving force of this work?
• Why is now the time for this project?
• How does this project align with BATS' values, kaupapa, and strategy?
• What ideas do you have around set and tech?

Feel free to tell us anything else, show a snippet, tell us all the exciting things about you and your mahi.

Be creative, have fun, and don’t put too much pressure on yourselves.

We want to get to know the people behind the work.

Who Can Apply & Eligibility Criteria

• Open to all artists and creative groups, with a focus on supporting artists and collectives from emerging, migrant, Pasifika, Tangata Whenua, youth, and LGBTQIA+ and queer communities.
• Applications must clearly outline how funds will be used eg. travel, production, technical resources, personnel, mentorship or other project needs.
• Artists presenting work as part of a Festival are not eligible for this funding.
• Artists must be based in Te Whanganui-a-Tara.

If you have questions around eligibility please contact Sarai (programming@bats.co.nz).

BATS' ticketing has changed since Monday 1st April, 2024. This came after audiences surveying and artist feedback. Please create your budgets based on these options! Details are below:

Patrons are not asked for proof of income etc