The Highland Arts Theatre is inviting local artists and creative teams to pitch a production for potential presentation on the HAT stage in 2027.

The Pitch Project is an opportunity for Cape Breton artists to bring forward an idea they believe belongs at the HAT: a compelling theatrical project with a clear artistic vision, a meaningful connection to Cape Breton audiences, and the potential to become a fully realized production.

We are interested in projects at different stages of development. A submission may be a completed script, a work in progress, an original musical, an adaptation, a devised or multidisciplinary performance, or another form of live theatrical presentation. Projects do not need to be set in Cape Breton or exclusively about Cape Breton; however, applicants should be able to explain why the work would resonate with audiences here and why the HAT is the right home for it.

What Are We Looking For?

Pitches will be evaluated based on:

• The strength and clarity of the artistic idea;

• The artists and creative team attached to the project;

• The project’s relevance and potential appeal to Cape Breton audiences;

• Its suitability for the HAT stage and mandate;

• The practical feasibility of developing and producing the work; and

• The project’s overall artistic merit.

Our goal is to identify at least one project for potential development into a full HAT production in 2027. Additional projects may also be selected for further development, workshops, readings, mentorship, or possible participation in the 2027 HAT Playwrights Unit.

Selection through the Pitch Project does not automatically guarantee a full production. Any development or production opportunity will be subject to further discussion, scheduling, available resources, rights clearance, and a mutually agreed-upon contract.

Who Can Apply?

The Pitch Project is open to individual artists and creative teams based in Cape Breton.

Applicants may be playwrights, directors, composers, choreographers, producers, performers, designers, multidisciplinary artists, or other theatre-makers. You do not need to have a complete production team in place, but submissions should identify any artists already attached to the project and the roles they would play.

Artists at different stages of their careers are encouraged to apply. Previous professional production experience is not required.

What Should You Submit?

1. Project Pitch — Maximum Two Pages

Tell us about the production you want to create and why it belongs at the HAT.

Your pitch should address:

• What is the project?

• What is its central artistic idea, story, or theatrical experience?

• Why is this the right production for the HAT?

• Why will it matter to or connect with Cape Breton audiences?

• What stage of development is the project currently in?

• Who is already attached to the project?

• What would be required to develop or produce it?

We are not expecting a detailed production budget. However, please identify any major practical considerations, such as cast size, musicians, unusual technical requirements, licensing or adaptation rights, or significant development still required.

2. Supporting Material

Please provide one of the following:

• A script sample of no more than 10 pages; or

• A video, audio, or other media sample of no more than five minutes.

Your sample does not need to document a finished production. It should give the selection committee a meaningful sense of the project, its artistic style, or the artists’ approach to the work.

Media samples may be submitted through a private or unlisted link. Please include any password or access instructions required.

3. Applicant and Creative-Team Information

Please provide:

• The name and contact information of the lead applicant;

• A short biography of the lead applicant;

• The names, roles, and short biographies of any confirmed collaborators;

• The applicant’s connection to Cape Breton; and

• Confirmation that the applicant controls the project or has permission to propose it.

Shortlisted applicants may be invited to discuss their project with HAT representatives or provide additional material. Applicants will be contacted before any substantial additional work is requested.

Important Information

Artists retain ownership of all material submitted through the Pitch Project. Submission does not grant the Highland Arts Theatre permission to produce, publish, adapt, or otherwise use the work beyond the evaluation process.

If a project is selected for development or production, the scope of the opportunity, intellectual-property permissions, professional fees, responsibilities, schedule, and other terms will be established through a separate written agreement.

Applicants proposing an adaptation or work incorporating material created by someone else should identify the underlying material and indicate whether the necessary rights have been secured or investigated.

HAT recognizes that different artists may communicate their ideas in different ways. Applicants who require an accessible submission format or assistance with the application process are encouraged to contact us in advance.

Submission Details

Submission Deadline: October 3, 2026
Questions or Accessibility Requests: admin@highlandartstheatre.com

There is no fee to submit.

Bring us the production you believe Cape Breton should see. Tell us why it matters, why it belongs at the HAT, and why now.