About the Programme
Little Wander, Channel 4 and S4C have partnered to launch this new Comedy Artist Development Programme with the aim to create new opportunities for emerging Welsh (and Wales-based) comedy talent to provide career development opportunities and open the door to potential future creative commissions with the two broadcasters.
The selected writers and performers will be paired with mentors to work on comedy pieces to be showcased to Channel 4 and S4C commissioners at the Machynlleth and Aberystwyth Comedy Festivals in 2024.
The programme will provide artists with paid development time (£1,000 development funding), professional mentorship, industry masterclasses and opportunities to broaden their knowledge and experience of the comedy industry.
The festival showcases will be divided into English and Welsh-language, with at least half of participants preparing material in Welsh. Participants will be able to prepare material in both languages to present to the different broadcasters but must choose a primary language and broadcaster when making their application.
Support is available to new Welsh speakers, learners, and those with little previous experience of performing in Welsh.
The artists will be able to develop any work broadly within the narrative comedy genre - creating new material and characters which can form the basis for developing full narrative TV series prospects with the two broadcasters. S4C will also consider applications from those who wish to develop other forms of comedy performance.
6 participants will be selected for the programme, with at least half of participants working in the Welsh language. We expect the selected participants to be at various stages in their careers and we are committed to tailoring the programme to suit their individual needs.
Eligibility
Applications can be from individuals, duos or groups (applications from companies will not be considered).
Artists have to be Welsh or based in Wales. Welsh artists who are not based in Wales have to be UK-based.
All applicants have to be 18 or older.
For artists working predominantly in English (Channel 4) - we will only accept applications from artists who have no previous commissions from a major broadcaster.
For artists working predominantly in Welsh (S4C) - we will accept applications from emerging artists as well as those who have had a previous commission with S4C.
Applicants are asked to include a creative CV and examples of past work.
Access & Inclusion
We actively encourage applications from candidates from backgrounds currently underrepresented in the comedy industry and in the arts.
S4C is a leading Welsh-language organisation that is determined to reflect all of Wales and it is therefore essential that it leads the way in terms of diversity, inclusion and equality work across the creative sector and beyond.
Channel 4 prides itself in championing altogether different voices. Diversity is the lifeblood of Channel 4. So the scheme is open to all individuals, and we will accommodate any access needs in the application process.
The application form includes Equal Opportunities questions.
Key Dates
4 December 2023 - Applications open
14 January 2024 - Application deadline
1 February 2024 - Programme begins
3 - 5 May 2024 - Machynlleth Comedy Festival
4 - 6 October 2024 - Aberystwyth Comedy Festival
If you have any questions regarding the programme, eligibility, the application process or if you would like to apply in an alternative format, please contact maria@littlewander.co.uk