Reviewed by Artists

Theater Artist Residencies

Complete guide for theater artists looking for residencies

281
Programs
77
With Stipend
250
With Housing
60
Countries

Finding the Right Program

With 281 theater residencies listed on Reviewed by Artists, finding the right program starts with understanding your needs. Consider whether you need financial support — 77 programs offer a stipend, and 72 are fully funded with both housing and stipend included.

What to Expect

Theater residencies typically provide dedicated studio space, time to focus on your practice, and a community of fellow artists. Many programs also offer exhibition opportunities, critiques, and professional development. The duration varies from a few weeks to several months.

Application Tips

Most theater residencies require a portfolio, artist statement, and project proposal. Be specific about what you want to accomplish during the residency and why that particular program is the right fit. Reading reviews from past residents can give you valuable insight into what each program values.

Top-rated theater residencies

Callie’s logo

Callie’s

Berlin, Germany

5.0 (2)

Callie’s is a non-profit experimental institution in Berlin dedicated to fostering creativity and cultural exchange through its residency program, exhibitions, and public programs. Housed in a former machine factory in the Wedding district, Callie’s offers private studio spaces, a movement studio with a sprung floor, a cooperative sound studio, and a dedicated writing room. The residency is self-guided, allowing artists at any stage of their careers to explore new ideas without production requirements. Artists-in-residence can also request on-site accommodation in micro-apartments, designed with handmade and custom elements. Callie’s fosters an open and interdisciplinary environment, with periodic informal gatherings, networking opportunities, and access to Berlin’s rich cultural landscape. While the residency covers workspace and resources, it does not provide direct funding for travel or materials. The program is open to visual artists, musicians, choreographers, writers, poets, and researchers, supporting a wide range of creative practices. Residencies typically last six months, with some flexibility for shorter stays.

StipendHousingChoreographyDrawingInstallationWriting / LiteratureMultidisciplinary+8
Delfina Foundation logo

Delfina Foundation

London, United Kingdom

5.0 (4)

The Delfina Foundation Residency Program, based in London, offers opportunities for artists, curators, and writers to develop their practice, explore connections, and build collaborations. Residencies, lasting up to three months, are largely thematic and support both emerging and established cultural practitioners. The Foundation hosts 6 to 8 residents simultaneously in its central London location, providing flexible living and working space. Residents engage with international peers and the public, fostering artistic exchange and professional development. The program has a strong focus on critical issues in contemporary art and has established relationships with the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia.

StipendHousingArchitectureDesignDigitalDrawingInstallation+7
Residencia Corazón (Corazon) logo

Residencia Corazón (Corazon)

La Plata, Argentina

5.0 (4)

Residencia Corazón, located in La Plata, Argentina, offers a dynamic Artist-in-Residence (AIR) program for international artists, curators, and writers. The program provides a fully personalized experience for each participant, offering support in navigating the local arts scene, research, production, and post-production of works. Artists, writers, and curators from all disciplines are welcome, and residencies are available with or without exhibition opportunities. The residency offers accommodations in private rooms, access to studio spaces, and curated networking with local artists and institutions. While the residency does not offer financial support, it assists artists applying for grants in their home countries by providing necessary documents. Residencia Corazón offers a vibrant space for creative exploration and engagement in Argentina’s cultural scene.

HousingCurationDrawingInstallationInterdisciplinaryWriting / Literature+28
Vashon Artist Residency logo

Vashon Artist Residency

Vashon Island, United States

4.8 (4)

The Vashon Artist Residency, located on Vashon Island in Washington State, offers artists time and space to create in a serene setting along the Salish Sea. Founded by visual artist Cathy Sarkowsky, the residency provides comfortable accommodations and studio spaces for artists across various disciplines, including visual arts, dance, theater, music, media, literary, and interdisciplinary arts. The program is self-directed, allowing emerging, mid-career, and established artists to focus on their work without imposed expectations. Residency sessions range from 2 to 3.5 weeks, with a sliding-scale, need-based fee structure to ensure accessibility. The residency encourages diversity and welcomes artists from different backgrounds, fostering a rich communal environment. Artists are selected based on the strength of their proposals, with no requirements for public presentations or productivity. The Vashon Artist Residency emphasizes creating a supportive and inclusive space where artists can recharge and develop their practice.

HousingDigitalDrawingInstallationInterdisciplinaryWriting / Literature+5
Helene Wurlitzer Foundation (HWF) logo

Helene Wurlitzer Foundation (HWF)

Taos, United States

4.5 (2)

The Helene Wurlitzer Foundation (HWF) is a private, non-profit organization that has been supporting the arts since 1954. Located on a fifteen-acre campus in Taos, New Mexico, HWF offers one of the oldest artist residency programs in the USA. The Foundation provides three months of rent-free and utility-paid housing to visual artists, literary artists, and music composers from around the world. The campus consists of eleven fully furnished casitas, each tailored to the specific needs of different types of artists. The Foundation’s mission is to support the artist and the creative process, offering a peaceful setting for artists to pursue their work without imposed expectations or quotas. Applications are reviewed by a committee of professionals in various artistic disciplines, ensuring a diverse and enriching residency experience.

StipendHousingDrawingWriting / LiteraturePaintingPhotographySculpture+13
NES Artist Residency logo

NES Artist Residency

Skagaströnd, Iceland

4.2 (6)

The NES Artist Residency in Skagaströnd, Iceland, offers a flexible and supportive environment for artists from around the world. The residency hosts 9-12 artists monthly, encouraging stays of two months or more for an immersive experience. NES provides individual workspaces in shared studios, with specific facilities for writers, dancers, performers, and musicians. The residency features two monthly events: free format artist presentations and public open studio events, with support for pop-up exhibitions. While the residency does not include structured programming, the NES team assists with logistical and artistic support as needed. The family-friendly residency offers various accommodation options, including single and double rooms, a private dance studio, and a three-bedroom apartment for families. NES operates year-round, welcoming artists of all disciplines to engage in a creative community surrounded by Iceland’s stunning natural landscape.

HousingCeramicsChoreographyDigitalDrawingInstallation+11

Frequently asked questions

What is a theater artist residency?

A theater artist residency provides dedicated time, studio space, and resources for artists working in theater. Programs typically include accommodation, a supportive community, and sometimes stipends, allowing you to focus entirely on developing new work.

How many theater residencies are there?

We list 281 theater artist residencies on Reviewed by Artists. 77 offer a stipend and 72 are fully funded.

How do I apply to a theater residency?

Most theater residencies accept applications through their own website. You'll typically need a portfolio, project proposal, and CV. Application deadlines vary — some have rolling admissions while others have annual cycles. Read reviews from past residents to understand what each program is looking for.

What should I look for in a theater residency?

Key factors include studio space suited to theater practice, access to materials and equipment, the community of fellow artists, location, duration, and financial support. Our reviews cover all of these aspects to help you find the right fit.

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