Applications now open for Anita’s Room – Brighton Dome’s creative space for artists

Anita’s Room is a dedicated space for artists to research, experiment and create bold and courageous new work. Applications from local artists and community groups to undertake one week residencies in spring/summer 2026 are now open!

Find out more about applying for Anita's Room

A Year in Anita's Room

Since reopening in 2023 after a successful refurbishment, Anita’s Room has grown into a much-loved space for small-scale performances, rehearsals and community events. The refurbishment aimed to create a versatile space where artists could develop new work, and it’s done just that – welcoming a diverse range of resident artists, local groups and community projects. Today, Anita’s room has become a place where ideas are given room to grow.

In the past year, Anita’s Room has welcomed over 25 artists, hosted 6 workshops, supported theatre rehearsals, and even staged the unforgettable The Gummy Bears’ Great War during Brighton Festival. Here’s a round-up of just a few of the people who’ve used the space and what it’s helped them create.

Erin Enfys - 3-9 Jun 2024

In June and September 2024, Erin Enfys, a Brighton-based performer and theatre maker used Anita’s Room to develop new work. Since their successful residency at Brighton Dome, they’ve gone on to co-produce and host Disabled + Disobedient, an incredible cabaret show that delivers a full-throttle, genre-bending celebration of defiance and creativity.Disabled + Disobedient aims to benefit and platform local deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists and audiences by creating accessible shows for everyone, including BSL interpretation, chilled performances and touch tours.

Cecile Frangi - 10 Jun 2024

Also in June, singer-songwriter Cecile Frangi used the space to rehearse and film a live performance of their acoustic track Swells: a beautifully layered piece featuring vocals, guitar and a string quartet, created as part of their project Greenness. Cecile said “The room was perfect for acoustic rehearsals and to work out the parts together.”

Following their residency in Anita’s Room, Cecile and guitarist Graham Pratt have been recording their second album for Greenness, due out this autumn. Early press has been glowing, with CMU calling it: “Layered indie-pop and melodies that will curl up and rest happily inside your brain.” Watch this space.

Zach Walker -17 Jun 2024

Zach Walker, a multi-disciplinary artist, also spent time in the space that month, exploring the use of transducers instead of traditional speakers to generate sound through different materials. They experimented with moulds that mimic natural landscapes, creating time-lapse videos that replicate the slow process of erosion. Blending sound, science and sculpture in a unique sensory study, Zach continues to explore and experiment with multi-sensory installations across the country, from Bradford to London.

Lucy Clark - 15-20 Jul 2024

From July 15–20, dance artist and choreographer Lucy Clark used the space to develop a new movement piece inspired by her life. Combining physical performance and masking techniques, the work challenges stigma and disbelief surrounding rare conditions. The result was a powerful performance, which has since gone on to tour in 2025.

Autumn 2024

Karen Spicer - 23-27 Sep 2024

Actor and director Karen Spicer’s residency resulted in a community-led exploration of woman’s midlife experiences. This led to the creation of a short film, which was later featured in 4 performances of Mid-Life at the Studio Theatre, and acted as both creative development and audience outreach. The show was a frank, comedic exposé of menopausal mid-life, and was packed with razor sharp humour and disco.

Akila Richards - 28 Oct 2024

Writer and spoken word artist, Akila Richards worked with a mentor to develop her Studio Theatre show, Mango Ritual, a mesmerising live experience inspired by her 2024 poetry pamphlet Ritual for a Mango. This piece invited audiences into a world of requiem and rapture, exploring human vulnerability, emotional depth and visions of an expansive collective future.

Sophie Powell 18 Nov 2024

Brighton based puppeteer, performer, writer and teacher Sophie Powell’s residency delved into magical realism, puppetry and storytelling. Working alongside a musician and a maker, she began developing a new piece that blends fantasy with the tactile world of handcrafted theatre.

Jen Irons - 30 Nov 2024

Award-winning choreographer, performer and director Jen Irons used the space to rehearse her powerful solo show, Bad Immigrant!, ahead of its Edinburgh Festival run in August 2025. A vibrant blend of roller disco and theatre, the show takes a surprisingly joyful deep dive into migration, bureaucracy, national identity and the exhausting, but often hilarious, quest to belong. Praised in Brighton and Hove News, Bad Immigrant! promises a unique and heartfelt take on complex themes, performed with humour, energy, and resilience.

Spring 2025

Callum Anderson - 3 Mar 2025

Dancer Callum undertook research and development for a new screen-dance project, translating hidden queer narratives into movement on screen. Inspired by 20th-century novels that were censored, banned, or only published posthumously due to their queer themes, the work uses choreography to give voice to these long-silenced stories.

Leroy Horns – May 2025

Saxophonist and composer Leroy Horns used the space to develop Transients, an intimate saxophone-theatre performance combining stacked saxophones, electronic beats and unconventional rhythms. Alongside refining the music, he deepened his script and experimented with syncing stage lighting to his music software.
Reflecting on the residency, Leroy said:

“I was very pleased with the results and managed to develop my script further as well as learning to control stage lights with my music software.”

From bold solo shows to intimate collaborative projects, Anita’s Room has become a space where risk-taking is encouraged, stories are uncovered and creative energy is nurtured.

As we look to the year ahead, we’re excited to continue opening the doors to artists, makers and anyone with a story to tell. Whether it’s a disco-fuelled exploration of migration, a saxophone-powered theatre piece or a puppet show rooted in magical realism, Anita’s Room is here to hold the space.