Repayable Grants Open to Incentivise Productions to Tour
Arts Council England has opened expressions of interest for Incentivising Touring Round Three - a scheme designed to help mid‑ to large‑scale theatre and dance productions tour across England with greater financial confidence.
The programme offers repayable grants covering up to 25% of production capitalisation costs, capped at £500,000 per project, helping producers reduce financial risk and invest in work with strong touring potential.
Eligible applicants include UK‑based theatre and dance producers - publicly funded, commercial or independent - as well as National Portfolio Organisations and collaborative groups. Productions must tour to permanent, ticketed venues with 400+ seats, visiting at least four venues in England outside inner London.
Funding is available for new productions, revivals, or remounted works beginning a first or new tour. The scheme uses a broad definition of theatre, covering plays, musicals, circus, and physical or visual theatre.
Applications for Round Three can be submitted between 1 September 2026 and 13 October 2026.
Before applying, applicants must book a conversation with a member of the Incentivising Touring team before 18 September 2026.
Apply here: Incentivising Touring Scheme | Arts Council England