Eight local artists selected for TDNI INVEST 2025/26 programme.
Theatre and Dance NI is delighted to announce the participants selected for INVEST 25/26, our annual professional development and mentoring programme supporting freelance practitioners working across theatre and dance in Northern Ireland.
About INVEST
INVEST was established to strengthen the sustainability, skills and confidence of NI’s creative workforce. Now in its fourth year, the programme continues to respond to the needs identified by freelance artists, producers, creators and backstage practitioners, supporting long-term career pathways and contributing to a more resilient and connected creative sector.
Supported by Belfast City Council, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, and the Foyle Foundation, the programme provides tailored mentoring, industry-led training, networking opportunities and a bursary to enable dedicated development time. INVEST is not a commissioning programme and does not fund the creation or touring of new work; instead, it focuses on workforce development, safer practices and sustainable professional growth.
INVEST Artists 2025/26
INVEST supports mid-career and established practitioners with at least four years of professional experience. Participants receive access to specialist mentoring, sector training and opportunities to refine their professional focus and sustainable working practices.
- Christopher McAuley – Contemporary Circus Artist
- Gerard Headley – Actor & Physical Theatre Artist
- Carley Magee – Writer & Theatremaker
- Rachel Kennedy – Creative Producer
INVEST Fellowship Artists (Early-Career Practitioners)
Designed for practitioners with two or more years’ experience, the INVEST Fellowship supports early-career artists to strengthen their skills, build networks and develop the confidence and professional grounding needed for sustainable creative careers.
- Íde Simpson – Playwright, Actor & Screenwriter
- Isaac Quinn (he/they) – Playwright, Performer & Theatremaker
- Conor Cupples (he/they) – Actor & Artist
This year, we will be supporting Conor Cupples through training in intimacy practice, funded by the NI Executive as part of the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG) strategy. The participating practitioner will be confirmed as the programme progresses.
INVEST Technical / Backstage Fellowship (New for 2025/26)
This new strand recognises the essential contribution of backstage and technical professionals to NI’s performing arts sector. It supports an early-career practitioner working across areas such as lighting, sound, stage management, AV and production, roles that are vital to the sustainability and growth of the wider performing arts infrastructure.
The fellowship offers mentoring, hands-on learning, skills development and sector networking, contributing to the long-term strengthening of technical capacity in NI.
Stage Manager & Theatre Technician, Emma Dawson has been selected for this new INVEST Fellowship strand
Across all three strands, INVEST 25/26 participants will take part in a structured programme of mentoring, skills development and sector connectivity designed to support professional growth and contribute to a more confident, connected and sustainable performing arts sector in Northern Ireland.
Supported By
INVEST 25/26 is supported by:
– Arts Council of Northern Ireland
– Belfast City Council
– The Foyle Foundation
One Fellowship bursary is supported by the NI Executive under the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG) strategy.