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Launched in 2001, and an acknowledged leader of professional development in Irish theatre, the SEEDS programme has become an engine for the support and advancement of a new generation.
SEEDS stands for seek out – encourage – enable – develop – stage
The first round of SEEDS began by focusing on the development of new writing. The programme was subsequently expanded, first to include directors and then to all the creative disciplines within theatre. Participants receive mentorship, desk space in our city centre office, support for their individual projects and opportunities to showcase their work.
An impressive number of SEEDS graduates have gone on to make a significant contribution to the professional theatre sector, and continue to work with Rough Magic.
By 2025, of the 58 who have completed the programme, 55% have been directly employed by Rough Magic and over 90% are currently working as full time theatre professionals.
The programme has evolved over time in response to the needs of the sector, and in 2025 a new iteration of the programme was launched to support emerging theatre collectives.
In 2020 Rough Magic launched COMPASS, a strategy designed to bring work from inception to production.
COMPASS’s goal is to nurture artists, deliver an ambitious programme of new plays and adaptations by emerging and established writers, and reach greater audiences and new destinations. Since 2020, through COMPASS, Rough Magic has commissioned 8 new plays, and has awarded 10 Rough Ideas bursaries to Irish writers though Open Call applications.
Rough Magic Theatre Company
12 Parliament Street
Dublin 2
Dublin
Ireland
+353 1 671 9278
Gemma Reeves – Executive Director