Bitesize Festival: Applications Open

Bitesize Festival is an annual celebration of short-form theatre, film and visual art at Riverside Studios. Designed to spotlight new voices and bold creative ideas, the festival brings together artists from across the UK and beyond for a dynamic programme of performances, screenings and exhibitions.

The festival runs 27 July - 31 August, offering artists the opportunity to present new work, connect with audiences and be part of one of West London’s most exciting platforms for new voices.

Applications open Tuesday 17 March and close Wednesday 1 April at midnight.

What We’re Looking For

Live Performance

We welcome applications from artists and companies working in:

Theatre, Comedy, Cabaret, Dance, Physical Theatre, Spoken Word, Gig Theatre and Pre / post Edinburgh shows.

All productions must have a maximum running time of 60 minutes, making Bitesize the perfect environment for bold, punchy storytelling and experimentation.

Selected productions will receive 1- 8 performances in one of two spaces:

Studio 3 – 150 seats

River Room – 70 seats (cabaret-style)

Artists receive:

70% of the net box office

Marketing support from Riverside Studios

Access to other festival performances

The opportunity to compete for festival awards

Apply here

Short Film Festival

Alongside live performance, Bitesize Festival VII will feature the second edition of the Bitesize Short Film Festival, expanding the celebration of storytelling across multiple art forms.

The Short Film Festival will take place 21 - 23 August, presenting a curated programme of original short films from emerging and established filmmakers.

Eligible films must be:

Narrative short films (Drama, Comedy, Thriller / Horror) between 5 and max 20 minutes

Animated films under 10 minutes

Across three days of screenings, audiences will experience a diverse range of cinematic voices and storytelling styles, with opportunities for filmmakers and audiences to connect and share ideas.

The opportunity to compete for festival awards

Apply here via FilmFreeway

Bitesize Art Exhibition

The Bitesize Art Exhibition will run 6 July - 31 August, transforming Riverside Studios into a vibrant gallery space throughout the festival.

The exhibition showcases work from emerging and established artists, inviting audiences to explore a wide range of styles and mediums.

Requirements

Maximum 2 artworks per artist

All mediums accepted except sculpture

Selected artworks will be exhibited and available for sale

Riverside Studios will take a 30% commission on all artwork sold during the festival

Apply here

Key Dates

• Applications open: Tuesday 17 March
• Applications close: Wednesday 1 April (midnight)
• Successful applicants notified: Mid-April
• Shows on sale: End of May
• Festival dates: 27 July - 31 August
• Short Film Festival: 21 - 23 August
• Art exhibition: 6 july - 31 August