The PILOT Project
The PILOT Project is a creative cohort program guided by Cleveland Public Theatre’s Executive Artistic Director & CEO Raymond Bobgan with the explicit goal of exploring innovations in theatrical performance, while preparing the artists to apply for and engage in the upcoming SoftLaunch 2027 festival on January 28-30!
The PILOT Project creates a space for exploring new forms and innovations in theatrical performance. Artists come together as a community for research to inspire each other around creative work of SoftLaunch. SoftLaunch is a new work development festival intended for theatrical work that is NOT theatre—think performances for one, seances, performative installations, immersive performance, participatory performance, and so much more.
Through engaging in the PILOT Project, the artists will prepare themselves to PILOT a project for SoftLaunch. This work will include engaging in conversations and guided creative explorations, encouraging exchange around different theatre-inspired performance practices, and ideating around new forms and fresh possibilities!
Artists/PILOTs must commit to attending all workshops (one absence can be permitted) on Saturdays: Oct. 3, 10 & 17, 10am-1pm & Saturday Nov. 7, 2:30-5:30pm
To apply for The PILOT Project, send an email with the following criteria to artistic@cptonline.org:
- Email subject should be your last name followed by The PILOT Project.
- Name: as you want to be called & as it would appear in a program.
- Phone Number.
- Attach resume. Provide links to any relevant work samples.
- Answers to the following questions:
- Why do you want to be a part of The PILOT Project?
- What experience do you bring in making plays and/or in making “not-plays”?
- Do you already have some ideas about the kind of work you want to make?
- What strengths do you bring into the room?
- Where is your learning edge at? In what ways do you hope to grow and learn?
Applications for The PILOT Project are due no later than September 2, 2026.
Have Questions? Reach out to Line Producer Anastasía Urozhaeva aurozheva@cptonline.org