SoftLaunch

SoftLaunch is a performance festival dedicated to bold experimentation, innovation, and the reinvention of what performance can be. Think installation art, immersive experiences, audience-interactive work, performances for intimate audiences, and work that pushes beyond traditional performance formats! 

This weekend-long festival takes place on January 28, 29 & 30, 2027 at 7:00pm. Audiences receive a festival pass and move throughout the theatre, encountering a variety of performance experiments and works in development. 

SoftLaunch features work at various stages of development, from early workshops to fully produced, focusing on pieces (or experiences) that don't fit within typical theatrical structures. SoftLaunch is specifically interested in work that reimagines the relationship between audience, performer, space, and story. The festival is less interested in work presented within a conventional theatre structure (even if that piece is radical), and more interested in projects that explore unconventional forms and new possibilities for what live performance can be. 

For example:   
Sleep No More an immersive, audience-driven performance in which audiences move through the environment and construct their own experience of the work? YES 

Recent Sankai Juku performance conceptually & visually rich, proscenium-based performance presented for seated audiences? NO   

*SoftLaunch is open to out-of-state applicants. However, there is no additional financial support for out-of-state artists. If you are traveling, please plan to cover your own travel and take care of all accommodations yourself (housing, per diem, etc.). 

CPT provides the following SoftLaunch benefits:   

• Access to the performance space as early as possible, with additional rehearsal space accommodations when available 

• Access to available CPT lighting, sound, props, costumes, and scenic inventory (upon request) 

• Stage management for the festival event 

• Front-of-house and box office support 

• Direct mail advertising the series 

• Program/schedule for the event 

• A project fee between $400-1000, determined by scale, scope, and level of completion 

The value of CPT’s investment in each individual project as part of this event is over $3,500-7,500.  

Lead Artists will:   

• Be present on site at all showings of their work (even if they are not performing): Jan. 28, 29 & 30 

• Attend four cohort meetings: Saturdays: Dec. 5 at 2:30-4:30pm, and Dec.12, 2026, & Jan 2, & 9 at 10am-noon 

• Attend the following Tech/Dress Rehearsals, which are required for all participating artists. This schedule reflects feedback from artists over the past two years requesting additional opportunities to experience one another’s work. 

• Tech Rehearsals for your own project: Wed. Jan. 20, Thurs. Jan. 21 & Fri. Jan. 22 (all tech work must be completed by Fri Jan. 22). 

• Sharing Tech/Dress Weekend: Sat. Jan. 23 & Sun. Jan. 24 (artists will experience one another’s work & run projects simultaneously) 

• Final Dress Rehearsals: Tues. Jan. 26 & Wed. Jan. 27, 6:00pm –11:00pm (both days required) 

• Ensure all artistic content is owned by the artist, or the artist must have authority to use material (in case of adaptation or inclusion of other content) 

• Lead their own independently contracted creative teams (performers, designers, technicians, etc.) 

• Attend wrap-up meeting on Sat. Feb. 13 at 1pm

SoftLaunch applications will open August 3 and are due no later than November 3, 2026. 

 A LOOK INSIDE SOFTLAUNCH

Video by Black Valve Media

First row of photos is by Emanuel Wallace from SoftLaunch 26, and second row is by Steve Wagner from SoftLaunch 25 (inaugural year)

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 goal of exploring innovations in theatrical performance and preparing the artists to apply for the upcoming SoftLaunch festival on January 28-30!

The PILOT Project brings together a cohort of artists to research new approaches to performance, inspire one another, and develop ideas for SoftLaunch. SoftLaunch is a new work development festival intended for theatrical work that is NOT theatre—think performances for one, seances, installations, immersive performances, participatory performances, and 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, sharing theatre-inspired performance practices, and ideating around new forms and fresh possibilities!

To be considered, Artists/PILOTs must commit to attending all workshops (one absence can be permitted) on Saturdays: Oct. 3, 10, 17 at 10am -1pm and Nov. 7 at 2:30pm – 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.   

• Phone Number.   

• Attach resume. Provide links to any relevant work samples.   

• Answers to the following questions: 

1. Why do you want to be a part of The PILOT Project?
2. What experience do you bring in making plays and/or in making “not-plays”?
3. Do you already have some ideas about the kind of work you want tomake?   
4. What strengths do you bringinto the room?  
5. Where is your learningedge at? In what ways do you hope to grow and learn?   

Applications for The PILOT Project are due no later than September 2, 2026. 

If you have any questions, contact Line Producer Anastasía Urozhaeva aurozheva@cptonline.org