Kaleidoscope
Live performance night from queer-identifying artists
Kaleidoscope – kalos (beautiful), eidos (shape), and – scope (an instrument for seeing)
Kaleidoscope is a collection of new work in response to the themes presented in our upcoming main stage production The Line of Beauty – including 1980’s Britain, class politics, the HIV & AIDS crisis, and the lived experience of queer people.
We are looking for ten artists, who self-identify as queer, to perform at Kaleidoscope this November 2025. We’re keen to hear from artists who have 5-10 minutes of drag, spoken-word, poetry, music or a self-written monologue – we are also open to receiving other submissions that don’t fit into any of these categories.
We are particularly interested in hearing from queer artists who identify as global majority and/or are neurodiverse or disabled.
Creative prompts
1. The kaleidoscope symbolises the ever-changing and infinite possibilities of the human experience. Like its shifting patterns, each of us holds unique qualities that reveal themselves in different lights and environments—constantly evolving, always beautiful in motion.
2. Queerness, like a kaleidoscope, isn’t static—it’s movement, discovery, and the beauty of becoming.
3. Untitled, 1988, Rotimi Fani-Kayode (image above)
In order to apply for Kaleidoscope, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Identify as queer
- Identify as an early career artist
- Live within commuting distance to London
- Aged 18+
- Be available for all of the dates indicated below. You must be available from midday – 6pm on both the performance date and the rehearsal date, in order to set up, perform and pack down. You will not be required for the whole 6 hours.
- Your performance act requires a maximum of two performers
- You must be able to commit to developing your pitch up to 10 mins worth of material
Key dates
Application Deadline: 12pm Wed 3 Sep
Rehearsal Date: Sun 9 Nov
Performance Date: Sun 16 Nov
We will contact all applicants, regardless of whether they have been shortlisted to perform as part of Kaleidoscope by Wed 24 Sep.
We look forward to receiving and reading your application.
If you have any questions, please get in contact at participate@almeida.co.uk
