The Perfect Pitch

Dream Big: Pitch Your Million-Rand Theatre Dream

The Perfect Pitch is a new initiative by the Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees where your dream could become a reality.

How does it work?
Theatre-makers have five minutes to pitch their dream production to a panel of business leaders and investors, with up to R1 million in development funding available.
Well-known figures in the industry such as Saartjie Botha, Cornelia Faasen, Pieter Toerien, and Carel Nolte of EasyEquities will serve on the judging panel. Convince them to invest in your production.
If they’re not interested, there may be someone in the audience willing to provide the funding to bring your dream production to life. You never know!

En as hulle nie belangstel nie, is daar dalk iemand anders in die gehoor wat vir jou die geld wil gee om jou droomproduksie te laat realiseer. Jy weet nooit!

How do I enter?
Any professional theatre-maker with a strong theatre production concept may apply. Complete the entry form by 30 August. If your application is approved, you will pitch your idea to the panel and an audience on 8 October.

This is a major opportunity for South African theatre-makers to bring their next big production to life!

APPLICATIONS

Applications close on 30 August 2026.

Entry form

Supported by:

easy-equities

General Questions

SUBMISSION CRITERIA

PROJECT DOCUMENT

Maximum 12-page PDF document. When submitting your pitch, participants should ensure that their submission includes the following essential elements:

1.PRPROJECT SUMMARY

Provide a concise overview of the project, including its title, genre/style, and format.
Identify the genre, theatrical style, or performance form that best describes your project (e.g., drama, musical theatre, physical theatre, experimental performance, dance theatre, comedy, site-specific performance). If your project combines multiple styles or falls into a specific subcategory, be sure to mention that as well. If any translation and/or performance rights are involved, include confirmation thereof with your application.

2. SYNOPSIS

Present a detailed synopsis of the project, outlining the main narrative or conceptual framework. Describe the creative approach, and any innovative elements that make the project stand out in the South African performing arts landscape.

3. TARGET AUDIENCE

Clearly define the target audience for the project, considering demographics, cultural context, language preferences, and interests. Explain why the project appeals to this specific audience and how it meets their artistic and entertainment needs. Consider South African audience dynamics and accessibility.

4. CREATIVE TEAM

Introduce the key members of the creative team involved in the project:

  • Writer/Playwright/Devisor
  • Director/Choreographer
  • Producer
  • Designer(s) (set, costume, lighting, sound)
  • Performers/Cast
  • Any notable collaborators


Provide brief biographies that highlight their relevant experience, previous productions, awards, and contributions to the project.

5. BUDGET

Provide a comprehensive budget that outlines the estimated costs and expenses associated with the production, including:

  • Pre-production (development, workshops, rehearsals)
  • Production costs (venue hire, technical requirements, design elements)
  • Personnel (creative team fees, performers’ salaries)
  • Marketing and publicity
  • Touring costs (where applicable)


A well-prepared budget demonstrates financial feasibility and provides transparency to potential funders, investors, and stakeholders.

6. PRODUCTION PLAN

Outline the production plan, including:

  • Estimated production timeline
  • Rehearsal period
  • Technical and staging requirements
  • Any notable production considerations (accessibility, cultural protocols)


Provide a high-level overview of the resources, infrastructure, and expertise required to bring the project to fruition.

  • Only South African citizens may enter.
  • We accept applications for new works, adaptations, and reworkings of existing works across all genres.
  • If any translation and/or performance rights are required, include confirmation thereof with your application.
  • Commissioned works for other festivals and theatres that are already in development will not be considered.
  • Participants’ first application is free of charge. Thereafter, a fee of R500 per application is payable.
  • To be eligible for participation, you must complete the online application form. No applications submitted via email will be accepted.
  • Your application must be submitted as a PDF document of no more than 12 pages and must include the following: Project Summary, Synopsis, Target Audience, Creative Team, Budget, and Production Plan.
  • The Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees will appoint an expert panel to evaluate applications and select the winners.
  • The judges’ decision is final, and no correspondence will be entered into regarding the outcome.
  • A maximum of eight productions will be selected to present their projects during the live pitching session on 8 October at 19:00 in the Adam Small Auditorium.
  • Travel and accommodation costs for participants attending the live pitching session will not be covered by the festival.
  • Participants may nominate any member of their project team to present the live pitch on behalf of the team.
  • The Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees reserves the right not to appoint a winner.
  • Entries received after midnight on 30 August 2026 will not be considered.
  • Receipt of entries will be acknowledged within 14 working days.