BAG OF CATS
Know Promises Theatre Collective is proud to announce the Bag of Cats Award, a brand new opportunity created specifically for graduates of the Performing Arts (Acting) programme at ATU Sligo. This award marks the first trial of a new supporting residency designed to nurture emerging artists as they step from training into professional practice.
The Bag of Cats Award is open to graduates based in Sligo and offers a unique chance to step directly into the creative life and 2026 plans of Know Promises Theatre Collective. The selected recipient will be invited into an active, international ensemble environment that centres collaboration, experimentation, and the creation of bold new work.
Please find the application form link at the bottom of the page.
Who are we?
Know Promises Theatre Collective is an international ensemble dedicated to writing, devising, and creating original theatre. Our work is rooted in collaboration across borders, disciplines, and communities.
Our first project, Crow Coma, was developed in the Northwest of Ireland and presented as a work-in-progress in March 2023. Since then, we have continued to grow an ambitious body of work, including The Rambler (2024), funded by the Theatre Project Award from the Arts Council of Ireland; Broken Clay, commissioned by the Cairde Arts Festival (2025); and The Line Society, supported by the Agility Award from the Arts Council of Ireland.
Internationally, we have created productions in Estonia at the Waldorf School, including Romeo Ja Juulia and The Valke Prints. As a collective, we aim to base ourselves in diverse creative spaces, theatres, and locations worldwide, working in collaboration with companies, venues, and festivals.
To date, Know Promises Theatre Collective has been funded and supported by Leitrim and Sligo County Councils, the Arts Council of Ireland, Dublin Theatre Festival, Gare St Lazare (Ireland/France), Cairde Arts Festival, Blue Raincoat Theatre Company, the Waldorf School of Acting (Estonia), and Performing Arts Forum.
Our work explores stories and themes ranging from the Hero’s Journey to the Collective Consciousness, with a focus on examining the shadows we each carry
What the Bag of Cats Award Offers
The Bag of Cats Award provides a structured yet flexible residency that supports both artistic development and professional sustainability. The selected graduate will receive:
One-to-one mentoring with a selected collective member, consisting of five one-hour sessions
Five intensive group workshops, each led by a different collective member, combining skills across devising, performance, writing, and collaboration
Practical guidance in producing, creating, planning, and sustaining work as a professional actor in today’s theatre landscape
Active involvement in Arts Council funding applications, with hands-on insight into the application process
Invitations to all Know Promises Theatre Collective work developments, showcases, and sharings
An invitation to create and develop an original piece of work, with full support from Know Promises Theatre Collective and The Nest (Branching Out) initiative, through the Bag of Cats Award, we aim to offer more than training. We aim to provide connection, access, and a genuine pathway into professional theatre-making.
We are excited to support the next generation of artists emerging from ATU Sligo and to continue building a vibrant theatre ecology in the Northwest and beyond.
The deadline is the 17th of February, 6:00 PM; all applications submitted late will not be considered.
Chosen applicants will be selected for an interview in late February for final decisions. Please find the application form link at the bottom of the page.
My Approach
What began as a passion project has evolved into something more. We’re proud of where we’ve been and even more excited for what’s ahead. What sets us apart isn’t just our process—it’s the intention behind it. We take time to understand, explore, and create with purpose at every turn.
Simple ideas
Through every step, we've focused on staying true to our values and making space for thoughtful, lasting work.
Lasting impact
We build with clarity, act with integrity, and always stay curious.