Deadline: Sunday 29 June 2025, Midnight 

Got ideas you’re excited to try out? Into dance, music, drama, film, writing, digital – or doing your own creative thing that doesn’t fit into a box? 

MASHUP is your chance to dive into a fast-paced, high-energy week of creativity – where artforms collide, new ideas spark, and you collaborate with other artists to make something fresh, bold and completely NEW. 

We're looking for around 15 young people (18–25) living in Oldham who want to create and perform original work – and a wider circle to respond and get inspired. Whether you're into beats, movement, stories, visuals, or all of it at once – this is for you. 

No experience? No problem.

This is about taking creative risks, trying new things, and being part of something epic. You’ll be guided by incredible artist mentors across music, theatre, digital media and more – and you'll create a 3-minute performance that's powerful, polished and totally yours.

WHEN:  9th–17th August 2025

Sessions in Oldham with space and support during the week. You’ll need to be available in the daytimes approx. 10am-5pm on

Saturday 9th, Sunday 10th, Saturday 16th, Sunday 17th August.

WHAT YOU GET: 

• A full-on creative experience
• Mentorship from inspiring artists
• A new creative community
• Industry connections + next steps
• A stipend of £250
• Pizza🍕. Vibes. And a public sharing. 

This isn’t a competition – it’s a team, a mashup, a movement. We’re forming a new creative crew. You bring your ideas, we bring the support. We want to hear big and small ideas, new bold collabs, and a mashup of music, movement, stories, visuals and vibes — all mixed by you.

APPLY NOW – show us what excites you, what you make, what you love. Don’t worry about being perfect – this is your space to explore.

You can apply by: 

• Filling in this ONLINE FORM (Want inspo? DOWNLOAD THIS FORM with example answers if you would like to take a look at the questions before completing the form)

Alternatively you can send us a voice note or video to info@coliseum.org.uk instead, if that’s easier!

Got questions? We’re here for chats and support. Email helengoodman@coliseum.org.uk 

If you would like some support in filling in the application, see below for more info on drop-in sessions. Artist videos & tips coming soon. 

Deadline: Sunday 29 June 2025, Midnight

We believe that everyone is creative and encourage you to apply, even if you haven’t made a creative project before. All you need is an idea! 

We will be delivering drop-in sessions across Oldham, where you can speak with a member of the team to say hello, ask any questions about MASHUP, receive application support and have a go at our Creative Ideas Generator. 

Come along to our MASHUP recruitment drop-ins on the following days: 

• Monday 23 June (5:30pm – 7:30pm) – Chadderton Library, OL9 0JW
• Wednesday 25 June (5:30pm – 7pm) – Fitton Hill Library, OL8 2QD
• Saturday 28 June (1pm – 3pm) – Oldham Library, OL1 1AL

Drop-in Support Sessions at Mahdlo Youth Zone (OL1 3SE)

Every Thursday 4-6pm from 5 June, or email Francesca francesca.henderson-cox@mahdloyz.org and she will arrange a 1-to-1.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Mash-Up is an Oldham Coliseum Theatre project, working in partnership and developed with support from Oldham Theatre Workshop, MAHDLO and Northern Roots.