Live Theatre calls out for the playwriting voices of the future
Live Theatre calls out for the playwriting voices of the future
Live Theatre are on the lookout for budding North East writers interested in writing for the stage. Live Theatre have created Live Playwriting, a friendly and informal course that will introduce participants to some of the key aspects of writing a play. It will also lift the lid on playwriting, giving an understanding of how the theatre industry works and how writers get their plays on stage.
This free course will begin on Saturday 13 February 2021 and will run for 10 weeks. Led by Live Theatre’s Creative Producer, Graeme Thompson and a host of leading theatre writers, Live Playwriting covers storytelling, plot, character, dialogue and theatricality. You will also develop an idea for a stage play.
The leading writers and theatre professionals who will share their guidance and practical experience will include: Chinonyerem Odimba - Live Theatre Associate Artist and playwright (The Princess & The Hustler); Anna Jordan – Bruntwood Prize winning playwright and screenwriter (Killing Eve, Succession, Yen); Vinay Patel – playwright and BAFTA winning screenwriter (Murdered by My Father, Dr Who); Phoebe Eclair-Powell - Live Theatre commissioned and Bruntwood Prize winning playwright and screenwriter (Shed-Exploded, Fury, Hollyoaks); Luke Barnes – Live Theatre commissioned playwright (The Jumper Factory); Katie Posner and Charlotte Bennett – Artistic directors Paines Plough touring theatre company.
Previous participants who have benefitted from similar courses include writers, Kema Sikazwe (Shine), Nina Berry (The Terminal Velocity of Snowflakes), Alison Carr (Iris), Paddy Campbell (Wet House), Elijah Young (10 Minutes To... and Queer and Now), Mhairi Ledgerwood (2020 Seed Bursary winner) and Sarah Tarbit (Invisible Boundaries for 10 Minutes To…Call Home and The Whale Washed Up On Christmas Eve for 5 Plays of Christmas).
Introduction to Playwriting alumni, Sarah Tarbit said:
“To me, the course was all about opportunities - to develop my storytelling skills, to meet other writers and to learn more about the industry. We had an exciting mix of workshops led by dramaturgs, writers, directors and theatre companies from across the country. It was like Live flung open its doors and invited me into the world of theatre when other parts of the writing world seemed so closed off. It was such an encouraging and validating experience that has led to my first short script being staged. So, if you're thinking about applying just do it! You never know where it might lead...”
Live Playwriting is a key part of Live Elevator, Live Theatre’s talent development programme. It’s an investment in the theatre makers of the future and a unique opportunity for aspiring playwrights. Live Playwriting continues the Live Wired season.
Live Playwriting is perfect for anyone interested in writing for the stage who is based in the North East and aged 16+. No previous experience of playwriting is needed, however, places are limited so interested people are asked to apply by 18 December 2020 by completing an online form and uploading a small example of their writing (10 pages max). For further information go to: https://www.live.org.uk/live-playwriting-online-course
