Location: CCA, 350 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow
Date: 17 April 2010

Up-Close is shaping up to be an exciting day for writers. Even if you haven’t managed to reserve a place, Up Close is a chance to meet other writers and the staff of the Playwrights’ Studio, Scotland to find out about other opportunities that are available to you, so please come and speak to us on the day.

Registration will begin at 10am at the Playwrights’ Studio, Scotland reception desk and bookshop in the CCA cafe. Staff from the Playwrights’ Studio, Scotland will be on hand to sign you into your booked session(s) and provide you with an event pack containing all the information you’ll need for the day.

Please remember to bring a notebook and pen if you wish to take notes during the sessions.

Events on the day

Introduction to Playwriting (10.30am) - Led by our Associate Playwright Chris Dolan. Suitable for those with no playwriting experience, this session will deliver useful guidance for both aspiring playwrights as well as interested members of the public.

Making Applications & Proposals (11am)- This session will be delivered by playwright and theatre producer Tim Nunn, Cultural Enterprise Office's Specialist Performance Adviser. This practical workshop for individuals focuses on making applications and proposals for funding, commissions and residencies.

BBC Scotland Radio Drama (12.30pm and 2pm)–Hosted by David Ian Neville, BBC Radio Drama producer, this workshop is aimed at anyone interested in writing for radio drama.

Further Skills for Playwrights (2.30pm)- Led by Chris Dolan, for those with some experience of playwriting, or who have attended a playwriting workshop in the past

De-Mystifying Writing for Television (4pm) - This session will be facilitated by Amy Roberts from the BBC Scotland Drama Department and chaired by Chris Dolan. Along with a panel of Scottish screenwriters including Stuart Hepburn and Ann Marie di Mambro, our guests will explore their experiences writing for long running and returning series.

Further Skills for Playwrights (4.30pm) - Led by renowned Scottish playwright Douglas Maxwell, this workshop is for those with some experience of playwriting, or who have attended a playwriting workshop in the past.

Informal Play Reading (7pm onwards) - An informal play reading of The White Rose by Peter Arnott, directed by Nicola McCartney.

Please note that capacity for these events is limited. If you are unable to attend any of the sessions you have booked, please let us know by 12 noon on Friday 16th April, to allow us to offer the place to someone else.

For further details, please email info@playwrightsstudio.co.uk or call 0141 332 4403

The Playwrights' Studio, Scotland is now accepting applications for our 2010/2011 Mentoring Session. Every year the Playwrights’ Studio offers an opportunity for new playwrights to be mentored by established playwrights. This is an amazing chance to improve your writing skills and gain valuable insights into the playwriting process.

Eligible Applicants

You should be an emerging playwright, living in Scotland or from Scotland and living elsewhere, with a particular play you hope to develop during your mentoring time. You do not need to have been produced in order to qualify.

You should be available from September 2010 for six months to work on your script regularly. Mentees will be matched with a mentor in September and will remain in communication with this mentor over the six month working period.

To Apply Please Send:

• a cover letter explaining why you would like to be mentored
• two ten-page extracts of your writing
• a synopsis of each work from which the extracts have come
• your current contact details
• a brief biography detailing your writing experience to date

Please address applications to:

Playwrights' Studio, Scotland
CCA, 350 Sauchiehall Street
Glasgow, G2 3JD

or send via email to alice@playwrightsstudio.co.uk

Please note: The application deadline is earlier this year
than it has been in previous years.
All applications must be received by 30th June 2010

Also Note: Short-listed applicants will be asked to submit a complete piece of writing electronically at a later date.

Applications are now open for Writer’s Projects 2010/2011. You, the professional playwright, can apply for up to £3,250 to support any aspect of your writing development.

A limited number of Writer’s Projects are available. In selecting which ones to support we will consider;

• The originality and ambition of the ideas
• The creative development of the playwright
• The career benefit to the playwright

We will run the project for you, providing administrative support and handling all the financial management, and will work closely with you to ensure that the project successfully meets your needs.

Application Criteria

Applications to the Writers’ Project scheme must be submitted by individual playwrights. You can apply if you:

• have had 2 or more professional productions
• are living in or are from Scotland

Projects which already have funding will not be considered.

Deadlines

There are 2 deadlines for application submissions:

• 28 May 2010 (for projects commencing from July 2010)
• 30 November 2010 (for projects commencing from January 2011)

How to Apply

Please visit www.playwrightsstudio.co.uk/writersprojects.htm to download an application form. Completed applications should be sent to Playwrights’ Studio, Scotland, CCA 350 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow G2 3JD. Applications may also be sent via email to info@playwrightsstudio.co.uk

If you wish to discuss your project with us prior to submitting an application we invite you to call our office (0141 332 4403) or send an email to info@playwrightsstudio.co.uk

The Playwrights’ Studio, Scotland is committed to working in partnership to enable activity for playwrights across Scotland and beyond. Applications are open for Partner Project funding 2010/2011. Organisations can apply for up to £5,000 to deliver activity with playwrights. Applicants must have matching funds (see Criteria below).

A limited number of Partner Projects are available. In selecting which ones to support we will consider;

• The benefit to playwrights
• Originality and ambition
• The organisation’s commitment to developing new playwriting
• Public benefit
• Sustainability of activity

Application Criteria

• Organisations must be formally constituted with a bank account of their own.
• Organisations must be based in Scotland or planning to work with writers who are Scottish or based in Scotland.
• 100% of the funds applied for must be matched by the Organisation. 50% of matching funds can be in kind support

There are two deadlines for application submissions:

• Monday, 28 June 2010
• Tuesday, 30 November 2010

How to apply
Please visit the www.playwrightsstudio.co.uk/partnerprojects to download an application form. Completed applications should be sent to Playwrights’ Studio, Scotland, CCA 350 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow G2 3JD. Applications may also be sent via email to info@playwrightsstudio.co.uk

If you wish to discuss your project with us prior to submitting an application we invite you to call our office (0141 332 4403) or send an email to info@playwrightsstudio.co.uk

During August 2010 we will be based in Edinburgh with our Bookshop and Information Point

We would like to hear from any Scottish Playwrights who are having their plays performed at this year's festival, for inclusion in our 2010 Festival Brochure.

Please email alice@playwrightsstudio.co.uk with your performance information.

For more information on how to submit a play to Fuse please visit our website at www.playwrightsstudio.co.uk/fuse.html

• To write in a working environment
• Meetings with other writers, press and producers
• Round the table script development
• Reading Room with access to our well stocked Plays Library

Use of the space is subject to availability. To book a time to use the space, please contact Alice on 0141 332 4403 or alice@playwrightsstudio.co.uk

Playwrights' Studio, Scotland, are proud to announce the launch of our own Twitter page.

Please visit http://twitter.com/Pwrightsstudio to follow all our latest news and find out about future events.

WACtheatre - WACfest Weekend
WACtheatre
Location: Aberdeen
Dates: 17 - 18 April 2010

Aberdeen-based WACtheatre are an organisation set up specifically to produce new work and to create opportunities for writers and actors in North East Scotland, particularly around Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. WAC hold weekly meetings (WAC Wednesdays) to bring together playwrights and actors based in Aberdeen and the Shire to read plays and discuss how they can be developed.

WACtheatre are holding their first writing festival this April with performances, readings and workshops. For further information, visit http://www.wactheatre.co.uk/downloads/WACfest.pdf

WAC are also on the lookout for new plays - so if you've got an idea, a dog-eared script or just want some help getting to grips with script writing, drop them a line. Guidelines/script layouts are available for submitting unsolicited scripts. Download them from http://www.wactheatre.co.uk/downloads/WACScriptGuidelines.pdf or contact them for details.

NB: please DO NOT send unsolicited scripts to WACtheatre without reading the Guidelines.

This season the Traverse is inviting writers at all stages to submit short scenes for their new Words, Words, Words events. You are invited to send them some words or just sit back and enjoy the newest voices in theatre. The short pieces (approx 2 – 4 pages in length) will be read aloud by members of writing groups in the informal setting of the Traverse Bar Café space.

Scenes must be submitted by 19 April for the 3 May performance.

For more information please email jennifer.williams@traverse.co.uk

A workshop by leading Scottish playwright Linda McLean on visual art as an inspiration for playwriting. This daylong event will commence at the National Gallery of Modern Art
and then transfer to the Traverse Theatre.

Pre-booking with Traverse box office essential. £16 (£8 Concessions)

To find out more, visit http://www.traverse.co.uk/shows_lindamclean.htm

Writing for Screen

Write Camera Action
Location: CCA, Glasgow
Dates: 18 January - 17 May 2010, 6pm - 9:30pm

Write Camera Action is a series of unique workshops bringing together writers, directors and actors in an informal environment to enhance their skills and learn from each other.

Running on the third Monday of the month in 2010, anyone with a passion for film is welcome. Come along, be inspired, get practical hands on experience and have FUN!

Adult: £5.00, Students / Consc / GMAC Members: £3.00

Venue: CCA 1 / CCA 4 (cinema) / CCA 5 / Cafe/Bar / Clubroom

Ages: 18 and over

To find out more, visit http://cca-glasgow.com/index.cfm?page=236B7D10-868E-4F86-A306909B378E5655&eventid=13F23A5E-7576-1045-AD6912B7FF189280

This long-awaited 22 week intensive evening class will have its first run at the CCA in Glasgow in Spring 2010.

Devised by UK screenwriting guru Phil Parker and intended for committed screenwriters, the course is heavily workshop based and includes new thinking on the craft, particularly relating to the central importance of genre and theme.

The workload for participants will be significant throughout the 22 weeks, the aim being to move from idea to completed rough draft feature film screenplay within a supportive developmental environment. Ideally, participants will begin the course with a new idea rather than reworking extant material.

The course will be taught by writer, director Eleanor Yule in collaboration with Scottish Screenwriters.

Scottish Screenwriters are administering this course and if you have any query about eligibility, or would like to enquire about participation please contact Jerry Brannigan jerry@passengerproductions.co.uk or John McShane mcshane.john@gmail.com

Suitable for beginners, this course is ideal for those wishing to broaden their critical understanding of contemporary cinema and to engage in discussion about a range of topics. Led by David Archibald, journalist and lecturer at the University of Glasgow, the course comprises of 5 films and 5 seminars.

Cost:£70/£62

To book a place call the GFT Box Office on 0141 332 6535, or email boxoffice@gft.org.uk

The 5th Leith Short Film Festival is now open for submissions. The festival is scheduled to take place in June 2010, during the Leith Festival (11-20 June). Films of all genres and budgets will be considered. In addition, there will be a screenplay competition forthe best short and feature screenplay. The winner will be awarded The Edinburgh Screenwriters’ Official Award for Best Short or Feature Screenplay. The winning entries will also be broadcast or performed by a professional cast on local radio.

For application guidelines and entry forms, please visit www.leithshortfilms.co.uk

The Story Engine returns for its fourth annual conference. The essential Northern event for screenwriters, The Story Engine offers case studies, practical workshops, panel discussions on emerging trends, transmedia experiences, storylining and a focus on the relationships between writers, directors and producers in film, web and TV.

The full line-up of speakers, along with the confirmed programme for the two-day conference, will be announced on Monday 19 April.

Cost: £110 for two days of events, lunch included.

For more information, visit www.thestoryengine.com

To book, visit www.tynesidecinema.co.uk or by calling the Tyneside Cinema box office on 0845 217 9909.

It focuses both on writing and analysis, as these are essential skills for a career in the television industry. Successful students will graduate with both a masters degree and at least one project or script ready to take to market. Competitive, industry-sponsored scholarships are available.

To find out more, visit http://www.gcal.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/courses/television-fiction-writing-8997.php

An opportunity has arisen at the country's premier film school, The National Film and Television School to study on the two year Screenwriting MA. One place has become available after Easter this year, and NFTS are seeking a highly talented individual with some existing experience of writing for drama either stage or screen, to join the current first year group of 7 writers. It is not necessary to have a university degree to be eligible to apply.

The school seeks the highest standard applicants from all over the world, and offers an international standard training in a real film and tv studio environment. Screenwriters receive individualised attention and have their unique voice nurtured, and are taught by industry practitioners- writers, producers, directors and actors. Writers graduate with at least one fully developed feature screenplay and a selection of shorter pieces, such as tv episodes, short plays, short film and animations.

The NFTS has an unrivalled access to introductions to the industry for its students on graduation. During the course, a continuous stream of masterclasses by practitioners of international standing, and weekly previews of the best of films from all over the world, provide total immersion in the world of film-making .

For further information about the school, and for how to apply visit http://www.nfts.co.uk/courses/screenwriting

For enquiries about the one place for Screenwriting 2010, please email Corinne Cartier, Head of Screenwriting at apply@nfts.co.uk

Do you want to write for film or television? How do you go about learning the best way to tell your stories in script format? What books (and scripts) should you read? Do you need to do a degree in scriptwriting or can you do short courses? Who should you submit to and what should you submit? Are film and television writers different from novelists?    

This Masterclass will answer all these questions and more. So if you want to write for film or television, don’t miss this event with a distinguished panel from film, TV and books.

Cost: £40 including VAT

To find out more, visit http://www.londonbookfair.co.uk/page.cfm/Action=Seminars/SeminarID=112

South West Voices
BBC Writersroom
Location : South West England, UK
Deadline: 21 April

Are you an experienced writer based in the South West who wants to write original drama for television? If you've had your work professionally produced or a script commissioned (for theatre, radio, television or film),they want to hear from you.

Writers must submit a pitch for an original series, serial or single drama idea for television (one page maximum), along with a full-length original sample script (for theatre, radio, television, or film). Submissions will be assessed on the originality of the idea, the quality of the writing sample, and the strength of voice and potential in the writer.

Writers must have had at least one professional drama production or script commissioned previously for theatre, film, television, or radio

For more information, please visit http://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/opportunity/south_west_voices.shtml

This programme of screenwriting activity is funded by Screen WM and delivered in partnership with Red Room Films, Animation Forum West Midlands and Hello Digital.

This programme of screenwriting activity is aimed at writers who would like to develop their skills and learn the tools of the trade.  It offers a wide variety of opportunities for writers to hone their skills with input and support from writers and producers currently working in the industry. Topics will range range  from developing ideas for film, how to format your screenplay, writing sitcom, writing for animation, and feature film genres.

The programme is an ideal opportunity for writers to get to grips with the film-making community in the region and to further develop their careers.

For more information and booking details, visit www.scriptonline.net/screen.html  or contact Script at catherine.edwards@scriptonline.net

For the fourth year running the Muslim Writers Awards is calling out for creative, interesting, and exciting submissions from writers across the country. All entrants must be Muslim and work should be submitted in the English Language. Submissions do not need to be centred on topics of Islam or Muslim identity, however this is equally welcome.

The screenplay category accepts short films (10-20 pages), feature-length scripts (over 60 pages), and TV episodes (30 pages).

To find out more and apply, visit http://muslimwritersawards.org.uk/submit-work/unpublished-categories

Focusing on developing exciting new approaches to the classic sitcom format, this course will encourage writers to cultivate a strong, individual comic voice. Tutored by Graham Duff and James Payne, along with guest David Nobbs. There will be practical sessions involving brainstorming, table readings of students’ work and polishing of scripts. It will also focus on the key stages of getting your script from raw idea to final draft.

Cost: single room - £595, shared room - £545

For more information telephone 01422 843714 or email lumbbank@arvonfoundation.org

Beginners and more experienced screenwriters alike will benefit from this course which will take students through the development process from first idea to complete script. The course is led by Jez Butterworth and Allegra Huston, with guest Patrick Marber. You will explore all aspects of storytelling on screen with workshops, discussions and screenings of films to help students develop their original scripts or adaptations.

Please note, this course is fully booked. Please contact the Arvon Foundation if you would like to be put on the waiting list or to discuss other courses.

For more information, please call 01409 231338, or email totleighbarton@arvonfoundation.org

The John Brabourne Awards are a stepping stone for up and coming talent driven to further their experiences and careers in all aspects of film and television. The awards also seek to help those disadvantaged in some way, either through lack of funds or set-backs due to illness or accident.

There are two types of award, the CTBF Awards and the Sponsored Awards.

For more information and application forms, please visit http://www.ctbf.co.uk/johnbrabourneawards/aboutawards.html

Screenwriting Courses and Events
Euroscript
Location : London
Dates: Ongoing

Euroscript’s goal is to facilitate the production of highest-quality marketable screenplays for film and television. Euroscript comprises a team of experienced and diverse industry professionals including producers, working screenwriters, script consultants and film-makers

Training is at the heart of the Euroscript programme. They offer a wide range of courses and events to help develop your screenwriting, marketing and networking skills no matter your level, using experienced industry practitioners giving personal feedback on your work.

Euroscript offer a diverse range of: Day and Weekend Courses, Evening Courses, Project Development Workshops and Free Events

For all upcoming courses and events, please view the Euroscript monthly calendar http://www.euroscript.co.uk/calendar.html

What is the Scheme?

The University of Bolton is developing a writer's programme in association with a number of production companies in the North West (AbbottVision, Red Productions, Lime Pictures,  BBC writersroom, LA Productions, Made In Manchester, R.S.J. Productions). This is a scheme for writers that want to develop their skills working in an industry context.  Writers will develop an original script as well as learn about team writing and producing.

In order to develop the scheme effectively we are offering free places to 16 new writers from the North West.  This pilot scheme will put writers into direct contact with the best TV, radio and web producers in the region. 

Who can apply for this scheme?

The scheme is open to writers based within the North West region who have already had a script commissioned or had a professional reading of their work (for any platform, film, radio, stage, TV or the web) or had material published.  You will be expected to be able to work effectively on scripted material from the start of the project.  This is not a scheme for beginners.

Applicants must be over 18 and not in full-time education.

If you wish to discuss the project further, please contact the University of Bolton on infowriterslab@bolton.ac.uk  Alternatively,  you can speak to Jane Stuart on 01204 903331 or Anna Zaluckzkowska on 01204 903237.

Radio Fiction
Arvon Foundation
Location: Moniack Mhor, Inverness-shire, Scotland
Dates: 4 - 9 October 2010

Radio is an ideal medium for fictional characters to come to life and tell their story. This course is about listening and noticing, welcoming and letting characters lead your writing on a great adventure. Discover the freedoms and disciplines of radio.

Single room: £595
Shared room: £545

For more information or to book, visit http://www.arvonfoundation.org/pc543.html

Listen out for the exciting range of drama and readings being broadcast on BBC Radio 4 and BBC Radio Scotland in the New Year. To access the latest edition of their newsletter, please click here

Bear On A Chain by Sue Glover
A Play A Pie and A Pint, Oran Mor, Glasgow
Fri 12 April - Wed 17 April 2010
Click here

I Was A Beautiful Day by Iain Finlay Macleod
Alabaster Productions @ The Tron Theatre
Wed 14 - Sat 17 April 2010
Click here

Mish Gorecki Goes Missing by Skye Loneragan- New Shows Added
Tron Theatre, Glasgow
Wed 14 - Sun 25 April 2010
Click here

The Cherry Orchard adapted by John Byrne
Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh
Fri 16 April - Sat 8 May 2010
Click here

WACfest Weekend
WACtheatre’s first writing festival - performances, readings and workshops
Sat 17 and Sun 18 April 2010
Click here

Casablanca (The Lunchtime Cut) by Morag Fullerton
A Play A Pie and A Pint, Oran Mor, Glasgow
Fri 19 - Wed 24 April 2010
Click here

Underneath It All: A Rehearsed Reading by 1331 Theatre
1331 Theatre @ The Arches, Glasgow
Thurs 22 - Fri 23 April 2010
Click here

Turbo Folk by Alan Bissett
A Play A Pie and A Pint, Oran Mor, Glasgow
Mon 26 April - Sat 1 May 2010
Click here

Rehearsal Room 16
Stellar Quines Theatre Company @ Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh
Wed 28 April - Sat 1 May 2010
Click here

The Woman from the North by Bernard MacLaverty
A Play A Pie and A Pint, Oran Mor, Glasgow
Mon 3 May - Sat 8 May 2010
Click here

From The West Bank (including Ramallah by David Grieg)
Tron Theatre, Glasgow
Fri 7 - Sat 22 May 2010
Click here

Please, Mister by Patrick Harkins
A Play A Pie and A Pint, Oran Mor, Glasgow
Mon 10 - Sat 15 May 2010
Click here

Before I Go by Ian Pattison
A Play A Pie and A Pint, Oran Mor, Glasgow
Mon 17 - Sat 22 May 2010
Click here

The Playwrights Network

The Playwrights Network links regional organisations which work to develop playwrights (and sometimes writers working in other media too) across the UK.
Click here to find an organisation in your area.

The Scottish Society of Playwrights (SSP)

A professional members' organisation that represents, develops and promotes the interests and craft of professional Scottish playwrights working within the theatre sector. To become a member or for more information about the Society, please see their website www.scottishsocietyofplaywrights.co.uk
or email scottishsocietyofplaywrights@gmail.com

Note: Could any member who has recently changed address or contact details please send in their most up to date information?  Thank you.