Studio News
current activities and items of interest

Writing for Stage
events and competitions

Writing for Screen
events and competitions

Writing for Radio
events and competitions

Whats On
New works by Scotland's writers

E-BULLETIN: May 2011

Welcome to Playwrights' Studio, Scotland's May
E-bulletin.

These monthly bulletins contain information about future Playwrights' Studio projects and activities, as well as many other opportunities available to dramatic writers across the UK and internationally from a range of sources.

This page of the e-bulletin is divided into sections which list information about Playwrights' Studio projects as well as opportunities and events for stage writing, screen writing, and radio writing. Please click through to the section that interests you for more information about these events.

Our final section, What's On, contains a list of some of the new work by Scottish writers coming up in the next few months.

We would appreciate any feedback you have on our
E-bulletin and if you have any information that you would like circulated to our subscribers, please email this to info@playwrightsstudio.co.uk by the end of the first week of each month.

Studio News
New Creative Director Announced
Crossing The Lines
Stage to Page - new monthly workshops
Call for Scottish plays performing at the Edinburgh Festival
E-bulletin
Play Library Amnesty
The Space
Playwrights' Studio, Scotland on Facebook
Playwrights' Studio, Scotland Twitter Pag
e

Read more...

Writing for Stage

Opportunities
Giant - Artist Opportunities
Tom McGrath Trust 2011 Maverick Award - Applications Open
Head5space 2011
WACtheatre Playwriting Competition
Tom McGrath Trust - Writers Opportunities
ECLA Postdoctoral Writing Fellowship Opportunity
International Performing Arts Conferences - Presentation Proposals Accepted
ScriptSpace - Play Reading Opportunity
MAD Submissions Now Open
Sky Arts Ignition - Applications Open
The Royal Court Young Writers Festival 2012
Pint-Sized Plays Writing Competition - Applications Open
Little Pieces of Gold - Submissions Accepted
Writers Avenue
Off Cut 2011

firstCrucible Writers Night - Submissions Open
Jerwood Blue Touch Paper Bursary
The Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting - Submissions Accepted
MK Community Foundation Arts Bursary
The Ted Walters International Short Story, Poetry and Playwriting Competion 2011
New Works of Merit Playwriting Contest

Next Best Page Submissions


Events
Liz Lochhead at Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival
The Visitors - Brothers of Thunder by Anne Marie Di Mambro
Scenes @ Beanscene
Writing and Storytelling Fellowship
Playwriting 2 Workshop
Playwriting with Fraser Grace
Stephen Jefferys Playwriting Masterclass
'Getting to Where You Want to Be' Workshop
One-to-One Sessions for Writers
Playwriting at Salisbury Arts Centre
IETM Autumn Plenary Meeting in Krakow
Online Playwriting Course

Read more...

Writing for Screen
About The Writers' Factory
Writers' Factory - Intermediate Screenwriting Course
Writers' Factory - Introduction to Screenwriting Express Course

A Guide to Writers Factory Courses
Alchemy Film and Moving Image Festival - Call for Submissions
ScreenHI Editor Indiepreneur
MA Television Fiction Writing
ScreenHI Festival Tour - Call for Submissions
First Light 10th Birthday Film-making Competition
Step2RealityTV - Pitch Ideas
My Street - Call for Submissions
The Good Pitch Europe 2011 - Call for Entries
Transition Fund for Audience Development
The Young Film Fund Opportunities 2011/12
Newsjack - Call for Weekly Submissions
Encounters International Film Festival - Call for Submissions
Call for New Feature Length Scripts

GoNorth Edit Workshop with Mark Jenkins
Scottish Screenwriters - Welcomes New Members

Writing for TV Workshop
Fast Train for TV Freelancers
BAFTA Masterclass - Writing Comedy with Miranda Hart
Serious Screenwriting 2011 BAFTA - Screenwriters on Screenwriting Channel
Euroscript - Screenwriting Courses and Events

Read more...

Writing for Radio
BBC Radio Scotland Drama Newsletter April-July 2011
Read more...

What's On
A Slow Air by David Harrower
Top Table by Rob Drummond
The Steamie by Tony Roper

Macmillan's Marvellous Motion Machine by Jules Horne
INK:24 HOUR PLAYS by INK
I Heart Maths by James Ley
The Visitors: Brothers of Thunder by Anne Marie Di Mambro
Sins of Fathers by Patrick Harkins
A Conversation With Carmel by Barrowland Ballet
Crazy Gary's Mobile Disco by Gary Owen
Classic Cuts Season: Daphis & Chloe by Longus, by Hattie Naylor
Knives in Hens by David Harrower
Classic Cuts Season: Wind in the Pines, by Paddy Cunneen

Page to Stage by Tron Studio
A Conversation With Carmel by Barrowland Ballet

Read more...

Studio News
 

New Creative Director Announced


Playwrights’ Studio, Scotland is delighted to announce that Fiona Sturgeon Shea has been appointed to the post of Creative Director.

Fiona is currently Head of Communications at the Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh. She has worked for several important theatre companies in England and Scotland, including the Citizens Theatre, the Royal Lyceum Theatre and the Orange Tree Theatre. She recently held posts in the public sector with the Scottish Arts Council and the Scottish Government/National Health Service.

Linda McLean, Chairwoman of Playwrights’ Studio’s Board of Directors said "We are delighted that Fiona will be joining us as our new Creative Director. Her dedication to new writing and playwrights coupled with her experience in the wider arts' sector puts her in an excellent position to steer the organisation through its next phase."

Fiona will take up the post from August 2011 as Playwrights’ Studio, Scotland moves forward with new projects and partnerships, which will see continued growth in the scale and reach of what it can offer.

Fiona Sturgeon Shea commented, “I am delighted and honoured to join the talented staff team and board in building on the tremendous legacy achieved under the leadership of Julie Ellen. Most importantly, I am excited to continue working with Scotland's playwrights who have already given me so much inspiration and joy particularly during my time with the Traverse, Scotland's new writing theatre.

Current Creative Director Julie Ellen is leaving to take up the post of Artistic Director for Greenock's new arts centre The Beacon.

 

Crossing The Lines

The Arches & Playwrights' Studio, Scotland
Location: The Arches, Glasgow
Date: 25 May 2011, 7.30pm

The Arches & Playwrights’ Studio, Scotland present new event Crossing the Lines - adventures of a textual nature - a performance evening that pushes the boundaries of the theatrical experience while firmly focusing on text. Artists of any genre are invited to take a piece of contemporary playwriting and illuminate within a live setting. Whether you’re a director, musician or movement specialist we’d love to help you celebrate and interrogate the delivery of text. Similar to Scratch nights, these short pieces will be performed to a supportive audience who will offer feedback in the bar afterwards.

It you’re interested in Crossing the Lines contact crossingthelines@hotmail.co.uk or visit http://www.thearches.co.uk/events/arts/crossing-the-lines or for more information, or to book.

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=210720472283569

Stage to Page
New monthly workshops for playwrights

Playwrights' Studio, Scotland
Location: CCA, 350 Sauchiehall St, Glasgow
Date: 30 May 2011, 7.00pm

Come and explore freshly written play scenes with fellow writers, actors and directors. This is an opportunity to play, create, influence and collaborate with each other.

Play scenes will be cast and directed by those in attendance on the night, workshopped, and read for the group. 

Dates

Stage to Page will take place at 7pm in the CCA, 350 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 3JD on the following dates: 

  • Monday 30th May 2011 (Submission deadline: Monday 23rd May)
  • Monday 27th June 2011 (Submission deadline: Monday 20th June)
  • Monday 18th July 2011 (Submission deadline: Monday 11th July)


There is also a £3 charge (this is a contribution towards costs).

5-10 minute scenes (maximum of 3 scenes) along with short sypnosis and character breakdowns should be e-mailed to info@playwrightsstudio.co.uk 

If you would like more details on how to be involved, please e-mail info@playwrightsstudio.co.uk or visit the Facebook page 

Stage to Page are grateful for the support of:


Call for Scottish plays performing at The Edinburgh Festival

During August 2011 we will be based in Traverse Theatre Bar, 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 promotion at our Information Point.

Please email info@playwrightsstudio.co.uk with the following performance information:

  • Play title
  • Playwright
  • Producing Company
  • Venue name and address
  • Venue Box Office number
  • Performance dates and days off
  • Start time and running time
  • A short synopsis (40 words maximum)

E-Bulletin
If you are a Scottish playwright or a playwright based in Scotland and have a production coming up, please e-mail info@playwrightsstudio.co.uk with the details and we would be happy to include it in the What's On section of the e-bulletin.

If you are an organisation planning an event/competition/opportunity which would be of interest to playwrights, please send details to the above e-mail address for inclusion in the e-bulletin.

Please note, details must be received before the 15th of each month.


Play Library Amnesty
If you have one of our plays or books lying around dusty and forgotten somewhere, please let us know and return them.  They are easily identified as they will have a Playwrights’ Studio label on the spine.

Our Play Library is one of Playwrights’ Studio’s most important assets so it’s crucial that we keep it well stocked and up to date for everyone to access.

Thank You.


The Space
Don't forget about this fantastic resource for writers. The Playwrights' Studio has a private office space available to writers for the following purposes:
  • 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 Emma on 0141 332 4403 or emma@playwrightsstudio.co.uk


Playwrights' Studio, Scotland on Facebook

If you would like to stay in touch via Facebook and remain updated on all our news and upcoming events, please visit http://www.facebook.com/pages/Playwrights-Studio-Scotland/31578930993

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Playwrights' Studio, Scotland Twitter Page

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

  Follow Pwrightsstudio on Twitter

Writing for Stage
  Opportunities
  Scotland
 

Giant - Artist Opportunities
Giant
Location: Glasgow, UK
Deadline: 20 May 2011

This summer, a temporary island will be appearing in Glasgow. To make sure it is exciting, curious and multi art form, Giant invites proposals from artists working in different disciplines. They are interested in proposals that may take the shape of: An artwork; Pop-ups; Interventions; Performances; Workshops.

You don’t have to have years of experience to apply, the proposals can be submitted by students, graduates, emerging and established artists.

For more information visit www.curiousgiant.org/pdfs/ArtistsProposal.pdf


Tom McGrath Trust 2011 Maverick Award - Applications Open
Tom McGrath Trust
Location: Scotland-wide
Deadline: 10 June 2011

The Tom McGrath Trust is set up to honour the life and legacy of Tom McGrath, poet, playwright and creative maverick, who died in 2009. The Trust aims to be a source of inspiration, stimulation and support for artists seeking to develop their craft.

In 2011, thanks to an anonymous donation and in memory of Tom’s well loved traits as a maverick, inquisitor and explorer, a single project will benefit from a one off award of £1000. This award will be given to the best application for a creative project that departs from the routine and starts to explore new and imaginative possibilities.

For full details of how to apply, visit http://tommcgrathtrust.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/maverick-award-application-guidelines.pdf or email tommcgrathtrust@gmail.com


Head5pace 2011
WACtheatre
Location: Aberdeen, Scotland
Deadline: 30 June 2011

WACtheatre want 10 new five-minute monologues about what it means to live with, or be affected by mental illness – from whatever point of view you like. They will make the selection; cast, direct, rehearse, film and present them as part of their contribution to the Scottish Mental Health Arts & Film Festival in October 2011.

Monologues must be able to be performed by one actor and should be up to five minutes in length. They’re looking for work on the general theme of mental illness, from any point of view – carer, patient, relative, etc. In addition, monologues can also be inspired by this year’s Festival themes, which are memory and dreams.

Please note, WACtheatre are only looking for submissions from writers who live in the north east of Scotland.

For further details, contact colin@wactheatre.com


WACtheatre Playwriting Competition 2011
WACtheatre
Location: Aberdeen, Scotland
Deadline: 30 June 2011

The WACtheatre playwriting competition this year is part of WACtheatre’s contribution to the Scottish Mental Health Arts and Film Festival. They are looking for full length plays on the subject of mental health, or inspired by the Festival themes for this year; memory and dreams

The competition is open to anyone who is over 16 years, living in the North East of Scotland (particularly those based in Aberdeen City and the surrounding area).

Writers should submit two copies of 10 to 15 pages of script (approx 10 minutes) which should be an extract from a longer play, or a piece intended for development.

For further details, contact colin@wactheatre.com


Tom McGrath Trust - Writer Opportunities
Tom McGrath Trust
Location: Scotland-wide
Deadline: Ongoing

The Tom McGrath Trust is set up to honour the life and legacy of Tom McGrath, poet, playwright and creative maverick, who died in 2009. The Trust aims to be a source of inspiration, stimulation and support for artists seeking to develop their craft.

Small Grants Award
Small Grants Awards will be given towards expenditure which makes writing for stage possible and able to be heard, examples may include travel and research; equipment; costs of staging performed readings of new work; general living costs to support artists development.  Small grants awards will range from £300-£500.

For details of how to apply, visit http://tommcgrathtrust.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/small-grants-awards-application-guidelines-doc.pdf or email tommcgrathtrust@gmail.com

Writer and Translator Residencies
The long term aim of the Trust is to provide time and space for writers and translators to work.  This will be done through the establishment of a creative and supportive residential environment, based in and around the home of the late Tom McGrath in Fife.

Scottish and international playwrights and translators will have opportunities to be in residence and can work together or independently to develop new plays, new translations and new working relationships.  It is anticipated that residencies will commence in summer 2011.

For further information, visit http://tommcgrathtrust.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/residency-guidelines.pdf or email tommcgrathtrust@gmail.com


  UK and Worldwide
 

ECLA Postdoctoral Writing Fellowship Opportunity
European College of Liberal Arts
Location: Berlin, Germany
Deadline: 16 May 2011

The European College of Liberal Arts is seeking to hire a Postdoctoral Writing Fellow. The Writing Fellow will be the first faculty member at the school whose specific responsibility is the teaching of writing. Upon hire, the Fellow will devise a format for this teaching in a way that integrates it with the school's broader mission.

Eligibility
Applicants must have received or expect to receive a PhD between January 2009 and December 2012. Applicants from all disciplines are considered, but experience teaching writing is a requirement.  

Terms of the Fellowship
The fellowship is awarded for a two year period to begin 1 August, 2011. This is a full-time position.

For further details on the application procedure, visit http://www.ecla.de/contact/employment/writing-postdoc/

Questions concerning the position can be addressed to Fiona Schnüttgen at f.schnuettgen@ecla.de

 


International Performing Arts Conferences - Presentation Proposals Accepted
IUGTE
Location: Austria
Dates: 20-24 May, 25-29 August, 17-21 December 2011

The conferences are open to performers, performing arts educators and teachers from all over the world representing various art genres, techniques and forms - theatre, dance, music, circus, visual and multimedia art, interested in the research of topical questions and processes in contemporary performing arts education and training. 

You are welcome to take part in the conference as a Speaker, Presenter, Participant or Observer. The conferences are accepting presentation proposals. Presentation formats are as follows: practical workshop/master class; work in progress; performance fragment not requiring special technical conditions; reading/lecture; other ways of demonstration offered by Speaker/Presenter can be considered.

For more details or to apply, visit

May event: http://www.iugte.com/projects/conf-may

August event: http://www.iugte.com/projects/conf-aug

December event:  http://www.iugte.com/projects/conf-dec


ScriptSpace - Play Reading Opportunity
The Space
Location: London, UK
Date: 22 May 2011, 5.30pm

ScriptSpace is a reading service at The Space, offering writers an opportunity to hear their plays read outloud for the first time by professional actors.

If you are interested in attending this event, and/or being added to their mailing list, please email  scriptspace@space.org.uk

For further details, visit http://space.org.uk/

 


MAD Submissions Now Open
WRiTEON
Location: Cambridge, UK
Deadline: 27 May 2011

MAD (Monologues and Duologues) 2011 is WRiTEON's hugely popular festival of staged rehearsed readings of new short pieces for one or two actors.

As with all WRiTEON events, the purpose of MAD is to provide a service to writers, enabling them to see how their work translates from page to stage, and also to provide valuable experience for directors and actors in working with new writing. Each public performance is followed by a chance for the audience to give their feedback on the work seen.

Submissions are now open, for one or two hander original plays no longer than 20 minutes in length.

For submission details, visit http://www.writeon.org.uk/productions/Mad2011/MAD2011guidelines.htm


Sky Arts Ignition - Applications Open
Sky Arts
Location: UK-wide and Ireland
Deadline: 31 May 2011

Sky is to expand further its support for the arts in the UK and Ireland with the launch of a major new programme to support new arts projects and emerging artists. The programme involves the creation of a new arts fund, Sky Arts Ignition, with two distinct and complementary strands: The Sky Arts Ignition Series and Sky Arts Ignition Futures Fund.

The Sky Arts Ignition Series will seek to collaborate with six arts organisations over the next three years in the creation of brand new works. For each of the chosen projects, Sky Arts will provide a cash investment of up to £200,000 and work with the arts partners to bring their projects to a wider audience, using Sky's platform.

In parallel, the Sky Arts Ignition Futures Fund is designed to help young talent to bridge the development gap from school or college to becoming a working artist. Each year, the fund will support five individuals with a bursary of £30,000 each, enabling Sky Arts to back the creation of new works of art as well as nurture emerging talent.

For further details, visit http://www.skyartsignition.co.uk/


The Royal Court Young Writers Festival 2012
The Royal Court Theatre
Location: London, UK
Deadline: 31 May 2011

The Royal Court Young Writers Festival has an unrivalled reputation for discovering new voices and for showcasing the best plays by the most exciting young talent. Over the years it has launched the careers of many now established and admired UK playwrights. 

If you are under 26 and have a story to tell, write it down and send it into the Young Writers Festival competition. Your play can be about absolutely anything and take any style. The winning plays will have full professional productions at the Royal Court Theatre from January to March 2012.

For details on how to enter, visit http://www.royalcourttheatre.com/playwriting/the-studio/young-writers-festival/


Pint-sized Plays Writing Competition - Applications Open
Pint-sized Plays
Location: UK-wide
Deadline: 31 May 2011

Your play can be funny, it can be poignant... if it can be performed in a pub, with two or three characters, you could be one of the ten winners of Pint-sized Plays 2011.

As in previous years, the very experienced Theatre Director Phil Clark - who champions new writing - is the judge. And the ten winning plays he selects will be performed in pubs throughout Pembrokeshire, starting 19th and 20th September during Tenby Festival week. All ten plays will then be performed at the Script Slam in Theatr Gwaun, Fishguard, where the audience get to vote for their favourite script - and the winner gets to walk away with the coveted 'Pint-Pot' award - with a 'Half-Pint' award for the runner up.

On top of which, selected plays will be considered for possible performance in the Brighton and Edinburgh Fringe festivals and be recorded and broadcast as radio plays on an internet radio station: audiobookradio.net.

To find out more, go to www.pintsizedplays.org.uk


Little Pieces of Gold - Submissions Accepted
Little Pieces of Gold
Location: London, UK
Deadline: 1 June 2011

Little Pieces of Gold stage five short plays which are cast and rehearsed to performance standard by their five up-and-coming directors. Past shows have been a great success with some of their writers, garnering interest from literary departments and agents. 

They are now calling for 15 minute plays on any subject or theme which can be performed in an intimate space with minimal effects and props. 

For further details, visit http://www.littlepiecesofgold.com/


Writers Avenue
Writers Avenue UK Theatre Company
Location: UK-wide
Deadline: 1 June 2011

Writer's Avenue offers new playwrights a platform to develop their skills through new writing events and supports them through their development process.

They are now calling for submissions of play scripts for their regular new writing event -The First 20 Minutes, in which writers test out new work in front of a supportive audience who give written feedback.

The new writing events take form in three progressive stages throughout the
year:

1. The First 20 Minutes
2. The Next Stage
3. The Final Stage

These events allow writers to test their work at various stages of development, receive feedback and have their work shown in reputable venue.

The events are held at Soho Theatre and The Pleasance.

Each year one writer will have their play produced.

If you would like to see your work on stage performed by professional actors, submit the first twenty minutes of your script (using 18-24 pages as a guideline) and you could get your writing career off the ground.

For submission details and guidelines, visit http://writersavenue.co.uk/the-first-20-minutes/


Off Cut 2011
In Company Theatre
Location: UK-wide
Deadline: 1 June 2011

In Company Theatre have launched Off Cut 2011 and are accepting short play submissions from new and undiscovered playwrights.

Following the sell-out successes of previous years, In Company Theatre will be moving the festival to the renowned Riverside Studios in Hammersmith this coming autumn.

Writers may submit plays of no more than 15 minutes in length. There are no restrictions on style, topic or genre.

28 plays will be selected to show in rep at the Riverside Studios over the first two weeks of the festival. During this time, the audience will be voting for their favourite plays. The top eight plays will run for the whole of the third week, with the audience still voting for the ultimate winner. This winner will have a full play produced by In Company at The Riverside Studios.

For more information, visit www.theoffcutfestival.com


firstCrucible Writers Night - Submissions open
Sheffield Theatres
Location: Sheffield
Deadline: 3 June 2011

Sheffield Theatres are looking for submissions of original new plays to be performed on their firstCrucible Writers night on Monday 11 July. This is open to writers of all experience levels who wish to have their work performed at the Crucible Theatre.

If you wish to submit a play for entry, please make sure you meet the following criteria:

  • Plays must respond to the theme of 'Living in a Big Society'
  • Writers must be based in South Yorkshire 
  • Plays should be around 10 minutes in length 
  • Plays should be able to be performed with no more than three actors with minimal technical requirements
  • Unfortunately we do not except excerpts from longer plays 

For more information, contact a.loretto@sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

 


Jerwood Blue Touch Paper Bursary
The London Sinfonietta
Location: UK-wide
Deadline: 6 June 2011

Blue Touch Paper aims to provide the context and space for composers and collaborators to forge creative partnerships, to instigate and develop multi-disciplinary ideas, and to present new work at major festivals and venues across the UK.

The London Sinfonietta is launching a new programme that offers composers and collaborators from arts and science backgrounds to join them in developing ground-breaking new interdisciplinary works.

The initiative is aimed at composers and collaborators in the first phase of their professional careers, who have established their own artistic voice and who are committed to the long-term creative career development that this initiative offers. Collaborators are welcome from a broad range of disciplines and can include choreographers, visual artists, directors, architects, video artists, scientists and writers.

Successful applicants will be awarded a Jerwood Blue Touch Paper bursary in order to support the development of the new work.
 
For more details and to download an application form, visit http://www.londonsinfonietta.org.uk/project/blue-touch-paper


The Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting - Submissions Accepted
The Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting
Location: UK-wide and Ireland
Deadline: 6 June 2011

The Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting is the search for great new plays and great writers. It is Britain’s biggest playwriting competition and has so far awarded £80,000 in prize money.

The Bruntwood is open to anyone aged 16 or over living in the UK or Ireland. Scripts are submitted anonymously so we can judge them equally. Don’t worry if you are new to writing, this website has all kinds of ideas and support to help you write.

For more information, visit http://www.writeaplay.co.uk/


MK Community Foundation Arts Bursary
MK Community Foundation
Location: Milton Keynes, UK
Deadline: 10 June 2011

An Arts Bursary of £8,000 has been specifically created to support the professional development of a promising Milton Keynes talent. Writers are eligible.

The Bursary demonstrates the continued drive to support the city’s arts community and to encourage artistic endeavors in Milton Keynes. 
The successful applicant can use the award to fund the development of their artistic career and is open to artists working in any medium. Applicants must have lived in the MK Unitary Authority for the last 12 months.

For further details, visit http://www.mkcommunityfoundation.co.uk/Grants/Arts-Bursary


Clore Leadership Short Courses - Applications Open
Clore Leadership
Location: London, UK
Deadline: 27 June 2011

The courses are based on the highly effective residential element of the Clore Fellowship Programme and are designed for people in the middle ranks of larger cultural organisations or those near the top of smaller ones, who have a minimum of 5 years' work experience.

Clore Leadership particularly welcomes applications from people working in libraries, archives, design, individual artists and those working in small and medium sized performing arts organisations.

Such a diverse range of participants brings invaluable experience for the group to share and learn from. Previous participants have included representatives from Akram Khan Company, Arts & Business, Magpie Dance, The National Theatre, the National Trust, Oxford Playhouse, the Royal Shakespeare Company, Scottish National Galleries, Tate, Welsh National Opera, Yorkshire Sculpture Park and Youth Music, as well as a range of smaller organisations, freelance practitioners and consultants.

The following courses are available:

Eynsham Hall - 26 September - 7 October 2011
Weetwood Hall - 21 November - 2 December 2011

For further information, visit http://www.cloreleadership.org/page.php?id=55


The Ted Walters International Short Story, Poetry and Playwriting Competition 2011
The University of Liverpool Creative Writing Society for Lifelong Learning
Location: UK-wide
Deadline: 30 June 2011

This is the 5th annual competition and in each category the 1st prize winner receives £200, the 2nd prize winner £50 and the 3rd prize winner a £15 Book Token.

One Act Plays may be on any subject or theme and must be type written, double spaced and on one side of the page only, including a cast of no more than four characters. Good presentation and a list of characters and any other relevant information must be included. Submissions must be 20 minutes maximum.

Open One Act Playwriting Category: £6 for the first play and then £5.50 for each and every other play after that.

Please send all of your competition entries to:

Tommy McBride (Group Secretary)
The University of Liverpool Creative Writing Society for Lifelong Learning
50 Onslow Road
Elm Park
Liverpool
Merseyside
L6 3BB
United Kingdom

E-mail: thomas.mcbride2@sky.com

Telephone Enquiries: 0151 2916942


New Works of Merit Playwriting Contest
New Works of Merit
Location: World-wide
Deadline: 5 July 2011

This contest is in its Ninth Year and is now accepting scripts.

New Works of Merit Playwriting Contest accepts and encourages exciting new works that: 

1) Enhance self-realisation 
2) Support peace and social justice 
3) Foster new understanding of minority issues that focus on racial, ethnic and gender discrimination both in the United States and abroad 
4) Empower youth to build healthy inner foundations 
5) Educate to gain further insight into healthy social/emotional living 
6) Shed new light on religious, spiritual, and cultural differences and issues 
7) Build respect for cultural expression and identity in a world that is experiencing rapid globalisation 
8) Explore the widening gap between the values this country was founded on and the values we present to the world today 

For guidelines and to apply, visit
http://www.newworksofmeritplaywritingcontest.com/


Next Best Page Submissions
Collaborative Theatre Company
Location: UK-wide
Deadline: 31 December 2011

The aim of Next Best Page is to produce a highly collaborative and innovative piece of theatre by uniting 52 voices to tell one story over 2011.

The award winning playwright James Graham has written the opening to the play 'Power Lines'. Each week throughout 2011, you can send in your Next Best Page. At the end of each week, the team will read all the pages they receive and decide which page will join The Script. Then the process will begin again, and again and again until the end of 2011.

Each writer will take their inspiration from the previous pages and be the inspiration for the next page. The Play will then be staged in 2012 at venues to be confirmed.

To find out more, visit http://www.nextbestpage.co.uk/home

 

  Events
  Scotland
 

Liz Lochhead at Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival
Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival
Location: Dumfries

Date: 21 May 2011

Liz Lochhead is one of Scotland’s best-known poets and dramatists, with her books and poetry attracting wide critical and commercial success. She is also a tireless performer and screenwriter, performing all over the UK and overseas. 

Liz Lochhead is being supported by two friends, Gerda Stevenson, actor/writer/director who has worked for over 30 years on stage, television, radio and film throughout Britain and abroad and Patsy Seddon who is one of Scotland’s favourite and most innovative celtic harp players.

Lochhead manages to bridge the gap between the literary and the popular with her lively, witty takes on modern life and relationships, particularly her poems on the lot of modern women. The language she employs is rich in the spoken Scots of Glasgow, and filled with a warmth and humanity that never fails to truly connect with her audience.

To book a place, visit http://www.dgartsfestival.org.uk/events/literature/liz-lochhead/


The Visitors - Brothers of Thunder by Ann Marie Di Mambro
The Visitors supported by Playwrights' Studio, Scotland
Location: The Old Hairdressers, (opposite Stereo) Renfield Lane, Glasgow

Date: 25 May 2011, 7.30pm

This month's play focuses on a young man who is HIV positive taking refuge with a Roman Catholic priest.

Led by Chris Dolan.

The event is unticketed and free, but arrive early to guarantee a place.

Events for the coming months:
June - A Wholly Healthy Glasgow by Iain Heggie led by Mike Cullen
July - Britannia Rules by Liz Lochhead led by Nicola McCartney
August - (no reading)
September - The Evildoers by Chris Hannan led by Steven Leach

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=199714520064037


Scenes @ Beanscene
More Theatre
Location: Beanscene, Shawlands, Glasgow

Dates: Every Saturday evening

Scenes @ Beanscene is an hour long show consisting of 4 -5 different stand - alone comedy duet scenes (not sketches). 

Each original scene lasts 10 -15 minutes each and follows a certain theme.  

There will be a new theme each month. To help stick to the theme (and for fun) each author must quote the theme at least once within the dialogue. 

July is RELIGION, POLITICS...RUBBISH: Deadline of 3 June 2011

Send themed scene(s) (limit 2 scenes per author/per month) as pdf. or doc. to seemore@moretheatre.com by the deadline. 

Find out more by visiting www.moretheatre.com


Writing and Storytelling Fellowships
Creative Scotland

Applications are invited from suitable host organisations to employ writers or storytellers to develop their own work within specific communities. Fellows will work on their own projects and may also interact with specified groups within the host environment.

Level of Grants:
Grants are available to cover 50% of the writer’s fee, which would typically be a minimum of £18,000 per annum or pro rata.

Deadline: 
Applications accepted at any time but must be submitted at least 4 weeks before the project start date.

For further information and to apply, visit http://www.creativescotland.com/investment/investing-in-arts/literature

 

  UK and Worldwide
 

Playwriting 2 Workshop
City Literary Institute
Location: London,UK
Dates: 28 April-30 June 2011

A continuous weekly workshop for playwrights and comedy and drama writers who have work in progress or starting a play: an opportunity to review the elements of a play or performing piece and to continue working on your own draft.

City Lit (Covent Garden, London) will hold Playwriting 2 weekly classes, for playwrights and drama/comedy and performance writers who have a work in progress or are starting a new play.

To enrol, call 0207 4922652 or email humanities@citylit.ac.uk

For more information, visit www.citylit.ac.uk 


Playwriting with Fraser Grace
The Ace Foundation
Location: Cambridge, UK
Dates: 1 June-6 July 2011

The Ace Foundation is sponsoring this six week workshop in central Cambridge, in which award winning playwright Fraser Grace will address the following topics:

1. A situation of my own making
2. People like me - characters real and imagined
3. Speaking in hammer and tongues - what dramatic language is
4. How plays speak without talking - adventures in narrative
5. Rituals, games and other useful stuff
6. Goodbye to all that - the joy of rewriting

Participants should be willing to share their writing in a supportive, positive environment.

For more details, visit www.acefoundation.org.uk or call 01223 499707


Stephen Jeffreys Playwriting Materclass
Stephen Jeffreys
Location: London, UK
Date: 10-12 June 2011

The Masterclass is designed to be stimulating, entertaining and career-changing for the experienced playwright and beginner alike. The course gives a practical guide to every aspect of the art and craft of writing plays.

For more details, visit www.stephenjeffreys.co.uk

To book a place, contact Maeve McKeown at admin@stephenjeffreys.co.uk


'Getting to Where You Want to Be' Workshop
The Writers's Compass in partnership with Cyprus Well
Location: Exeter, UK
Date: 15 June 2011

Cyprus Well is the literature development agency for the South West. Using exercises from the Writer’s Compass DIY guide to professional development planning, this workshop with writer and experienced workshop leader Anne Caldwell will provide you with a structured opportunity to explore where you want to get to professionally and to start planning your next steps.

The workshop is aimed at writers at all stages of their career living and working in the South West and further afield. If you are considering a change in direction, starting out or simply want to take stock and check you’re still on track, then you are likely to find it particularly useful.

To book a workshop place please contact Cyprus Well on 01392 495102 
or mail@cypruswell.org


One-to-One Sessions for Writers
The Writers's Compass in partnership with Cyprus Well
Location: Exeter, UK
Date: 16 June 2011

Does the idea of spending 90 minutes reflecting on your career and what you’d like to achieve with the help of someone experienced, impartial and supportive sound attractive?

Perhaps you’re feeling a bit stuck and not clear how best to move forward? Like the workshop illustrated above, professional development planning is all about exploring where you want to get to with your career and creative work in a structured way.

For further information and to book a place please contact Cyprus Well on 01392 495102 or mail@cypruswell.org


Playwriting at Salisbury Arts Centre
Salisbury Arts Centre
Location: Salisbury, UK
Dates: 11 June - 9 July 2011

New Beginners, Intermediate and Advanced courses starting in June.

Beginners: all the basics of writing for theatre. Participants will write a short play using playful writing exercises.

Intermediates: develop your skills and discover new and exciting approaches to
writing for theatre.

Advanced: challenging workshops in which writers are encouraged to complete and submit work.

To book a place call the Box Office on 01722 321744
or visit  http://www.salisburyartscentre.co.uk/workshops

Emerging Playwrights: professional level for writers who know it all and have written at least one full length play. The group meets once a month on Saturday afternoons. For further information, visit  angelastreet@tiscali.co.uk


IETM Autumn Plenary Meeting in Krakow
ITEM
Location: Krakow, Poland
Dates: 6-9 October 2011

Come to... Party! The IETM Autumn Plenary Meeting in Krakow, will take place under the sign of..."party". Party as fun, party as conviviality and engagement, participation and international cooperation. With their collective movements, together IETM participants will find ways to prove the value of culture in society:

For more details, visit http://www.ietm.org/index.lasso?p=information&q=eventdetail&id=460&l=en


Online Playwriting Course
Live Theatre Newcastle
Location: UK-wide
Dates: Rolling

Live Theatre Newcastle has launched a unique new online script writing course.

Learn the art of playwriting from two leading theatre practitioners, watch exclusive video of award-winning writers including Lee Hall (Billy Elliot, Cooking With Elvis & The Pitmen Painters) and be part of a community of aspiring
playwrights.

For further details, visit http://www.beaplaywright.com/

Writing for Screen

 

Opportunities and events for screenwriters can now be found through a direct link to The Writers’ Factory monthly e-bulletin.

The Writers Factory is invested in by Creative Scotland and is coordinated by the Playwrights’ Studio, Scotland. For more information about The Writers' Factory, please visit the website www.writersfactory.co.uk

The monthly bulletins contain information about future Writers' Factory courses as well as information relevant to screen writers across the UK and internationally. The Writers' Factory E-Bulletin is divided into three sections:

Factory News: For upcoming Writers' Factory events

Opportunities: Screen writing competitions and other opportunities

Events: Screen writing events and classes

To view the full e-bulletin, please click here


Writing for Radio
 

BBC Radio Scotland Drama Newsletter April-July 2011

Listen out for the exciting range of drama and readings being broadcast on BBC Radio 4 and BBC Radio Scotland. The latest edition of their newsletter - covering April-July, is now available. Please click here

 

What's On
 

A Slow Air by David Harrower
Tron Theatre Company @ Tron Theatre, Glasgow
Wed 11 - Sat 21 May 2011
Click here

Top Table by Rob Drummond
A Play, A Pie, and A Pint @ Oran Mor, Glasgow
Mon 16 - Sat 21 May 2011
Click here

The Steamie by Tony Roper
Staging The Nation @ The People's Palace and Winter Gardens, Glasgow
Wed 18 May 2011
Click here

Macmillan's Marvellous Motion Machine by Jules Horne
Catherine Bailey Limited @ BBC Radio 4, Scotland
Thurs 19 May 2011, 2.15-3pm
Click here

INK:24 HOUR PLAYS by INK
Tron Theatre Company and INK @ Tron Theatre, Glasgow
Fri 20 May 2011
Click here

I Heart Maths by James Ley
A Play, A Pie, and A Pint @ Oran Mor, Glasgow
Mon 23 - Sat 28 May 2011
Click here

Anna Karenina (Leo Tolstoy) by Anna Karena
Dundee Rep Ensemble @ Dundee Rep, Dundee
Mon 23 May - Sat 11 June
Click here

The Visitors: Brothers of Thunder by Ann Marie Di Mambro
The Visitors @ The Old Hairdressers, Glasgow
Wed 25 May 2011
Click here

Sins of Fathers by Patrick Harkins
A Play, A Pie, and A Pint @ Oran Mor, Glasgow
Mon 30 - Sat 4 June 2011
Click here

A Conversation With Carmel by Barrowland Ballet
Barrowland Ballet @ Eastgate Theatre, Peebles
Weds 1 June 2011
Click here

Crazy Gary's Mobile Disco by Gary Owen
Traverse Theatre Company @ Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh
Wed 1 - Sat 4 June 2011
Click here

Classic Cuts Season: Daphis & Chloe by Longus, by Hattie Naylor
A Play, A Pie, and A Pint @ Oran Mor, Glasgow
Mon 6 - Sat 11 June 2011
Click here

Knives in Hens by David Harrower
National Theatre Scotland @ Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh
Tues 7 - Sat 11 June 2011
Click here

Classic Cuts Season: Wind in the Pines, by Paddy Cunneen
A Play, A Pie, and A Pint @ Oran Mor, Glasgow
Mon 13 - Sat 18 June 2011
Click here

Page to Stage by Tron Studio
Tron Studio @ Tron Theatre, Glasgow
Thurs 16 - Sat 18 June 2011
Click here

A Conversation With Carmel by Barrowland Ballet
Barrowland Ballet @ Tron Theatre, Glasgow
Weds 22 June 2011
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.

 

The Playwrights' Studio, Scotland is grateful for the support of:

_

 

Playwrights' Studio, Scotland
CCA
350 Sauchiehall Street
Glasgow
G2 3JD
Telephone: 0141-332-4403
Textphone: 0141-332-3208

Photo Credits Header Image: SWITCHBACK by Adrain Osmond: - A Sweetscar Production

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