Finding the best young dramatists
for radio and stage

Playwrights’ Studio, Scotland and BBC Scotland Radio Drama, have launched an exciting competition, for writers between 16 and 26, to find stage and radio’s best young dramatists.

Winners will get an exclusive opportunity to be supported by a top playwright to turn their idea into a full length play. Extracts from the winning plays will be recorded with professional actors in a unique one day radio experience; in short a wonderful opportunity that could kick start a writing career!

What do you need to do? Please download a competition entry pack from the Playwrights’ Studio website, then submit a synopsis and a scene for a play, either for radio or stage, on any subject you want.

Full details on how to enter the competition and terms and conditions are available on www.playwrightsstudio.co.uk/ignite2009.htm

Workshops around Scotland
For everyone who is keen hone playwriting skills, get inspiring ideas and valuable pointers on how to write well for radio and stage there are free one day workshops taking place this autumn around Scotland. These are great opportunities open to aspiring writers of all ages.

The workshops will be lead by two successful playwrights Nicola McCartney and Chris Dolan and David Ian Neville who is a writer and BBC Scotland radio producer.

Similar workshops have been quite popular in the past, so it’s advisable to book early.

Workshop venues, dates and times
Inverness, Eden Court Theatre, Sun 22 Nov, 2pm – 4pm
Edinburgh , National Library of Scotland, Sat 28 Nov, 11am – 1pm
(Please note, the Edinburgh workshop is fully booked, but please contact us if you would like to register your interest, or be put on a waiting for this event.)

To book a workshop place, contact Playwrights’ Studio, Scotland on 0141 3324403 or email info@playwrightsstudio.co.uk

__ ______________________Radio Drama

Applications are open for the final round of Writer’s Projects funding. 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

Where other sources of funding are applicable we would encourage applicants to consider those alternatives.

Here are some examples of ways in which you might like support:

• Time on a writing residency
• Research for your writing
• Contracting a director and actors to workshop your script
• Inclusion of other artists in a collaborative process (musicians, furniture makers, dancers, visual artists etc.)

We are however hoping that you will have ideas beyond these suggestions.

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.

Final Deadline
30 November 2009 (for projects commencing between Jan-March 2010)

How to Apply
Please visit the www.playwrightsstudio.co.uk 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

Each playwright selected will receive

• £1,500 cash bursary
• 3 mentoring sessions to help them move their work forward
• Opportunities to develop their contacts, networks and peer support

Both selected playwrights will also be invited to attend theatre events and discussion meetings with other new playwrights in mentoring with the Playwrights' Studio, Scotland.

Eligibility Criteria
Applications are open to playwrights who have had no more than one professional production of their work. Applicants must be based in Scotland. (Note: Students in full time formal education are not eligible. Writers wishing to apply for an SAC funded Writing Fellowship or Writer's Bursary may not do so until one year has elapsed since receiving a New Playwright Award.)

Applications
To apply for a New Playwright Award, please send:

• A covering letter stating how this award would benefit your progress as a playwright
• A description of an idea for a script that you would like to focus on (up to one page)
• Two ten page samples of your writing (script extracts where possible)
• A CV detailing your writing experience to date

Please send your application via email to info@playwrightsstudio.co.uk or via post to: Playwrights' Studio, Scotland, CCA, 350 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 3JD.

All applications must be received by Tuesday, 15 December 2009

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

Imaginate Writer in Residence Post 
Imaginate
Location: Edinburgh, UK
Deadline: Not yet announced

Imaginate will shortly be inviting applications for a new Writer in Residence, in partnership with Playwrights’ Studio, Scotland and the Traverse Theatre.  The post will provide opportunities for learning about and creating performing arts for children and young people. The post will form part of the Imaginate Writing Development Project and will run for 8 months, starting in February 2010.

Further information and details of how to apply will be available soon on the Events & Opportunities page of the Imaginate website: http://www.imaginate.org.uk/corporate/events.php

Cryptic Nights is seeking emerging artists to take part in performances in 2010. Submissions are welcome from across art forms; from film makers to musicians, and visual artists to performers. If you have an idea for a show, an installation, or a gig, get in touch at info@crypticnights.org.uk

For more information please visit the website:www.crypticnights.org.uk
The deadline for proposals is Thursday November 19th 2009.

The Federation of Scottish Theatre is offering individuals from all areas of the performing arts – artistic, management, audience development, production, technical, education – 6 to 8 FREE mentoring sessions with a senior arts professional from January to October 2010: one to one time for analysis, reflection and action to achieve success.

The programme is called Step Up and aims to increase the capacity and skills of practitioners in junior and middle management, particularly the case for those recently promoted to new, more senior posts and / or leading new projects.

For more details regarding eligibility conditions, or to download application form is available please visit the FST web site http://www.scottishtheatres.com/

In August 2009, Made in Scotland was launched as a showcase of Scottish theatre and dance on the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Made in Scotland is a partnership between the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, the Federation of Scottish Theatre (FST) and the Scottish Arts Council.

Applications are now being invited for the second Made in Scotland at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2010. Funding is available to Scottish dance and theatre companies, as well as individual artists, to present artistically ambitious work at the Fringe in the Made in Scotland showcase. The deadline for applications is Monday 23 November 2009. Full details are available on the Scottish Arts Council website : http://www.scottisharts.org.uk/1/funding/expofund.aspx

The winning script will be performed in a six or seven-night run at an established central Edinburgh venue in August 2010. The winning playwright will be welcome to attend rehearsals and will receive two complimentary tickets to each performance.

For further details regarding competition guidelines please email: AnneRobertson252@yahoo.co.uk

Creative Scotland has committed £1 million from its £5m Innovation Fund for the ‘Vital Spark’ awards to enable new collaborations by creative practitioners. Individual awards of between £20,000 to £100,000 will be offered to encourage work that goes beyond the boundaries of creative disciplines and will support collaborations between Scottish based artists and practitioners working across all the disciplines. 

For more information or to download an application please visit the website: http://www.scottisharts.org.uk/1/funding/vitalspark.aspx

The CCA is inviting submissions from artists to explore new ideas and methods in the Creative Lab space. Artists working in the live art, contemporary performance, new theatre, time-based media and interdisciplinary arts sectors are invited to submit proposals to be considered for a CCA Creative Lab.

Dates: 12 slots, up to 4 weeks each, April 10 – March 2011
The time slots for the Creative Lab space are on a fixed diary. Please let us know your preferred month from the list and we will notify you of the closest available slot.

For more information please visit the website: http://cca-glasgow.com

The workshop will be a general introduction to Douglas's process as a writer (particularly when writing for a younger audience/cast) and an overview of some of the teaching exercises he's used in the past spending time to focus on how to take a starting point and build it into something bigger - making a concept into a play.
                                                                                                         
COST: £50 / £40 for Promote YT ( Scotland) members
To book, please contact: caroline@promoteyt.co.uk / 0131 538 0591

Tron Theatre is looking for Scottish writers who are bursting with ideas and talent to submit a proposal for a new play which is unpublished and unperformed. Once a distinguished panel have selected the three best submissions, each one will receive £2000 of seed commission funding and will be developed with the support of an experienced mentor into first drafts.

The three finalists will then have the opportunity to film a trailer for their play and the public will vote for the play with the most theatrical potential.
The winner will then receive a full commission and dramaturgical support to develop a rehearsal script, culminating in a full production to be staged by the Tron Theatre Company as its flagship production in Autumn 2010. The runners up will receive a reheared reading at the Tron Theatre

Open.Stage is open to everyone over 18 living in Scotland or of Scottish origin and currently residing in the UK and Ireland. The judging process for the shortlist is completely anonymous.

For more information regarding entry procedure, rules and conditions please visit the Tron website: http://www.tron.co.uk/openstage/openstage/

Glasgay!’s newest endeavour PlayFest will be premiering in 2010. Based around the argument of Nature vs. Nurture with regard to the emergence of Homosexuality, Glasgay! is exploring this iconic theme head-on in conjunction with local biomedical specialists during PlayFest 2010. They are looking to professionally develop up to 6 new scripts for production as part of Glasgay! 2010.

Selected writers will be guided by the Playwrights’ Studio, Scotland and each writer will be twinned with local scientists to support the scientific content of the play. Each selected script will be rehearsed and developed with professional actors in June of 2010, with a view to selecting between 3 and 6 texts for full production as part of the Glasgay! festival in the Autumn.

At this stage, the writer does not need to have a full script.

The submission process is either:
To submit a full script, with accompanying synopsis outlining its connection to the theme, Nature vs. Nurture, as well as a CV detailing previous experience
OR
To submit a full page on the chosen idea, outlining its connection to the theme, Nurture vs. Nature, and a sample of the potential text, as well as a CV detailing previous experience. If you choose not to submit a full script at this stage, you may submit a previously written play, as an example of your work.

Deadline for submissions is January 5th 2010. Any submissions received after this time cannot be accepted. Your script will be considered by a selection panel and you will be notified of the result of your application by January 15th 2010. For further details and submissions please contact Roxanne Claxton, Glasgay! Projects Development Officer at projects@glasgay.com.

Playfesttwenty10 is a collaboration between the Glasgay! Festival, Playwrights’ Studio, Scotland and the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama.

At this event you will have the opportunity to: listen to Joe Penhall in conversation with playwright and Lyric Artistic Associate Simon Stephens about Joe’s life, career and work; hear an extract from Joe’s unseen play HAUNTED CHILD; and participate in a Q&A with Joe. Cost: £6

For booking please call the Lyric box office: 08712211729 / or go online: http://www.lyric.co.uk/pl509.html.  Early booking is advisable.

A professional writer and/or storyteller is sought for the position of

Writer/Storyteller‑in‑Residence at the Centre for Creative Writing and Oral Culture at the University of Manitoba. The incumbent will provide mentorship and practical artistic advice to developing writers and storytellers at the University of Manitoba, give a limited number of readings or performances on campus, and host a one-day workshop. The remaining time will be devoted to the writer or storyteller’s own artistic projects. Salary is $20,000.00 for this four-month position. Return transportation will be provided.

Please submit a covering letter, CV or résumé (outlining publications, performances, awards, residencies), and contact information of three references. All nationalities are encouraged to apply; however, full proficiency in English is required. The Centre is committed to principles of employment equity. More information about the Centre and this position may be found on our website at http://umanitoba.ca/centres/ccwoc/.

This is a playwright project for first and second generation born Black, Asian and minority ethnic emerging writers aged 17+ (no upper age limit), based in Yorkshire. A space to say it the way you see it, without borders, without fear and without compromise. If you have a story that theatre needs to hear, then we can help you realise your ambition. Freedom Studios is running a free, seven-week writer's project to support emerging writers in the realisation of original twenty-minute short plays. These short plays will culminate in a work in progress, rehearsed reading presentation to the public and invited theatre writers, performers, directors and producers on Wednesday 23rd November at 19.15.

For more information or to request an application form from hello@freedomstudios.co.uk

The Theatertreffen-Stückemarkt of Berlin is a festival which discovers unknown authors from all over Europe. As the longest-running initiative to develop and promote contemporary playwriting in the German-speaking theatre, it has successfully advocated the long-term support of playwrights for 31 years. It is a marketplace for playwrights, agents, theatremakers and critics and above all an important springboard for the careers of numerous writers, opening pathways to production and a place in theatre repertoires.

They are inviting playwrights from all over Europe to send their new plays in any European language. For more information regarding entry procedure and eligibility requirements please visit the website www.stueckemarkt.de

Note: Applications must be postmarked not later than December 1st 2009

• Submitted plays must explore scientific and/or technological stories, themes, issues, and events.
• Science and/or technology must figure prominently in the script, whether in form or content or both.
• Biographical dramas, history plays, and medical dramas are discouraged unless they significantly employ science and/or technology.
• Authors are strongly urged to avoid the stereotypes often assigned to science, technology, and those who engage in these disciplines.#
• This competition is not open to plays written in the genre of science fiction.

Deadline: December 15, 2009. To find out more and apply, visit the STAGE website: http://www.stage.ucsb.edu/

Applications are through Arts Council England’s ‘Grants for the arts’ system – this is an online process. To find out more about the fund please visit the Arts Council England website: www.artscouncil.org.uk/funding/unlimited/

It’s Theatre Trail time again! The Company, in association with New Writing South and the Steyning Festival are looking for 6 unperformed plays (maximum length 45 mins), from playwrights from the South East. The plays will be performed by professional actors as rehearsed readings at different Site Specific venues in Steyning as part of the Styening Festival. 

Constructive feedback will be offered on every play submitted, and we are delighted that the Q & A session at the end of each day of performances will be chaired by Chris Taylor of New Writing South.  All plays need to be submitted by 15th January 2009.

Scripts should be sent to:
The Company, Whitehouse Farm, Novington Lane, East Chiltington, East Sussex, BN7 3AU. If you would like your play to be returned please enclose a stamped addressed envelope, and if you need any more information please contact Stephen Israel at stephen@thecompanysussex.plus.com 
(Please note that emailed scripts will not be accepted)

WriteCameraAction Creative Workshop
WriteCameraAction
Location: Glasgow, UK
Date: 16 November 2009

WriteCameraAction is a creative workshop bringing together writers, directors and actors in an informal environment to enhance their skills and learn from each other.

Anyone with a passion for film is welcome. Come along, be inspired, get practical hands on experience and have FUN! The group will meet at the CCA, 350 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 3JD from 6pm-9pm

Registration starts at 6.00pm. Registration fee is £3.00

The UK Film Council commissioned the Writers’ Factory syllabus to provide writers with foundation skills in screenwriting, and it’s now a well established part of Scotland’s creative writing landscape. The course takes place over 2 weekends and encourages you to explore more fully your storytelling instincts, study the craft of screenwriting, workshop with your peers, and develop and write a commercial ten minute film.

Taught by the award winning writer and director Eleanor Yule whose credits include the Scottish feature ‘Blinded’, starring Peter Mullan and Jodhi May, and the BBC documentary ‘Michael Palin… on the Colourists’.

Location: Gracefield Arts Centre, 28 Edinburgh Road, Dumfries DG1 1JQ
Dates: 28 & 29 November, 5 & 6 December
Cost: £200

For more information or to book a place on the course please visit the website: www.rbcft.co.uk
Or contact Alice Stilgoe, Film Officer, Dumfries and Galloway Council on 01387 263094 or alice.stilgoe@dumgal.gov.uk

The Story Works Masterclasses
The Story Works
Location: Scotland
Deadline: 18 December 2009

The Story Works is an initiative that will take a small group of talented and experienced UK screenwriters and offer them a series of masterclasses with the best screenwriters and filmmakers in the world. At its heart is a residential week at the Edinburgh International Film Festival in June 2010, during which participating writers will attend a series of closed story discussions with A-list screenwriters brought to Edinburgh specifically for this project.

To be considered for a place writers will need to submit a sample feature film screenplay or equivalent TV drama script. Each application must be supported by at least two film industry recommendations from senior industry professionals. Experienced writers from other media (e.g theatre or publishing) will be considered where they have feature screenplay ideas in development.

The deadline for submissions is Friday 18 December 2009.

Further enquiries please contact thestoryworks@edfilmfest.org.uk or see the EIFF website www.edfilmfest.org.uk

The Writers’ Factory Training the Trainers courses will run in January 2010, to train experienced screenwriters to deliver training to other writers.

Training the Trainers: Introduction to Screenwriting:
4 - 8 January 2010
This course has been designed by the Film Council to provide the outline for a basic 'Introduction to Screenwriting' course aimed at students participating in adult/continuing education provision. It is intended to for part of an integrated approach to the provision of basic skills for the audio-visual industries, which includes intensive workshops, and short film productions in the regions and nations of the UK. Participants will be equipped to deliver the Writers' Factory Inrtroduction to Screen writing course on completion.  
 
Training the Trainers: Feature Film
11 - 15 January 2010
A week long course which provides the basic structures and development tools for tutors to run a twenty module course on feature film development. Areas covered will be the main genre groups, writing and assessing, pitches, outlines, treatments, drafts, and marketing documents. Participants must have completed the Training for Trainers: Introduction to Screenwriting course.

These courses are open to writers with previous screenwriting experience who are interested in offering training courses for emerging screenwriters.  To register interest in becoming a Writers’ Factory trainer, please email rachel@playwrightsstudio.co.uk stating which course/s you are interested in.  There will be a selection process to determine course participants.

writerSearch UK is a multiplatform writer development programme, teaching skills necessary to produce content for the internet, mobile phones, games, film television and radio.

writerSearch UK is a multiplatform writer development programme, teaching skills necessary to produce content for the internet, mobile phones, games, film television and radio.  The course for newly established freelancers includes instruction on the use of ITC and is supported by Skillset and BBC Training & Development. If you are a writer with experience or potential from the age of 16 upwards living in the Scottish highlands and islands you can apply to the course by submitting your original story. Please make sure that your story could work as a 10 minute film. Your story needs to be no more than one side of A4.  

Please Note: We do not need your story to be in script format as we will help teach you how to format your script on the course.
Date – 19th, 20th, 21st February 2010
Venue – The Waterside, Inverness, IV2 4SF
Price – £450 + VAT (£517.50 in total)
For more information please visit the website: http://www.tapsnet.org/course.html?courseid=340

Screen Lab-Breaking the Rules
Euroscript
Location: London, UK
Date: 28 November 2009

In this inspiring and unique one-day workshop for writers of all levels of experience we will show you how the greatest film-makers manipulate the rules of screenwriting for film and TV and how you can - and must - do the same if you want to succeed.

You will study the rule-breaking skills of such unrivalled screen writers and directors as Nicholas Pileggi and Martin Scorsese, Charlie Kaufman, The Coen Brothers, Robert Bolt and David Lean, Louis Malle and Alfred Hitchcock. With constructive analysis, clips, free scripts and advice to help you to produce a script which is truly exceptional.

For more information or to book a place please email charles.harris@euroscript.co.uk or visit the website: http://www.euroscript.co.uk

If you think you’ve got what it takes to write a script then this is your chance to see your work on the screen. Vibe Tv.Tv Ltd  is an industry partner looking for great stories in any of the following genres: Adventure, Comedy, Crime, Drama, Family, Horror, Romantic Comedy, Thriller/Suspense, Documentary, Fantasy, Ghost and Open genres.              

Vibe’s Mission is to create an opportunity for screenwriters to have a 10 minute pilot of their work made available for distribution, e.g. to film festivals or Production/TV/Film companies to promote their work and to generate funding for the full project. The closing date is November 30th 2009, and the overall winner will be announced on January 18, 2010.  A pilot (10 minutes) will be commissioned to promote the screenplay which will be filmed in March/April 2010 at an appropriate location.

For more information about how you can enter the competition or to download attachments please visit the website: www.vibetv.tv

My Story is a new BBC project to gather the Nation’s true stories and publish them online. It launches in early September 2009 on The One Show. The BBC wants to hear from everyone. 15 of the best stories will be made in TV programmes for BBC One.

The My Story website (www.bbc.co.uk/mystory ) will gather and show stories from members of the public and feature celebrities own real-life stories, along with inspiring famous true stories. The site will feature videos and interactive tools to help people plan and structure their stories as well as tips on writing styles and skills.Five of the most compelling storytellers will win a publishing deal which could see the story of their lives on book shelves next to their favourite authors.

Stories should be no longer than 1500 words and accompanied by a short description. They will accept stories by post but these cannot be published online.

For further information please visit the website (listed above) or email mystory@bbc.co.uk

The Magic Hour scheme is a groundbreaking UK-wide short film initiative aimed at disabled filmmakers. They are looking for writers and directors with passion and talent to make bold films which portray disability on the screen in a way that is innovative in both form and content.

Film ideas can be up to 20 minutes in length and any genre: drama, documentary, animation or a mixed medium. The Magic Hour wants edgy, challenging, satirical, funny, surprising ideas that have something fresh to say about disability but are accessible to a wide audience.

A total of four films will be produced each with a budget of £10,000. Applications are open from November 3rd to midnight on January 15th 2010. To download guidance notes and application forms visit www.themagichour.org.uk

'Comedy Crossing the Boundaries - 360 Ways to be Funny' is a 3 day workshop for comedy writers wanting to forge a career in comedy entertainment. It is run in association with Skillset and BBC Training & Development.

This is a three day a writer development programme for established freelancers, teaching skills needed to address multiplatform comedy content for internet, mobile phones, games, film, television and radio.  Writers will also learn how to pitch a multi-platform brief. 

Submit an idea for your own comedy TV sitcom, internet clip or mobile uploadand watch your words come to life (or death) as professional actors read your lines and discuss your ideas in a constructive workshop environment.

Date - 5th, 6th and 7th March 2010
Venue - The Atrium, Cardiff, CF24 2FN
Price - £450 + VAT (£517.50 in total)*
For more information please visit the website: http://www.tapsnet.org/course.html?courseid=341

Free Radio Writing Workshops
Playwrights' Studio, Scotland and BBC Scotland Radio Drama
Location: Scotland, UK
Dates: 22 & 28 November 2009

The Playwrights' Studio, Scotland and BBC Scotland Radio Drama are hosting free and open workshops for writers of any age which will take place all around Scotland. Featuring top playwrights and BBC radio producers, these workshops will give writers valuable tips on writing plays for stage and radio.

Upcoming workshops will take place in:
Inverness, 22 November, Eden Court Theatre, 2pm-4pm
Edinburgh, 28 November, National Library of Scotland, 11am-1pm
(Please note the Edinburgh workshops are fully booked, but if you would like to register your interest and be placed on a waiting list please contact the Playwrights' Studio at the email address below.)

To book your free place please contact the Playwrights’ Studio on 0141 3324403 or email info@playwrightsstudio.co.uk
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The Steamie by Tony Roper
Empire Theatre @ Eden Court, Inverness
Mon 16 November-Sat 21 November 2009
Click here

Memoria by Craig Sandeman
WACtheatre @ Lemon Tree, Aberdeen
Tues 17 November-Wed 18 November 2009
Click here

Outlandish-various writers
Sowing the seeds for a new generation of diversity in the arts
Wave Theatre@North Edinburgh Arts Centre
Thurs 26 November
Click here

Ya Beauty and the Beast by Gordon Dougall and Fletcher Mathers
Tron Theatre, Glasgow
Sat 28 November 2009-Mon 3 January 2010
Click here

Word, Words, Words-various writers
Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh
Mon 30 November 2009
Click here

Zorro by Davey Anderson
Visible Fictions @ Traverse Theatre
Sat 5 December-Thurs 24 December 2009
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.