Write to Play Seeking D/deaf or disabled Midlands based Writers (Paid)

Write to Play is an exciting new initiative from Graeae Theatre Company to cultivate and promote Deaf and disabled writers.

The new writing partners this year will be Curve LeicesterBirmingham Repertory Theatre and the Belgrade Theatre Coventry.

The programme consists of:

– a five day course exploring approaches to writing for performance — six half day classes from some of the best practitioners working in the industry
– the opportunity to work with actors on two short pieces
– a showcase of the work that has been developed over the course of the year
– a two week placement at one of the partner organisations
– each writer will be placed with a mentor who, throughout the year, will offer guidance and dramaturgical support.

Writers on the programme are encouraged to write about anything they wish; it doesn’t have to be about their experience as a Deaf or disabled person and they welcome applications from writers and theatre makers whose first language is not English and who may work in different languages, such as BSL.

Fee: Write to Play is a paid opportunity, and each writer will get a fee of £1800 (paid in instalments) for their participation on the programme. Expenses related to participation, such as travel and accommodation, are also covered by the programme.

All access requirements will be met, including sign language interpreters and access support workers, and the programme structure and content can be adapted for access purposes if required.

Eligibility: They are looking for applicants who:

– Identify as D/deaf, disabled or both
– Live or work in The Midlands
– Have a passion for writing and some previous experience of writing for performance
– Are able to commit to the whole programme from November 2016 to November 2017. A full schedule will be sent to shortlisted applicants.

What to Submit: 

1. A statement of interest. In no more than 400 words, please tell us a bit about yourself and why this opportunity interests you.
2. An example of your work. Please send us no more than 10-15 pages of text for performance. If you don’t work in written English, you may wish to send us a link to your work being performed if you have one.
3. A story. Tell us a story in no more than 200 words (this can take any form and be about anything you wish).

How to Apply: Please send your application, or direct any queries you may have to chloe@graeae.org

If you would like this information in a different format, or require any assistance with your application, please email access@graeae.org or call 020 7613 6900.

Applications open: Monday 5 September 2016
Applications close: Monday 3 October 2016
Interviews are likely to be held w/c 17 October

Free Taster Sessions: They are also offering FREE taster sessions in each city (Birmingham, Coventry and Leicester) for interested applicants to find out more about the programme, undertake some sample exercises and ask any questions they may have. For BSL users, the workshop will also look at approaches to writing in BSL.

The dates and booking details for these sessions are:

  • Leicester taster session:
    Monday 12 September 2016: 2pm – 5pm
  • Coventry taster session:
    Thursday 15 September 2016: 2pm – 5pm
  • Birmingham taster session:
    Wednesday 21 September 2016: 2pm – 5pm

To book your place at a taster session, email chloe@graeae.org and indicate clearly which session you would like to attend. The deadline for signing up to a taster session is 12pm on Wednesday 31 August 2016. 

These taster sessions are purely optional and not a compulsory part of the application process.

Deadline: 3 October 2016

Source: Playwriting UK Facebook page.

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