A professional development course encouraging writers to think big
Old Vic Playwrighting is a training programme led by playwright, Ella Hickson. Six emerging writers (18+) will take part in eight two-hour sessions, across 12 weeks, exploring how to write for big stages.
The programme will include: studying existing plays, debating what makes for a brilliant big play, and writing exercises aimed at developing dramaturgical skills. Writers can use time during and after the course to write a new play, with the option to receive dramaturgical feedback on this draft from an established dramaturg. All participants will receive £1000 to support their writing time.
Programme
- Writers will attend eight in-person workshops – exploring a different classic play each session
- Writers will take part in writing exercises during the sessions
- Writers will be given reading and homework tasks between sessions (approx.. one and a half hours per week)
- Workshops will take place in an accessible venue near The Old Vic
- Writers will receive tickets to two Old Vic main house productions during the programme
- Writers will receive a fee of £1000 to support their writing time
- The project will culminate with a notes session with an established dramaturg to support writers with the next steps for their plays
How to Apply: Applications for Old Vic Playwrights are now open. To apply, you must submit:
- A three-page writing sample featuring dialogue
- Complete a short application form
- Alternatively, you can submit a video or audio file, four mins max, answering the questions in the application form
You can apply via our online application form here or submit a video or audio application to education@oldvictheatre.com. Please put Old Vic Playwrighting in the email header. The deadline to apply is 12pm on Fri 03 June. Successful candidates will be invited for interview in July 2022. If you have any questions about the programme or the application process, please get in touch.
Dates
Sessions will take place:
- Tues 06 Sept, 6pm-8pm
- Tues 13 Sept, 6pm-8pm
- Tues 20 Sept, 6pm-8pm
- Tues 27 Sept, 6pm-8pm
- Tues 01 Nov, 6pm-8pm
- Tues 08 Nov, 6pm-8pm
- Tues 15 Nov, 6pm-8pm
- Tues 22 Nov, 6pm-8pm
There will be a break in the middle of the programme to allow for writing time.
At the end of the programme participants will have three months to submit a draft of a new play and will receive notes from an established dramaturg in a follow up session in Apr/May 2023.
Eligibility
- This programme is open to anyone aged 18+
- You must have had at least one professional production that ran for a minimum of one week
- You must be interested in making larger scale work
- You must be available for all the workshop dates
- You must have the time available to do the work between sessions (approx. one and a half hours per week)
- You must be willing to do writing exercises in the sessions
- You must be able to travel to London for the workshop sessions
Accessibility
- We are committed to working with people who have a disability or identify as neuro-diverse (e.g dyslexia, ADHD or autism) and will make necessary adjustments to help you get the most out of the project
- If you have a different learning style we can also change the course content to suit you
- If you require it, we can bring in additional staff support
- The project will take place at an Old Vic venue with step free access
- Support with travel costs is available if required
Deadline: 3 June 2022
Source: direct contact