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Pentabus announces Jerwood Foundation support for the 2025 Pentabus Writer in Residence Bursary, and the opening of applications.This £12,000 bursary supports a playwright in the early stage of their career, providing them the opportunity to spend up to a year writing at Pentabus in South Shropshire. During their time with Pentabus, the recipient will be supported to write at least one new full-length play or piece of theatre, while learning more about how a professional theatre company works.‘I WROTE. I wrote so much. Because Pentabus gave me that time and space to just scribble away, and I can never thank them enough for that. They made me realise what I want to write and why I want to write it.’ Tim Foley, 2016/17 Writer in Residence and Bruntwood Award Winner 2017, Bruntwood Judges Prize for Electric Rosary Winner, and recently UK toured Driftwood.What the Writer in Residence Bursary will give to you:
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The time and space to think and write. You will have a studio at Pentabus HQ, at The Ludlow Assembly Rooms in the heart of the beautiful town of Ludlow.
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The opportunity to complete at least one full-length play or several works in progress. This work must not have been commissioned by another company. Your writing time will be largely unrestricted and you can write about anything.
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Professional dramaturgical feedback on your work. Our Artistic Director will be available to discuss your ideas, and help you to work through any dramaturgical issues or queries that you might have.
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The opportunity to have your script or idea workshopped with Pentabus artists.
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A launch pad into the wider theatre community. You will be invited to attend Pentabus events, see shows as a representative of the company, and take part in industry activities with company members.
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The opportunity to tutor our Pentabus Young Company and our Writers Group (the next generation of aspiring writers and theatre makers aged 16 to 25). You will develop and lead workshops for our Young Writers both at Pentabus HQ and in other venues nationwide.
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The opportunity to observe the work of the company. You will attend rehearsals, dress rehearsals and other performances, gaining hands on experience of small-scale touring.What you will give to Pentabus:
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Reading and offering constructive criticism on scripts sent to us.
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Attending workshops and rehearsals of work in production
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Assisting our Artistic Director, with artistic planning and being an active part of planning the creative future of the company.
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Engaging with rural communities to better understand them and our mission
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Lending an objective artistic voice to our day to day operations
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Advocating for us in the wider writing/theatre community
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Being a mentor for our Young Company Writers, and taking part in planning Young Company activity.
‘This is an incredible opportunity if you are in need of time and space to develop your writing. The residency has afforded me the time to THINK BIG. This bursary is a chance for you to challenge yourself and feel supported in the process. Apply now!’
Sophie Ellerby, Writer In Residence 2018/19
Sophie Ellerby, Writer In Residence 2018/19
‘It’s life-changing. It’s time. It’s support and expertise. And it’s money. The pandemic has presented its own challenges but Pentabus have been supportive and considerate. The Residence offers a different way of doing things and a different way of thinking – it’s changing my work, and it’s changed my life.’ Tom Powell, Writer in Residence 2020/21.
We are looking for committed, enthusiastic and exceptionally talented writers and theatre makers in the early stages of their career. You MUST have a passion for theatre and a strong interest in the wider theatre industry.
You may have a relevant degree in Literature, Creative Writing, Theatre Studies, or commensurate experience in professional theatre. Ideally, applicants would either have an agent, or have completed an Emerging Writers’ or Artists’ programme (i.e Orange Tree Writers Collective, REP Foundry, Royal Exchange Young Company etc) or have had a production of their work professionally produced, either in a Fringe, Rural Touring or Studio theatre setting.
We will accept applications from those who have applied to the bursary before – just tell us why you are applying again and send us a different example of your writing if you were previously longlisted.
Although we are based in a small rural town, you do not need to be able to drive in order to apply. We can help you to get around as needed for the role.
Applicants must be over 18 years of age.
How to Apply:
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Complete the online application form on the Pentabus website:https://pentabus.co.
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A copy of a full-length play that you have written. Ideally, we’d like to read plays that have had a professional reading or production. Please provide details of the production or reading.
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A current writer’s CV or Biog
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If you have any additional access requirements that we can support you with in order to make an application then please email projects@pentabus.co.uk.Deadlines:Applications must be received by Monday 22 July 2024 at 9amShortlist Interviews 1 – Online week of 7th NovemberShortlist Interviews 2 – In person at Pentabus week of the 14 NovemberThe Jerwood Writer in Residence is to begin their residency from December 2024.
For all the details please visit:
Deadline: 22 July 2024
Source: direct contact