Playwright
Stagework says:
The playwright or dramatist is the author of a production, the maker or adapter of the original play, often working alone, but sometimes collaboratively with director, cast and the creative team. The playwright writes the text, or script for the play. He or she creates the essentials of the play: the narrative, the characters, the language, the tone, and the milieu. It may be a work of fiction, however there are also stage productions based entirely on faithful rendition of real events.
It is up to the director, cast and creative team to interpret the playwright’s text. Although the play may be an original work, adaptation of a work of fiction is also common. Then the challenge is to find a theatrical equivalent to the novel. This may mean adding or more commonly subtracting characters or narrative elements. The demands of theatre are different from those of a book. The sets and staging, light and sound effects are substitutes for description. A playwright often finds it necessary to depart from the original book in order to make a story work as drama.
Find out more
Top opportunity for writers in east of England
This includes Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Luton, Peterborough, Southend or Thurrock
Young writers (aged 14-19) are invited to submit 15-minute plays by 18th July 2008. The top twenty playwrights will be invited to attend a development day at the University of Hertfordshire where they will receive valuable experience working with professional theatre practitioners; learning how a play develops from a script towards a production and negotiating changes to their scripts with group members. Four winners will have their scripts produced by a professional director, dramaturg and actors and performed before a live audience at The Weston Auditorium, University of Hertfordshire on Friday 28th November, 2008.
We are working with Theatre Is…, Menagerie Theatre Company and Watford Palace Theatre in delivering the project.
The overall winner of the University of Hertfordshire Writing Award 2008 will be able to apply for a three year scholarship to the University of Hertfordshire. The prize is for a full time undergraduate degree in any subject. The winner must apply for and be accepted into the University in the agreed year of study.
Visit www.go.herts.ac.uk/writingaward for more information
Opportunity for Asian playwrights
Deadline: Monday 30 June, 5pm
Tamasha is now inviting applications for Tamasha New Writing 3-17 September 2008 at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in association with the Conservatoire for Dance and Drama.
Intensive, fully-subsidised training for eight aspiring British Asian playwrights.
Tamasha is one of the UK’s leading producers of new writing by British Asian playwrights, and the award-winning company behind productions like East is East, Strictly Dandia, A Fine Balance and The Trouble with Asian Men.
Tamasha New Writing is an intensive two-week course which seeks to develop the artistic individuality of its participants. You might be a young, aspiring playwright wanting a bridge into professional employment, or an established artist looking to develop your skills in writing for theatre.
Free to take part.
This full time course is offered free to successful applicants, and you will receive a weekly allowance towards lost earnings. In addition, participants from outside Greater London can also apply for a reimbursement of relocation expenses.
For much more information click here or for an application pack, please contact Zoe Cooper on 020 7633 2270 email
Royal Court Theatre Young Writers Programme
Submission deadline 31 May 2008
More details
Paid commission for new under-25 playwright
Deadline: end of April 2008
Peer Productions is looking to commission one forty-five minute play jointly written by two playwrights (one experienced writer aged 50+ and one new writer aged under 25) as a part of a unique collaboration.
You can learn more about Peer Productions and this project at www.peerproductions.co.uk
