WRITE UP! 2021
write up! 2021
Write Up! 2021 is a year long programme of support and development for playwrights in Devon and Cornwall supported by Arts Council England.
WRITER DEVELOPMENT
The 12 months will feature multiple opportunities for writers to develop their writing further through:
#Scriptsurgery – Free, bespoke dramaturgical support of three writers and their works progress
#WriteHere – 3 x Free writing residencies in partnership with the Causley Trust
Our monthly #Playwrightshangout to give writers a regular space to share, vent and get feedback from their peers
A range of new #masterclasses with leading industry figures including Tim Crouch, Lakesha Arie Angelo, Jen Silverman and Chris Goode
An array of Down Stage Write-led #Workshops designed to address specific skill-gaps of writers in this part of the country, the first of which will be focussed on Audio-Drama
A number of 1-day, 2-day and 5-day workshops/readings on new-plays in a space with a professional director and actors, allowing writers to hear/see their work and invite industry figures to do the same
WRITERS GROUPS
We will be launching our very own #YoungWritersProgramme for young people in Devon and Cornwall who want to learn about playwriting, culminating in a reading of their work
And a new project in collaboration with #LGBT writers in the run up to #Pride2021
WRITER COMMISSIONS
4 brand new short audio play commissions for writers from Devon and Cornwall
4 brand new digital commissions for writers from Devon and Cornwall
Keep your eyes on our socials and our website www.downstagewrite.uk in the coming weeks for more information on how you can get involved with this, and as always, if you have any writing-related questions, you can reach us on info@downstagewrite.uk
Thanks again to Arts Council England for making this possible and we can’t wait to continue working with Devon and Cornwall writers in the coming weeks and months!
SEE BELOW FOR DETAILS OF SPECIFIC PROJECTS/CALL OUTS
Have you written a full length play for 1-3 actors?
As part of their Arts Council Funded writer development programme Write Up! Down Stage Write are looking for Devon and Cornwall based playwrights who have a full length play for 1-3 actors which they wish to develop.
We’re looking for bold plays with something to say about the world today, rooted in but not limited by the region.
3 plays will be given a one day workshop/reading with professional actors and directors and dramaturgical feedback from the team at Down Stage Write.
There will be subsequent opportunities for some plays to be considered for a 2 and 5 day rehearsed reading workshop.
All writers that apply will be added to the Down Stage Write mailing list and kept informed of future opportunities. We’re keen to use this call out not only to find the plays for workshopping but also to ‘meet’ writers and learn about their work.
You should be:
A playwright of any age and experience level
Based in Devon and/or Cornwall
You play should be:
60+ minutes
For stage
For 1-3 Actors
Original (not an adaptation or translation)
Unproduced or developed elsewhere
Writers please submit:
A short bio (300 words max) about you and your work
A short paragraph detailing what you would want to get from the reading workshop (200 words max)
Your script in a recognised stage format in Word or PDF format.
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS: Midnight 30th March 2021
Email applications to: info@downstagewrite.uk
Down Stage Write is a theatre company dedicated to providing development and production opportunities for Devon and Cornwall based playwrights. For more information visit: www.downstagewrite.uk
Write up! 2021 is a 12 month programme of support and development for playwrights supported by Arts Council England. Look out for workshops, masterclasses, commission opportunities
FAQs
Can I submit more than one play?
We ask that you only submit one play, so please select one you feel is best suited to this development opportunity.
What do we mean by ‘based in Devon and/or Cornwall’?
We’re looking for writers who are currently living and working in the region or who have a regular base to live/work here.
This is my first/hundredth play, can I still submit?
There is no age or experience limit, we’re looking to work with writers at any stage.
What will the workshop/reading day involve?
Prior to the workshop day there will be a meeting with the Down Stage team to talk about your play and what you want to get out of the workshop.
The exact format of the workshop/reading day will be structured to suit each individual play but will involve a professional director and actors working with your script and will include at least one complete reading. Writers may attend all or part of the day.
There will be a follow up dramaturgy/feedback session to talk about next steps for the development of the play.
What stage should my play be at?
You play should at least be a complete second draft but mostly the script should be at a point where you would benefit from hearing and seeing actors work on the next
What happens to my script once it is submitted?
You will receive an email confirming your submission. Scripts will be read by our team of readers who are professional playwrights, directors and artists overseen by the Joint Artistic Directors. They will compile a shortlist of scripts that will go to a panel for the final selection of plays to be workshopped. All applicants will receive a email informing them of the final outcome. This process is not only for us to find scripts to workshop but also to start a relationship with writers and we are committing to inviting shortlisted writers to have meetings with us.
4 x ORIGINAL AUDIO COMMISSIONS FOR DEVON AND CORNWALL BASED PLAYWRIGHTS!
As part of their Arts Council Funded writer development programme Write Up!, Down Stage Write are on the lookout for 10-15 minute audio plays by playwrights based in Devon and Cornwall to produce this year. They are looking for bold plays that make the most of the audio medium and are for 1-2 actors. This is a paid opportunity.
4 short audio plays will be selected and given dramaturgical support before being produced with a team of professional directors, actors and editors. These four short plays will then be broadcast across a network of regional radio channels and digital festivals in collaboration with Soundart Radio. They will also be hosted on our website and podcast.
All writers that apply will be added to the Down Stage Write mailing list and kept informed of future opportunities.
You should be:
A playwright of any age and experience level
Based in Devon and/or Cornwall
You audio play should be:
10-15 mins
For audio/ radio
On any theme
For 1-2 actors
Original (not an adaptation or translation)
Unproduced or developed elsewhere
Writers please submit:
A CV
Your audio script in a recognised stage format in Word or PDF format.
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS: Midnight 9th May 2021
Email applications to: info@downstagewrite.uk
Down Stage Write is a theatre company dedicated to providing development and production opportunities for Devon and Cornwall based playwrights. For more information visit: www.downstagewrite.uk
Write Up! 2021 is a 12 month programme of support and development for playwrights supported by Arts Council England. Look out for workshops, masterclasses, commission opportunities
FAQs
Can I submit more than one play?
We ask that you only submit one play, so please select one you feel is best suited to this development opportunity.
What do we mean by ‘based in Devon and/or Cornwall’?
We’re looking for writers who are currently living and working in the region or who have a regular base to live/work here.
This is my first/hundredth play, can I still submit?
There is no age or experience limit, we’re looking to work with writers at any stage.
What stage should my audio play be at?
Your play can be an early draft. We want to be sold on the idea and the story. We will provide feedback and development before the piece is produced.
What format should my play be in?
Your play should be in a readable format that makes clear the use of sound effects and monologue/dialogue.
It is not essential, but you may wish to look at the radio play format outlined on BBC Writers Room: http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/scripts/bbcradioscene.pdf
What happens to my script once it is submitted?
You will receive an email confirming your submission. Scripts will be read by our team of readers who are professional playwrights, directors and artists overseen by the Joint Artistic Directors. They will compile a shortlist of scripts that will go to a panel for the final selection of the 4 x short audio plays to be produced. All applicants will receive an email informing them of the final outcome.