LPB recently announced the launch of London Playwrights 2020, the new writer development programme for 2020. Four playwrights will be selected to develop their plays over the course of 2020, culminating in a rehearsed reading in London in front of industry professionals at the end of the year. Participants will also receive mentoring, dramaturgical support and writing masterclasses aimed at supporting them in writing the very best version of their script, whilst learning the practical and professional skills to boost their careers as playwrights.

Guidelines 

• They welcome applications from all writers of all backgrounds and all experience levels (including absolute beginners) as long as you are over 18.
• However, you must sign up for #WrAP2020 in order to apply- throughout January, writers will work on their new plays with the aim of completing a first draft. You will then have until the 14 February to write a one-page outline of your idea and submit your work-in-progress scripts. Timeline: please note, this timeline is to give a rough guide of the framework of the programme, and is subject to change, depending on space and availability.
• They’re not expecting polished scripts after you’ve only had a month to work on them! They are looking for writers who have the potential to develop their ideas into fantastic scripts during 2020 and by the end of the year.

Timeline 

January 2020 #WrAP2020
14 February – deadline for submissions to London Playwrights 2020
Mid-March – writers selected and notified
April (Master class 1)
June (Master class 2)
August (Master class 3)
October (Master class 4)
November – preparations for rehearsed readings
December – Rehearsed readings at a London venue
Writers will also receive 4 dramaturgy/ feedback sessions throughout the year and within this, deadlines for developing the plays will be set as agreed individually.

The masterclasses and readings will take place in London so you will need to be able to travel, the dramaturgy sessions can be done via Skype or phone. At the moment, they do not have funding to cover travel expenses, however, they may be able to award small bursaries in circumstances where the travel costs will make the opportunity inaccessible.

Membership costs just £3.63 per month and you won’t be tied into a contract. If the cost of membership is genuinely a barrier for you accessing this opportunity, please email contact@londonplaywrights.org to discuss.

London Playwrights’ Workshop: Writer Development Programme