Age: 16-30

Who: Pentabus is the Nation’s Rural Theatre Company and we are particularly interested in hearing from rural writers.

When: The course begins in January with the final performance in July. 

Where: Online evenings and in-person Saturdays (Hereford location TBC)

Cost: FREE!

Through a combination of online evening sessions and in-person weekend sessions in Hereford you will work with experienced writers and directors to develop a short script to be performed by professional actors, as part of our annual Young Writers festival.

You will decide the subject of your play and work through different drafts with in-depth support and feedback from the group’s tutors. Explore how to construct characters, build scenes, create tension and write dialogue in a fun and safe environment.

The course will be run by professional playwrights Florence Espeut-Nickless (Pentabus Writer in Residence) and Ant Stones (Associate Playwright for Guildford Shakespeare Company). Under their guidance – and assisted by visiting professionals – you will learn how to incorporate design, sound, lighting, music and stage directions into your play.

The course has been designed as a hybrid of online and in-person sessions to make it as easy as possible to attend. Online sessions will take place via Zoom on Wednesday evenings. In-person sessions will take place in Hereford on Saturdays.

No previous experience of playwrighting is necessary. This programme is aimed at young people who may not even know they’re writers yet.