This autumn Sherman Theatre will launch a new course which aims to introduce students aged 15-18 (GCSEs to A level) to writing for the stage. Led by Sherman Theatre Associate Director David Mercatali, Brad Birch, and other leading Welsh or Wales-based playwrights, Introduction to Playwriting will give participants a unique opportunity to explore writing for theatre. Participants will create characters and situations, take stories they feel passionately about and transform them into play form whilst discovering more about the techniques needed to write plays. Introduction to Playwriting is supported by Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.

Sherman Theatre is committed to both nurturing emerging Welsh and Wales-based talent and ensuring that anyone can pursue a career in the arts regardless of background. This major new scheme delivers on both of those commitments. Places on the course are free of charge and participants will have travel provided through a dedicated minibus to help ensure they can attend sessions. Furthermore, Sherman Theatre will particularly welcome sign-ups to the course from participants who may face barriers to involvement in the arts.

Alongside the New Welsh Playwrights Programme and JMK / Sherman Directors Group (for artists aged over 18 which are both generously supported by The Carne Trust) this new scheme forms part of what is now one the most comprehensive artist development programmes in the UK.

Sherman Theatre’s Artistic Director Rachel O’Riordan has said: “I am delighted to announce this new project; Sherman has been at the heart of new Welsh writing in recent years. We are so excited to mentor the next generation of writers. Most especially, we are delighted to provide opportunities for talented young people from backgrounds which may not make a career in the arts feel viable, or even tangible. We are committed to making these voices heard.”

Introduction to Playwriting will begin on Saturday 13 October at 10.00am. Anyone interested in booking a place should call 029 2064 6975 or email david.mercatali@shermantheatre.co.uk