Write to Play is an initiative from Graeae Theatre Company designed to cultivate and promote d/Deaf and disabled writers.

In their fifth year of the programme, Graeae will be partnering with the Bush Theatre, Ovalhouse, Soho Theatre, Talawa and Tamasha, this time round nurturing the phenomenal talent which exists within the BAME D/deaf and disabled community.

Since its inception, the programme has developed the careers of 20 writers, including Jackie Hagan, whose first play Cosmic Scallies was developed through the programme, and co-produced by Graeae and the Royal Exchange Manchester this August.

The programme consists of:

• Playwriting 101, a five day writing workshop, offering writers crucial learning and space with peers in a supported environment
• Six half day specialist workshops facilitated by leading practitioners
• Access to an individual mentor who will support writers dramaturgically through all writing projects and offer pastoral support
• Miniatures: Writers will have the opportunity to develop a short monologue and a short duologue, to explore with their mentor the performance potential of the pieces in a workshop with actors, and showcase this work to a small audience and get feedback
• Writers will also develop two drafts of a new full-length play. There will be a public sharing of an extract from this full-length play at the end of the programme
• Writers will have the opportunity to take part in a two-week placement at one of the partner organisations, allowing writers to expand their network and skills base
• There will also be opportunities to see new work at their partner organisations

Writers on the programme are encouraged to write about anything they wish.

Write to Play is a paid opportunity and each writer will get a bursary of £1800 (paid in instalments) for their participation on the programme. Expenses related to participation, such as travel and accommodation, are also covered by the programme.

All access requirements will be met, including sign language interpreters and access support workers, and the programme structure and content can be adapted for access purposes if required.

If you are interested in applying or have any questions and to download and complete an application visit the Write to Play website

Timeline:

Applications open Monday 4 Sept 2017

Applications close Monday 2 Oct 2017, 12pm

Interviews are likely to be held w/c 30 October

Still unsure? Then come along to a free Taster session. The deadline for signing up to a taster session is 12pm, Tuesday 29 August 2017

Friday 8 Sept, 2-4pm @ Ovalhouse, London

Wednesday 13 Sept, 2-4pm @ Bush Theatre, London

Monday 18 Sept, 2-4pm @ Royal Exchange, Manchester