SCRIPT is the West Midlands agency for dramatic writers.

SCRIPT NEWS - September 2009

EDINBURGH FRINGE FESTIVAL
Catherine is back from Edinburgh and blogged about some of the interesting shows that she saw whilst up there.

SCRIPT READING SERVICE

A reminder that our script reading service is open to writers at all stages of their career to receive impartial advice and feedback from professional playwrights, screenwriters and directors.

Promising writers identified through the script reading service will be recommended to theatre production companies such as the Birmingham Rep, Pentabus, and Theatre 503, and may be selected for future development schemes at Script.

For further details on how to submit, please visit our resource page

COMING UP AT SCRIPT...

In association with Warwick Words:

HOW TO WRITE...THEATRE FOR CHILDREN
In this workshop, Campbell Perry will talk about the similarities and differences between writing for adults and children and look at ways of adapting a story into a piece of theatre for primary aged children, with some examples.
The workshop will centre around discussing what makes some stories lend themselves to theatre, and how settings , character and events combine to develop story and plot.
There will be a mix of talk, writing and practical activities, so that everyone has an opportunity to explore some of the ideas under discussion. And hopefully, it will be fun as well!
Where:

Date: Thursday 1 October (2pm-5pm)

Where: Friends Meeting House, Warwick
Tickets: £15
Box Office: 01926 776438

More information: www.warwickwords.co.uk

FLIP Animation Festival 2009

In association with Script and the Animator's Forum
Scriptwriting for animation workshop
This one –day workshop will explore the particularities of animation production and writing, leading to an individual 60 second script which will then be submitted to the Flip Animation Challenge with the opportunity to be produced by animators in residence during the festival and screened on the final day.
The workshop is led by Myles McLeod, one half of BAFTA nominated The Brothers McLeod. They are known for their screenwriting and animations as seen on BBC, MTV, Channel 4 and elsewhere and direct commercials for internationally famous studio Aardman Animations. Myles holds a Masters in Screenwriting and writes for television, short film and computer games.
Cost: £25/£20
When: 5 November, 10 – 4pm
More information: www.flipfestival.co.uk

nit 107 The Greenhouse, The Custard Factory, Gibb Street, Birmingha

Script presents...

HOLLYWOOD SCREENWRITING: JUMPING THE FIRST HURDLE

Saturday 7 November 2009, 11am-5pm

The Artrix, Bromsgrove

In Hollywood, thousands of scripts land on the desks of producers, agents, actors and studio executives every day - how can you make sure that yours makes it past the first hurdle?  This workshop will discuss some of the simple but fatal "red flag" mistakes that screenwriters make - and how to avoid them.  There will also be a discussion about the differences between Hollywood and the UK/ Ireland film industry, and an opportunity for writers to pitch their own script and story ideas. 

The workshop will be led by James Bartlett.  James is a writer and journalist living in Los Angeles.  He is a story analyst for Sundance, National Geographic Films, New Regency, UCLA and the Academy of Motion Pictures' Nicholl Screenwriting Awards.

For further details, please email info@scriptonline.net

Tickets: £50 (£40 concessions)

Artrix Box Office: 01527 577330

m, B9 4AA

OPPORTUNITIES AND COMPETITIONS...

STAGE...

Naked Stage Submissions Now Open
Submissions are now open for WRiTEON's next series of staged readings. Submission to Naked Stage is open to members of WRiTEON at no additional charge, and to others at a fee of £10 per submission.
We are looking for previously unperformed plays of up to one hour in length.There is no minimum length.
We will also consider full length plays on a case by case basis.
Plays may use up to five actors only (dual roles are acceptable).
All genres will be considered.
Plays must be submitted in an appropriate playscript format.
Please include a title page with title of the piece, your name, contact details, and membership number, a brief blurb for the piece, and a character breakdown.
You may become a member of WRiTEON at any time for an annual fee of £15. Membership renews in May.
See the website to join. Membership entitles you to submit to performances without additional submission fee.
Location: ADC Theatre, Larkum Studio
Region: UK, England, East England
Deadline: 13 Sep 2009
Submissions Deadline: 13 September 2009

ScenePool - Call for Scripts
Barry Edwards and Kerry Irvine are running their new theatre writing initiative for a second year, inviting writers to submit new scripts for entry into their successful ScenePool programme.
Writers are asked to submit an original script (only one script per writer please) with a performance running time of 20 - 30 minutes (30 minutes maximum). The script must be your own work and not previously published or professionally performed.
We will commit to direct and produce selected scripts at our next ScenePool event to be held at Camden People's Theatre, London in November 2009.
Scripts produced at November's ScenePool may be considered for development and promotion at our curated ScenePool Festival in 2010. This opportunity is unpaid (voluntary)/part-time.
More information: www.scenepool.co.uk
Deadline: Friday 18th September 09

Calling all script writers in the North West
Organised Chaos Theatre Company are inviting writers living and/or working in the North West of England (Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Cheshire, Lancashire, Cumbria) to submit new scripts for entry into a new initiative they are running.
Writers are asked to submit an original script with a performance running time of up to 2 hours, any running time below this will be accepted. The script must be your own work and not previously published or professionally performed.
Please send your entries by email in word format including a cover sheet with the title and writers name.
Organised Chaos will commit to produce the selected play in Manchester in the early part of next year with the potential for future productions in the North West (and beyond) and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Writers should email their script to Kirsty or Gayle at organisedchaostheatre@gmail.com

Deadline: 27th September 2009.

Four Play: call for submissions
Following the success of last year’s Four Play project, Interact, the training programme for graduate theatre practitioners in the North East, is launching Year 2 of the scheme. Interact is working with New Writing North, which is advising on the project, to develop and produce four new half-hour plays. Writer and mentor Steve Chambers will oversee the writing process, providing writing workshops for writers based on the concept, and one to one support as drafts develop. Writers will work with young director Andrew Hayes and five young actors to mount a professional production of their work, which will be performed at North East venues in 2010.
For more information, download the application pack.

Wild Orchid Theatre's call for plays
Dedicated to performing exciting new writing in unconventional theatre spaces, Wild Orchid Theatre is seeking new plays to stage in its December production at Sharpe's Pottery Museum. Open to anyone living or working in the East or West Midlands, plays should have a light-hearted/humorous Christmas theme, require a maximum of four actors, and be no longer than fifteen minutes.

Closing date 30th September 2009.
Further details: wildorchidtheatre@live.co.uk

 Liverpool’s Write Now Festival is accepting submissions

For its First Annual International Festival of One-Act Plays to be held at The Actor’s Studio, Seel Street, Liverpool in March and April 2010
Any one-act play submission will be accepted other than adaptations, musicals or children's plays.
Length: 45 - 60 minutes
Settings should be simple or suggested.
Deadline: Friday 25 September 2009
Final selection of plays will be made by Friday 04 December 2009.
More information: Details and Application Form available at www.writenowfestival.co.uk

CHINA PLATE: Call for submissions for FIRST-BITE 2009
New Theatre Work Sought for Showcase and Development Opportunity
THE BITE-SIZE 2009/10 Festival of New Work
Produced by China Plate
Commissioned by mac and Warwick Arts Centre.
Following on from the success of BITE-SIZE 2008, China Plate is launching an extended BITE-SIZE programme to include a new commissioning opportunity for theatre makers from the West Midlands. We are looking for fresh new work from collaborative theatre makers to be presented at a scratch night, FIRST-BITE on the 12 of November 2009 at Stan's Cafe's AE Harris building in Birmingham. Each company selected to present work will be paid £250 to cover their expenses.
I've attached some more information about the scheme. Don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any queries.
Proposal deadline: September 25th 2009

Download the form from here.

Arad Goch Script Writing Competition
2009 sees Arad Goch Theatre Company celebrate its 20th Birthday and an exciting programme of 20 events to celebrate 20 years has been devised. On April the 1st, the company’s ‘official birthday’ the Scriptwriting Competition was launched.
Here are the competition details : Subject : Open, Length : Open, Competition Age: Open. As you can see a completely open competition! The only ask is that the play is suitable for an audience of children or young people.
Always wanted to write? Here’s the competition for you
Prize: Training and a rehearsed reading of the play
Region: UK, Wales
Deadline: 28 Sep 2009
More information: www.aradgoch.org

STAGE International Script Competition

STAGE (Scientists, Technologist, and Artists Generating Exploration) is a collaboration between The Professional Artists Lab and the California NanoSystems Institute at the University of California, Santa Barbara. They are offering a prize of $10,000 for the best play exploring themes surrounding science and/or technology. The prize will be awarded at a public event with distinguished professionals from the worlds of theatre, film, science, and technology, in conjunction with a staged reading/performance/demonstration with a cast of professional actors. Authors are strongly urged to avoid the stereotypes often assigned to science, technology, and those who engage in these disciplines, and the competition is not open to plays written in the genre of science fiction.

Further information: http://www.cnsi.ucsb.edu/stage/guidelines/guidelines.html

Deadline: 15th December 2009

Writers Needed For The First Festival Of One-Act Plays
Write Now is currently accepting submissions for its first annual International Festival of One-Act Plays to be held at The Actor's Studio, Seel Street, Liverpool
The fesital will run between Friday 26 March and Saturday 3 April 2010. Any / all one-act play submissions will be accepted except for adaptations, musicals or children's plays. All pieces must be original. Running time must be 45 - 60 minutes. Settings should be simple or suggested. Other than that there are no limitations!
Script submissions will close on Friday 25 September 2009. The final selection of plays to be invited will be made by Tuesday 15 December 2009.
Organization: Write Now Festival
Contact Email: info@writenowfestival.co.uk
Deadline: 25 Sep 2009

Sampad International Writing Competition

An opportunity for aspiring writers from or connected to the South Asian Diaspora around the world. Journeys...a real or imagined journey, back to your roots, homeland, or a journey of the heart.

You can write in any style, using the theme of journeys as a starting point: use your imagination to evoke memories, sensations, your feelings about a journey you have made - in your dreams or in real life - voyage of self-discovery, back to your roots.

If you would like to take part, call 0121 452 8899 or visit the website: www.sampad.org.uk for more details and an entry form

Deadline: 31 December 2009

National Theatre Of Scotland: Call for Submissions

National Theatre of Scotland takes theatre all over the country and beyond, working with existing and new venues, artists and companies to create and tour world class theatre. We are looking for new plays by writers who are inventive and fearless. We want to be stimulated, challenged and excited by writers with a strong theatrical imagination and a nose for complex and urgent subject matter.

Further information: www.nationaltheatrescotland.com/newwork

The Group: Call for Submissions

The Group consists of Equity members, whose monthly meetings at Theatre Royal, Stratford East in London focuses on reading & giving feedback on new plays, both theatre, television & radio scripts with the playwright present at the reading - followed by an indepth discussion from all attendees, both cast members & other members of The Group, both actors & writers. We welcome submissions of new plays.

Further information: www.thegroup-scriptreaders.com, & contact Shenagh Govan at shenagh.govan@thegroup-scriptreaders.com

SCREEN...

BAFTA Rocliffe NEW WRITING Forum at the Screenwriters' Festival
The BAFTA Rocliffe New Writing forum is both a platform for new writing, and a networking event. Created in 2000, the original format selects three 7-8 minute script extracts - feature film, short film, television drama, sitcom, theatre, radio or sketches.
The pieces are cast by a casting director, and rehearsed by professional actors and directors on the evening. A narrator sets the piece in context and the extracts are then performed to an industry audience of producers, development executives, directors, actors and literary agents.
To submit your script for consideration for this event, please click on the below links to find out about the submission process. Deadline is 25 September 2009. The event will take place on the evening of 28 October as part of the International Screenwriters Festival.
Location: Cheltenham
Deadline: 25 Sep 2009
More information: www.screenwritersfestival.com/rocliffe.php

Wipst - Premier Screenwriting Competition 2009
If you think you’ve got what it takes to write a script then this is your chance to see your work on the screen.
Vibe Tv.Tv Ltd is an industry partner looking for great stories in any of the following genres: Adventure, Comedy, Crime, Drama, Family, Horror, Romantic Comedy, Thriller/Suspense, Documentary, Fantasy, Ghost and Open genres.
Vibe’s Mission is to create an opportunity for screenwriters to have a 10 minute pilot of their work made available for distribution, e.g. to film festivals or Production/TV/Film companies to promote their work and to generate funding for the full project.
The competition aims to create a positive industry and audience exposure for work that would otherwise not be seen. Writers will receive nominations and certificates as they progress through the competition process which will add to their portfolio.
Closing date: November 30th 2009

Cost: £18
More Information: www.vibetv.tv

UK Film Council

The UK Film Council has a fund available to broaden the quality, range, and ambition of film projects being developed in the UK and to build a talent driven home for writers, directors, and producers. The First Feature Film Development Programme aims to identify and support emerging filmmakers: screenwriters, writer/directors, and writer-director-producer teams who have not yet had a feature film released theatrically or broadcast on UK television. Generally, awards of up to £25,000 will be offered to screenwriters or writer-directors to write and develop a feature film.

Further information: http://www.ukfilmcouncil.org.uk/development

BBC Film Network

Film Network is the BBC's short film showcase, screening short films from new British Filmmakers, with four new shorts every week. The site also provides filmmakers with tools to create online profiles and exchange tips, advice and ideas and allows audiences to comment on and rate the films. It also provides links to all the great online resources that already exist through the Filmmakers Guide. The site is currently trialing but will launch fully in October.
Further information: http://www.bbc.co.uk/filmnetwork/

RADIO...

Radio Show on Resonance FM
A new Radio Show for Resonance FM will broadcast new plays by new/emerging playwrights and is currently looking for a script that will feature in the first episode of the show on 24th September.

The script needs to be longer than 20 minutes and have a maximum of 4 characters preferably male and female characters, but this isn't a must. The only other requirement is that the play must work on the radio.

There will be no payment for the use of your script as everyone involved in this project is working on a voluntary basis, however it would be a good opportunity to showcase your work to a wide and diverse audience.

The writer will also need to be available to come into the studio on the 24th September between 8pm and 9pm for a short interview that will also be broadcast live after the play. The play itself however, will be pre-recorded.

Region: London, UK, England
Deadline: 04 Sep 2009
Contact: Karla Williams jid_theatre@yahoo.co.uk

ANNOUNCEMENTS...

Meyer-Whitworth
The 18th Meyer-Whitworth shortlist is now officially announced:

Forgotten Things by Emma Adams
Red Ladder Theatre Company

St. Petersburg by Declan Feenan
Bush Theatre

Metal Remains by Natalie McGrath
Theatre West

Cotton Wool by Ali Taylor
Theatre503

Nasty, Brutish and Short by Andy Duffy
National Theatre

BUSHGREEN website under development.
The Bush Theatre is currently developing a new website called bushgreen. The site is a social networking website for people in theatre to connect, collaborate and publish plays in innovative ways. We are currently looking for 500 test users to be the first to use our site and let us know how you would like it to be developed and we would like your students to be a part of it.

Every year we read many plays that deserve a production and meet lots of playwrights in need of good collaborators. There is more work and artists than our small team have the resources and the reach to serve. We know that the internet is about access, networks and bringing people to events, so we imagined a website that might bring together playwrights, practitioners and producers. A website where playwrights could publish their work and it is accessible to all.

We would appreciate it if you could forward this message to your associated playwrights. If they would like to be one of our first users they can contact me, Ant Stones on assistantdirector@bushtheatre.co.uk with a little information about themselves and any work they may have done previously. For more information they can also call 0208 743 3584. Due to the limits imposed on us at user-testing level, places our limited so places will be given on a first come first served basis.

TRAINING AND EVENTS...

SPOTLIGHT Pentabus Theatre: Origins
This joyful, visual spectacular from the award-winning Pentabus Theatre is written by Steven Canny and John Nicholson, whose work with artistic director Orla O’Loughlin has transferred to the West End stage to critical acclaim.

Origins is a show for the whole family and comes to Shrewsbury’s Theatre Severn as part of the town’s celebrations of the life of one of its most famous sons.

Dates: Fri 4th - Sat 12th September
To Book: 001743 281281
More Information

F2 Future Forum:
new media, new skills, new collaborations, new ideas
F2 Future Forum will be led by Frank Boyd and Andre Ktori from Unexpected Media, a media development agency with an extensive track record of supporting innovation and creative research in the digital media. They will be joined by Chris Bennewith from Squidsoup who will be presenting some of this international interactive design group's current projects about to be premiered at ISEA, Ireland and onedotzero festival, London.

This one day recruitment event aims to provide potential participants with an opportunity to find out more about the F2 goals, explore the programme's themes with the delivery team and network with peers and potential collaborators.

To book a place on the F2 Future Forum send an email to Rebecca Owen; rebecca@smithowen.demon.co.uk
You should include your name and, if applicable, the name of your company and your address.
When: Thurs 10th September 11.00 am - 5.00pm
For more information, see ICE website www.coventry.ac.uk/ice

Big Script - A Celebration of New Writing
As part of ArtsFest 2009 new writing from Big Script Writers Group presented by Blossom Theatre Co.
A script in hand show of diverse shorts by local writers performed amongst in the inspirational surroundings of Gallery 21, home to artworks including Modigliani and Renoir.
Check out the newest in Birmingham theatre writing, it's going to be exciting, entertaining and FREE!
When: September 12th 4pm-4.30pm
Where: Gallery 21 Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.
Cost: Free.
More information: Blossom Theatre Co

Impro Vivo
! new storytelling improvisation group, is launching its first workshop at the Belgrade Theatre on Friday September 11th 2009.
The emphasis will be on using improvisation to tell stories and entertain audiences. Although members are expected to participate in games and storytelling exercises, we will keep asking the questions, 'What do we like about this story?" and "What do we like about this character?", questions that are as useful for a writer as an actor or anybody interested in telling stories.
Sessions will be run by Lyndi Smith, a theatre director and writer from Coventry who trained at RADA and since then, with Keith Johnstone, author of "Impro for Storytellers" and Steve Jarand.
Sessions will run on Friday nights from 7.30 until 9.30pm in the Weston Learning Space at the Belgrade Theatre and are paid for by donations. Impro Vivo suggest a £5 donation, but members are free to pay whatever they feel like.
If you would like further information, please check out our Facebook group

INVESTIGATE: Who Needs Writers?
An investigation into Verbatim Theatre
Chaired by playwright, David Edgar

Don't just see the plays - investigate them! The Investigate series is an innovative programme of events designed to encourage theatregoers to investigate plays and consider the themes and issues raised by them.

‘most of the words the actors will be speaking in Mixed Up North are words that have been spoken to us’
Max Stafford-Clark and Robin Soans

But if those words are put into a fictional drama does it change their meaning? And how might people whose words are used react? Is verbatim theatre an exciting and potentially powerful theatre form or a dishonest manipulation?

David Edgar explores this issue with Director of Mixed Up North Max Stafford-Clark and writer Robin Soans. They are joined by David Thacker, Stephanie Street, Alecky Blythe, actors from the Octagon company and some of the people whose words are used in Mixed Up North.
When: 12th September

More information: www.octagonbolton.co.uk

Women & Theatre presents Barbara Nice & Gals Comedy Fundraiser
Women & Theatre invite you to join us for a comic feast to raise funds for a new Company van!
Following last year’s sell-out Comedy Night, Women & Theatre are back at The Glee Club to bring you another warm, friendly and hilarious night of laughter on Wednesday 16th September from 7.30pm.
Women & Theatre is a Birmingham-based company with 25 years experience of creating illuminating and accessible new theatre about things that matter. Women & Theatre is an award-winning company and has been pioneering new ways of addressing contemporary issues through performance since 1983. The company creates engaging drama, which promotes the spiritual, social, physical and mental well being of the whole community. We aim to reflect the language and lives of ordinary people, giving voices to those not usually heard.
All proceeds to Women & Theatre new Van Fund!
When: Wednesday 16th September 2009 7.30pm Doors open
Where: The Glee Club Birmingham, The Arcadian Centre
Admission £15
Box Office: 0871 472 0400/ www.glee.co.uk

UNLEASH YOUR POTENTIAL
with absolutely free placement opportunities in media production and photography
You will work alongside a professional production company on either a short documentary, music video or photography brief and you will get behind the scenes experience of the whole production process.
You don’t need any experience, but you must be aged 19+ and unemployed or unwaged interested in media generally resident in Coventry and Warwickshire able to give up 3 – 4 days of your time between September & November 09
For more information or to request an application form,
contact Rupinder or Fran on 0845 116 2111
More Information: www.metaldogmedia.co.uk
Closing date for all applications is Monday 7 September 2009

Write/ Radio/ Spain

7-11th September 2009

Write/ Radio/ Spain is a residential course aimed at writers who want to explore radio drama and sound as a creative medium. Led by award winning BBC radio, film and television writer Steve Chambers and Sony nominated independent radio producer Andy Cartwright. The course offers participants expert tuition in pitching and writing for radio drama and tutorial support/script advice in the relaxing and tranquil venue of Casa Acequia ( www.casa-acequia.se) in the beautiful inland region of the Serriana de Ronda, Andalucia, Southern Spain.
For full details of course, tutors and fees see attached and contact the course organizer, Caroline Mitchell
Contact: cam.algo@googlemail.com

'An Introduction to Creative Theatre Producing'.
Be the next Andrew Lloyd Webber?
Maverick announce a new Creative Theatre Producing workshop
There is plenty of training available for actors, directors and technicians in theatre. But virtually nothing for producers, who create most of the work. Until now. The award-winning Maverick present these unique seminars to look at everything needed to put on a show or start a production or theatre company, from the local pub to the West End of London. Finance, the law, choice of plays or musicals, copyright, contracts, fundraising, investing in theatre, parties and pitfalls!
Cost: £79 including documentation and tea and coffee.
The workshops will run from 11 am - 6pm
Where: Birmingham Rep Theatre

When: 19th September, 2009.

More information: Maverick theatre

The Comedy Writing Weekend
Lectures about writing are like poems about swimming: they may be inspiring but they don't improve your technique. The only way to learn how to write is by writing.
This course isn't fatal but it is hard work. Over the weekend you'll participate in intensive, practical exercises that are designed to develop the basic skills you need to make your material funny in any format or medium you're writing for: film, television, radio, theatre, stand-up, or print.
When: 26th-27th September 2009 10.15am-5pm
Where: The red Room, London
Price: £150 (£135)
More Information: E-mail: paul.bassettdavies@euroscript.co.uk
Telephone: 07958 244656

SHORTS ON SCREENS
This is the latest chance for Animation Forum WM members to mingle, sip an after-work drink and share their animation from 6.30pm on Wednesday 30th September at The Victoria, Birmingham.
Rather than submit animated shorts in advance for a sit-down screening, simply bring along a mobile phone, mp3 player or laptop pre-loaded with your best animated work, and share it with fellow animators over a drink.
Don’t have anything to show? Then feel free just to turn up and chew the fat with AFWM members, be they animators, scriptwriters, producers or voice-actors, you never know what might happen.
When: Wednesday, 30th September 2009, 6.30pm
Where: The Victoria, 48 John Bright Street, Birmingham, B1 1BN
Cost: Free

More info: Facebook group or david.luke.allen@bcu.ac.uk.

The Kindness of Strangers - Festival Commission
Should you trust in the kindness of strangers?
When David’s wife dies unexpectedly he is left clinging to the little routines that help him to make sense of his loss. A chance encounter with a stranger leads to a new friendship. But, how far can David trust his new friend and what will he do to avoid facing his own loneliness?
This touching new play by Vanessa Oakes deals with the vulnerability of ageing and grief and explores the distance between intimacy and friendship.
A Warwick Words 2009 commission directed by Mark Evans and performed by Robert Lister, whose numerous acting credits include playing Lewis Carmichael in The Archers.
Post show discussion chaired by Peter Leslie-Wild, Senior Producer for BBC Radio Drama.
Tickets: £7.50 (£5.00)
When: Thursday 1 October 7.30pm
Where: Friends Meeting House, Warwick

More information: www.warwickwords.co.uk

How To Write… Radio Drama
BBC Radio commissions more new work each year than any other producer of drama. So what makes a good radio play? What distinguishes strong radio writing from good theatre or screen writing? How should you set out to write a radio play? Using examples from recent broadcasts, producer and director Peter Leslie Wild offers some thoughts and ideas on how to create an effective radio drama script.
Peter Leslie Wild is Senior Producer, BBC Radio Drama, based in Birmingham. His work includes the recent Radio 4 Classic Serial version of Robinson Crusoe, the sci-fi serial Project Raphael (Radio 7), four series featuring the Roman detective Falco, Playing With Fire by David Edgar, and Breaking the Silence by Stephen Poliakoff (all Radio 4). He has twice won the prestigious Prix Marulic (most recently in 2007).
When: Friday 2 October 10.00am - 1.00pm
Where: Bridge House Theatre – Main Stage, Warwick

More information: www.warwickwords.co.uk

Speakeasy: A Forum for Theatre-makers in the West Midlands

The Drum and Birmingham Repertory Theatre present Speakeasy
Speakeasy is a new networking forum for theatre artists and other practitioners who are interested in knowing more about each other and the local scene. Each Speakeasy event will provide a lively debate on current issues, a scratch n’ pitch opportunity to test out ideas and practical advice from people in the know on how to get on in the industry. Speakeasy happens bi-monthly and alternates between the Drum and The REP.

Why not come along?

Price: Free!
Date: Monday, 05 October 2009
Time: 18:00 - 21:00
Location: The Drum, 144 Potters Lane, Birmingham

Mother Courage and Her Children by Bertolt Brecht
This play is considered by many to be the greatest play of the 20th century. Brecht’s anti-war themes are as current today as when the play was first performed in 1941.
Mother Courage’s business is war. She trades in brandy, boots and belts, endlessly dragging her children across Europe whilst attempting to protect them from the war’s devastating effects. Epic theatre at its most thought provoking.
When: 7th-10th October 7.30pm and 1.30pm daily
Where: Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham
More information: www.frictiontheatre.com

Belgrade Community - The New Black Showcase
... a fearsome beast is lurking in the bush, and it threatens the serenity of a Nigerian village... A journalist writing an article about serial killers is confronted by someone from her past, but who is he? what is he? and how does he know her by that name? ...growing up in an urban environment, a young man grapples with the notion that it may be braver to walk awy from physical conflict that to meet it head on...
Above are just a few of the stories finding their way out of theimaginations and experiences of Coventry's diverse community. The Belgrade has been working intensively with the city's Black and Minority Ethnic communities to give a voice to their experiences.
When: 14th - 17th October
Where: Belgrade, Coventry
Tickets: £5 (£3)
More information www.belgrade.co.uk

DEALING WITH WRITING
Weekend workshops by the sea for every writer.
Royal Hotel, Deal, Kent.
Dates: Saturday October 17th 11.15-18.30 and Sunday October 18th 10.00- 18.00
Cost: £185
Bookings: Telephone 01304 367625 or email info@dealingwithwriting.com
More Information: www.dealingwithwriting.com

Theatre Writing Partnership presents MOMENTUM 2009
TWP hope to see you at Momentum Festival
2009; our springboard for the year ahead. We’ll be presenting some exciting new work created in the last year and we’ll be shouting from the rooftops about our mission for 2009 and beyond!

Friday 2 October Derby Assembly Rooms
WORKSHOP: A City Adventure
Join the world renowned Stan's Cafe for an unforgettable experience

Tues 20/Thurs 22 Oct - Nottingham Playhouse
WORKSHOP: Taking the Stage
Join Ola Animashawun for a 2-part theatre writing workshop

Friday 23 October - Royal & Derngate
READINGS: Young Britain
See five new plays written in response to R&D'sYoung America season

Monday 26 October - Nottingham Playhouse
READING: The Wives (Many) of Fela Kuti
Be the first to see Julius Ayodeji's new play as a work-in-progress

Tuesday 27 October - Nottingham Playhouse
READINGS: Writers' Lab 2009
J. Ayodeji, L. Chillery, T. Huggins, S. Lee French and R. Rai O'Neill

More information available: theatrewritingpartnership.wordpress.com

Euroscript at the Screenwriters' Festival
We're delighted to announce that Euroscript will be holding a Script and Story Clinic at the Screenwriters' Festival 2009 in Cheltenham, free to all accredited delegates, on Tuesday 27th and Wednesday 28th October.
Difficulties with your second-act climax?
Relationship issues with your characters?
Unable to move your narrative due to painful back-story problems?
Our script doctors are all professional practitioners with a wealth of experience as writers, directors, script editors and readers. We can offer:
diagnosis to help you identify problems in your work.
advice about how to move your script forward.
help in developing ideas you'd like to discuss.
When: 27th/28th October
Where: Cheltenham Screenwriters Festival
More information and to book: click here

2-4 October 2009, 29-31 January 2010

WRITING DRAMA FOR TELEVISION

3-day residential course in idyllic Sussex

A course designed to assist students with getting a vital insight into the television industry as well as provide practical and creative support on drama scripts that are either complete or presently being written, or concepts that are at the early stages of development.  This course is suitable for anyone who has the desire to write a script and needs some support in how to start!

Course tutors are two industry executives both working, commissioning and developing television drama.  Between them work credits include Where the Heart Is, New Tricks, Rome, Hotel Babylon, Holby City, Dream Team

Venue: Tilton House, Sussex

Cost: £395 (includes course fees, shared accommodation, meals and refreshments throughout the weekend)

To book: Email nicolalarder@yahoo.co.uk to check availability and book your place.

Words make things happen
What happens if you gather 100 artists from all over the UK in the same place at the same time and give them something interesting to explore?

In the role of the artist as activist I have been commissioned by Red Teapot to write I Am Active for a national artist led event which takes place at the Herbert in Coventry on 22nd October 2009. I Am Active is a new play made up of 100 individual performative t(ext) shirts which will be worn/performed by 100 artist delegates.
When: 22nd October 2009
More information www.redteapot.co.uk

Screen Writing and Novel Writing Courses
3 day residential courses in Sussex.
Giving vital insight into both industries we provide practical & creative support on drama scripts or novel ideas that are complete or presently being written or at the early stages of development.
These courses are suitable for anyone who has the desire to write!
Course tutors are television execs both working, commissioning and developing television drama and published authors.
When: 2-4th Oct 09, 13-15th Nov 09, 29-31st Jan 2010.
Cost: £350 inc all tuition, accomm, meals and refreshments.
Email screenandnovelwriting@yahoo.co.uk for more information.

The Writers’ Toolkit
This is our second annual gathering for emerging and established writers and anyone working in the writing industry. It offers a unique opportunity to learn about aspects of the business of being a writer and to network with others writing and working in literature development through a mixture of panel discussions and Q&A sessions.
Subjects covered include Understanding Publishing, Pitching Ideas, Social Networking for Writers, Working with the BBC, Writing with Communities, Promoting Poetry, Working with Agents and Writing in the Digital Age. Other individuals and organisations involved include Arts Council England, Writers’ Guild of Great Britain, Arvon Foundation, National Association of Writers in Education, BBC Radio Four, The National Academy of Writing and Bloodaxe Books.

When: 21st November 10am - 4pm
Where: South Birmingham College - Digbeth, Birmingham

Cost: : £29 (£23) Including Buffet
More Information: www.birminghambookfestival.org

JOBS

Feature Length Script Readers Wanted
TAPS is looking for Script Readers for the start of the feature length writing course. If you are a Production Assistant who already has experience reading for a TV or film company’s production department then we are especially interested in you.
So what’s the catch… we have no money to pay you. We are a charitable organisation with very little money BUT we hope to find funding in the near future to pay a nominal fee. So it’s really down to your personal enjoyment of reading scripts or honing those skills for your future.
We would like our Script Readers to be “experienced” i.e. those who can write solid script reports (or coverage as the Americans call it). Sorry, but we haven’t the resources to train anyone to industry standards so we’re expecting Script Readers to hit the ground running.
If you’re interested please email with your CV and answer the following questions.
What is you full name?
What is your contact phone number? (Home and mobile please)
What is your contact email address?
What address would you like me to send hardcopy scripts to?
Do you prefer scripts to be emailed or sent as hardcopies in the post?
How many scripts can you commit to reading per month?

More information: www.tapsnet.org

Drama Practitioner or Organisation required
Crudgington Primary School ,Nr. Wellington, Telford, is looking for a drama practitioner or organisation to work with us within a budget of £2900 to include fees ,travel and materials. The detail of the project will be set in conjunction with our creative partner/s. Shortlisted applicants will be asked to give a half hour workshop to children followed by a short informal interview on Friday September 25th, 2009, for delivery preferably starting in the Autumn term.
Please send a CV, short proposal or statement of practice, up to 6 images/ link to your website and details of 2 referees to the school's Creative Friend Nicky Dupays, by email to nickydupays@ukonline.co.uk

Deadline: September 10th.
More information: Headteacher, Andrew Denton 01952 386910

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Script asks you to note: These listings are drawn from varying sources, all current at time of publishing.

Script endeavours to investigate and validate all information and opportunities listed here. We advise you to make contact with companies before submitting scripts.

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