Write to Play is Graeae’s flagship new writing programme devoted to developing the skills and experience of Deaf and disabled writers nationwide. Since its inception, the programme has developed the careers of 25 playwrights, including Jackie Hagan, whose first play Cosmic Scallies was co-produced by Graeae and the Royal Exchange Manchester in August 2017.
We are delighted that, for the programme’s sixth year, we will be bringing the programme to the South West of England, working with partner organisations Theatre Royal Plymouth, Wiltshire Creative, Exeter Northcott Theatre, Bristol Old Vic, Nuffield Southampton Theatres and the Ustinov Studio at Theatre Royal Bath.
Interested in applying?
If you’re passionate about theatre, keen to write for the stage and gain experience, we want to hear from you.
The programme will offer you 1:1 mentoring, craft-focused writing workshops, specialist master classes led by leading playwrights and practitioners, a two-week placement at one of our partner organisations, and the opportunity to develop two short pieces and a full length play, and to share work-in-progress with an audience.
All access requirements will be met, including sign language interpreters and access support workers.
Write to Play is a paid opportunity and you will get a bursary of £1800 (paid in instalments) for your participation. Expenses related to participation, such as travel and accommodation, are also covered by the programme.
The programme will run from January 2019-December 2019. All activity will take place in the South West.
The criteria:
We are looking for five writers who:
- Have a passion for theatre and live performance
- Have some previous experience of writing for theatre and are committed to developing a professional career in writing for the stage
- Live in South West England*
- Identify as D/deaf or disabled**
*includes the counties of Hampshire, Gloucestershire, Bristol, Wiltshire, Somerset, Dorset, Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
**Graeae follows the social model of disability. You are eligible if you identify as D/deaf or disabled and/or if you have experienced barriers to participation due to access requirements not being met or due to societal/attitudinal barriers related to your impairment.
Applications will only be considered if applicants are eligible.
How to apply:
Applications closed on Monday 3 Sept 2018.
Interviews are likely to be held w/c 1 October
“Write to Play has been informative, inspiring and emotional. This is not one of those schemes that only exists on paper to make a place look good. Graeae has been understanding and sensitive and has continued to support me as a writer and artist beyond the end of the scheme”. Jackie Hagan
Write to Play is funded by Esmee Fairbairn Foundation, Arts Council England and The Backstage Trust.
