Nottingham Playhouse is inviting aspiring playwrights to join a new Writers Group, which will run for 9 months in 2024.
The call out is for writers based in the Midlands who wish to develop a new play to a full draft and is offered free of charge. The programme will be run in conjunction with new Amplify Associate Nathan Ellis (Super High Resolution, Soho Theatre; work.txt, a play without actors, was Offie-Nominated in 2022).
Nathan holds an MA in Playwriting from the University of London and is the Artistic Director of theatre company SUBJECT OBJECT. He has film projects in development in both Los Angeles and Berlin, as well as multiple TV projects in development in the UK. Nathan also took part in the BBC Writers Room scheme in 2022 and the Channel 4 Screenwriters programme in 2023
Amplify is the artist development programme run by Nottingham Playhouse. It aims to develop a network where ideas can be shared, challenged and grown. Throughout the year, there are opportunities and events which help professional artists develop skills, showcase work and connect with other artists.
The Writers Group will offer the opportunity to hone playwrighting skills and learn more about how plays get put together and are developed for the stage. Participants will be required to complete assignments, will receive feedback and will engage with the work of the Playhouse in understanding how performance impacts writing. This follows the success of the Playhouse Playwrights’ Playground programme which ran in 2021-22 and involved 16 emerging writers, many of whom have a continuing relationship with Nottingham Playhouse and some of whom have been commissioned to write by theatres and producers.
The bi-weekly meetings will take place through a mix of in-person and on-line, giving members the opportunity to become part of a community of writers, forge a connection with Nottingham Playhouse and receive mentoring and supervision. There will also be opportunities to have an excerpt performed by professional actors in a rehearsed reading at Amplify Festival 2024. Members will also receive invitations to professionally led workshops.
Support for travel expenses, access requirements and or childcare can be offered if required.
Further information, including how to apply, can be found at nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk. The closing date for receipt of expressions of interest is Monday 8 January 2024. The programme will begin on 6 February 2024.
Beccy D’Souza, Amplify Producer, said:
“It’s really exciting to have Nathan running this extended programme. Playwrights can find it hard to get practical advice and experience, and it’s hugely beneficial to be part of a community of writers when developing new work and trying to forge a career in writing for the stage. Through this collaboration, we’re able to offer a longer-term intervention through which we are able to provide professional and peer to peer connections and support.”
Nathan Ellis joins Nottingham Playhouse as their newest Amplify Associate. Amplify Associates was newly launched in 2023 and supports artists who are looking to develop their own skills and artistic practice, whilst creating opportunities for other artists in the region to do the same.
There is no “submission window” or set application process for this programme. Anyone with an idea for a project they wish to develop or a period of career development that fits the brief should get in touch.
Posted on 19 December 2023
