Manchester based theatre company Just Some Theatre have launched a new writing initiative that aims to get writers, actors and directors creatively engaged during the COVID-19 crisis.
The project puts dramatic writing at the forefront, with an open script callout taking place from 19th May to 2nd June. Ten shortlisted scripts will be rehearsed and workshopped by professional actors and directors online, with fees paid to all creatives. Three scripts will be chosen for further development and showcasing, before a winning script is chosen to receive an award of £800 and further script development.
Just Some Theatre’s Jake Urry comments:
“Many theatre professionals are now out of work for an unknown period of time, and this uncertainty and instability will have long reaching consequences for those in the industry. With this in mind, we asked ourselves “if we can’t do theatre, what can we do?” The main goal of Just Some Theatre has always been to produce new plays, working with writers from the outset to develop scripts that excite us. So we set about creating a project that aims to nurture writers and get some scripts developed for when venues are up and running again.”
Forward Dialogue, supported by Arts Council England, will provide paid opportunities to writers, actors and directors in this uncertain time. Crucially, writers are being asked to submit already completed scripts which they will retain all rights for, and not to undertake a commission.
Online script workshops will be taking place from July 1st, with the final award being announced on July 11th. More information can be found on Just Some Theatre’s website at justsometheatre.net/forward-dialogue.
