Graduates Writers’ Group

This scheme has been created to help develop the writers skills and create space for them to gain in-depth knowledge of what it is to be a professional playwright. There are 12 places available to alumni (aged over 18). We will be running a course of 15 fortnightly workshops led by award-winning playwright and dramaturg Patrick Hughes (winner of the 2022 Bruntwood Prize North West Original New Voice Award). The workshops will not focus purely on a pedagogical form of teaching but will respond to the needs and enquiries of the participants. They will also offer a more in-depth exploration of the fundamentals of playwriting – story, structure, form, character, dialogue etc. It will also look at the role of the playwright within different contexts – in devising / adaptation / writing for communities / writing for youth theatres / writing in education – as well as practical advice around engaging with producers / artistic directors etc. Each fortnight participants will be asked to read 3 plays. They will also be asked to nominate scripts to be read and discussed to support wider reader. Scripts will also feed into the topic of the workshops to provide a greater understanding of how playwrights have used techniques in the work. This programme will expect playwrights to be fully engaged in finding their own response to the ideas and processes explored in the workshops and how this might enhance the development of their work. Playwrights will be expected to commit, attend and fully participate in every session.