Theatr Iolo return with playwriting project to inspire children and young people to write their own plays.

Following the success of the project which first began in 2020, Theatr Iolo have announced they will be running their Young Playwrights project for a third year running, with a selected number of the plays to be turned into podcast dramas in early 2024.

The children’s theatre company based in Cardiff are seeking young people between the ages of 7 and 16 to write an original, imaginative and relevant 10-minute play for an audience of the same age. Theatr Iolo's Artistic Director, Lee Lyford and a specially selected panel, will read all the plays and choose four plays to be turned into a podcast drama.

“We’re delighted to be running our exciting playwriting project again this year. It’s a brilliant opportunity for children and young people from Wales to write about whatever is of interest to them, and we hope to receive plays from across the country that share and celebrate diverse young voices. The only limit is the young people’s imagination!”

Lee Lyford, Theatr Iolo Artistic Director

To support children, parents and teachers, Theatr Iolo have published a series of resources on their website to help those who are interested in writing plays, including top tips videos with some of Wales best playwrights and tips on how to write a podcast drama.

Four plays from those submitted will be turned into a professionally recorded audio play, where the young people will be given the chance to spend time alongside a director and team of actors to bring their idea to life.

Theatr Iolo will also deliver a series of in-person Introduction to Playwriting workshops at schools and community settings, to encourage children from diverse backgrounds to have the confidence to submit their podcast drama idea. If you would like to attend a free session (offered in Welsh and English) or book one for your school, email us on hello@theatriolo.com or call on 029 2061 3782.

Submissions should be emailed to hello@theatriolo.com by Monday 19 February 2024.
Theatr Iolo welcome either Welsh, English, BSL, or bilingually (BSL scripts can be recorded as a video).