Writer Call Out for Playhouse 2024-2025 Project

Playhouse partners York Theatre Royal, Theatre Royal Plymouth, Theatr Iolo and Landmark Theatres are looking to commission a writer as part of our Playhouse project. Playhouse is a collaboratively run project that commissions new work for 8-11yr olds. It has been established for over 20 years and previous writers include Philip Ridley, Julia Donaldson, David Wood, Gary Owen and Tanika Gupta.

Theatre partners produce festivals of the work in regional venues, supporting and developing teachers as directors to produce their chosen play with a class from their school. Each teacher receives extensive CPD support, including a workshop with the writer and rehearsal room visits. Festivals take place in July each year.

This year we are particularly interested in commissioning a new play which would work well in SEND settings or with primary classes with students with SEND.  The play may involve movement, music or have a devised or flexible element, allowing it to work in mainstream or SEND settings. The writer or company will have:

·      Experience of working with young people with SEND

·      Experience of writing for multiple voices

·      Be willing to collaborate with and be informed by children’s thoughts and opinions as part of their process

Details around our expectation of the play:

·      Length between 20-25mins

·      Suitable for a cast of up to 30, who may be from a variety of backgrounds (SEND settings may work with smaller groups so flexibility of cast size would be helpful)

·      Thematically reflects the issues, hopes, dreams and world of Key Stage 2 learners.

Project timeline:

·      July 31st: Application deadline

·      August 8th: Interviews (online)

·      Sept 13th: Treatment

·      Nov 15th: First draft

·      Jan 17th: Final draft

·      March date TBC: Online writers' workshop

To apply please email schools@yorktheatreroyal.co.uk your CV, covering letter detailing your suitability and a maximum 10-page example of your work that has been written for multiple voices. Deadline for submissions July 31st at 12pm.

Fees:

·      £3884 for delivery of play

·      £150 attendance at writer' workshop

·      £61.66 per workshop consultation (up to a maximum of two sessions)