Graeae – a UK-based theatre company that champions the work of D/deaf and disabled artists – has put out a call for BAME (Black, Asian and minority ethnic) playwrights to take part in a development programme. Its Write to Play scheme provides successful applicants with a number of coaching opportunities as well as a public sharing of their work.
The full programme consists of a five-day writing workshop, six half-day specialist workshops facilitated by theatre practitioners and individual mentoring sessions. Writers will then develop a monologue as well as a full-length play. Participants receive a bursary of GBP1,800 (€1,965).
“Write to Play is the most inspiring and encouraging opportunity I have had as a writer,” enthused former participant Khush Chahal. “I have had access to workshops, mentors and the Graeae team, all who have helped me to explore my writing in ways not possible before.”
Other Write to Play alumni include Karen Featherstone (Coronation Street, Emmerdale) and Jackie Hagan, whose play Cosmic Scallies has been picked up by Manchester’s Royal Exchange Theatre for its 2017-18 season.
Graeae is seeking applications from writers who identify as D/deaf or disabled, or who have experienced barriers to furthering learning and practice due to lack of access of opportunity and also identify as BAME or PoC (Person of Colour).
The deadline for applications is 2 Oct at 12pm. The scheme is run in partnership with Bush Theatre, Ovalhouse, Soho Theatre, Talawa Theatre Company and Tamasha Theatre Company.