YOUNG WRITERS

The Everyman & Playhouse Young Writers’ Programme is for writers aged 16-25yrs to develop playwriting skills, knowledge and experience in a practical, supportive and challenging environment. We aim to open up theatre to the most innovative, original and exciting new voices, to create a new generation of Liverpool writers who will challenge and engage nationwide audiences.

Programme Outline

Each September 12 young writers are invited to join the programme, working closely with our Literary department and with professional playwrights and theatre practitioners. 

First Term

An initial term of weekly workshops will introduce you to the fundamentals of playwriting such as character, narrative, structure, theatricality, dialogue, theme, plot and atmosphere. Most sessions will be led by Literary Associate Lindsay Rodden but there will also be opportunities to meet professional writers, directors, designers and actors, and, of course, other young writers going through the same development process as you. During the first term you will receive a reading list and plays will be distributed each week for the group to read and discuss in each session.

Second Term

Following these workshops, each writer will produce a first draft of a full length play which will be discussed within the group sessions in the weekly sessions from January to March. This second term will focus on developing and re-drafting your script.

Third term

The programme will conclude with individual day-long workshops, tailoredto you and the development of your play. You will have the expertise of experienced industry professionals (typically a director and/or dramaturg) to draw on, with the option of a reading of your play by professional actors. 

Throughout the course, the group enjoys masterclasses with visiting theatre practitioners, an extensive amount of reading and the opportunity to see productions at the Everyman and Playhouse Theatres for free.

Theatre practitioner Young Writers have worked with include:  directors Gemma Bodinetz, John Tiffany, Indhu Rubasingham, and Matt Wilde; writers Willy Russell, Jimmy McGovern, Helen Blakeman, Chloe Moss, Maurice Bessman, Stephen Butchard, Lizzie Nunnery, Nick Leather, and Howard Brenton; designer Jocelyn Meall; and producers from BBC radio and BBC Writersroom such as Amy Buscombe and Pauline Harris.

The Young Writers' Programme is supported by The Leverhulme Trust.