The Playwrights’ Programme
New work is at the heart of the Everyman & Playhouse – and the Playwrights’ Programme is part of our mission to nurture, empower and champion the next generation of writers in Liverpool.
It’s a free, ten-month programme led by our New Works Associate, and offers a mixture of facilitated and peer-directed sessions, masterclasses with experienced playwrights, and watching performances – whilst supporting you to complete a draft of a new full-length play.
The Offer
The Playwrights’ Programme is an opportunity for you to:
- develop your playwriting craft, with sessions tailored to the interests of the group (e.g. structure, form and politics, world-building)
- read, analyse and discuss a broad range of scripts – from contemporary classics to the most urgent, innovative work being staged today
- build a close peer-group of playwrights, to share and read work, and give/receive constructive feedback
- write a new, full-length play with ongoing dramaturgical support from the Everyman & Playhouse team
You’ll also:
- attend masterclasses with leading artists
- work with professional directors and actors
- learn about reading processes for open submissions and playwriting prizes
- have access to our script library
- get to see Everyman & Playhouse productions for £5 (or less!).
Sessions are 6-8pm on Tuesdays, held at the Everyman.
They alternate between sessions facilitated by the New Works Associate (or given as a masterclass by an external practitioner), and peer-directed sessions (the focus to be decided by the group).
The first session is Tuesday 4 February.
The ask
We’re looking for writers who:
- live in Liverpool City Region (Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens, Wirral), and are exploring themes and topics that speak to our communities here
- have an existing practice as a writer for performance, and a strong artistic identity
- would be supported in their artistic development by participating in this Programme.
We don’t ask for a particular experience level, and will be guided by your sample of work, but you might have done some of the following:
- written short, fringe- and/or full-length plays
- had your work produced in professional, educational or community contexts
- participated in scratch nights
- written for other performance types (e.g. TV, film, radio or spoken word)
- worked in other areas of theatre (e.g. as an actor).
Applicants must be over 18.
The application process
Application is via this online form, with three questions to answer either in writing or via video or audio file.
We will ask you to tell us about:
- your experience as a writer
- your interests and values
- why you're applying for the Playwrights' Programme.
We’ll also ask you to submit an example of your writing that you feel best represents you.
It doesn’t have to be a play (you might previously have written for screen, for example), but please do keep in mind that the Playwrights' Programme is focussed on writing for performance.
We’ll read up to 20 pages of each script.
If you’d like to download the application questions in advance, please click here (or here for large text).
The timeline
Key dates for applications:
- Application deadline: 11.59pm on Sunday 15 December.
- Decisions: All applicants will be contacted with a decision by Friday 10 January 2025.
Key dates for the Playwrights’ Programme:
- First session: 6-8pm, Tuesday 4 February.
- Short writing break: May 2025
- Long writing break: August-September 2025
- Final showcase. w/b 8 December 2025
Sessions are weekly, alternating between those led by the New Works Associate, and those which are responsive to the needs of the group.
Exact session dates will be provided in advance with offer of a place.
If you have any questions about the application process, or anything else to do with the Playwrights’ Programme, please email Tommo (New Works Associate, Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse): [email protected].