Autumn 2023 sees the start of a continued initiative between the Abbey Theatre, our national theatre, and Fighting Words. For the past 11 years, this unique collaboration has offered eight local writers between the ages of 15-18 the opportunity to create their own short plays during a series of free guided workshops. The process, which includes mentorship and visits from theatre makers and artists, will culminate in the young writers’ plays being directed and performed by professionals in a one-off rehearsed reading on the stage of the Peacock Theatre.
Fighting Words is inviting secondary school students aged 15-18 to apply for one of eight spaces in the Young Playwrights’ Programme 2023/24. The programme will culminate in a staged reading of their work at the Peacock Theatre by professional actors and directors in 2024.
The Young Playwrights’ Programme will run from September 2023 to February 2024 and includes: 8 script development workshops 11am-3pm on Sundays starting 3rd of September (one to two each month); opportunities to attend selected performances for FREE in The Abbey Theatre (additional to workshops); a Staged Reading of your work in the Peacock Theatre (February date tbc).
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
To apply please send in the following:
Name: / Age: / Contact Email: / Contact Mobile
Parent/Guardian Contact Name/ Contact Telephone / Contact Email
Provide a cover letter answering: Why would you like to be a part of the Young Playwrights’ Programme? (300-500 words)
Sample of a play written by you. 3-5 pages in length
Must be able to attend all workshops on the following dates: Sunday September 3rd & 24th, Sunday October 15th, Wednesday November 1st, (During Mid Term Time TBC), Sunday November 26th, Sunday December 17th, Sunday January 7th & January 28th (Abbey Theatre Plays, February Rehearsal Date and Performance Date TBC)
DATES & FURTHER DETAILS
Applications open on May 19th and close on June 23rd 2023. Successful applicants will be notified in early August. Please complete and return the application to: louise@fightingwords.ie with the subject line ‘Dublin Young Playwrights 2023’.
