Workshop
Writing for Theatre
Organised by Roundhouse
If you have an idea (or several!) for writing a play but aren’t quite sure how to start, or where to take it, this day-long workshop will get you started.
Explore and increase your awareness of the fundamental ingredients of playwriting:
- Character: how do we create complicated, complex, nuanced protagonists? How can these characters best serve the story we're trying to tell?
- Story and narrative: what's the big idea? Getting to grips with why your story is relevant, important, and has to be told
- Structure, form and genre: how can the ways in which you tell your story help to elevate its potential?
- Voice: Unleashing and nurturing your voice as a writer, so that you can write stories that only YOU can tell
You’ll also look at the theatres, people, initiatives, schemes and competitions you can send your writing to. Discover how to network and connect with collaborators who can help to get your writing out there, and performed in front of an audience.
WHO WILL BE TEACHING THE PROJECT?
Benjamin Salmon is an award-winning playwright, screenwriter and actor. Benjamin's one person play, “Blowhole”, premiered at Pleasance, London, in August 2021 to critical acclaim, before transferring to Soho Theatre in February 2022. His site-specific queer epic, "Our House", was commissioned by National Youth Theatre and performed on the grounds of Eltham Palace by a cast of over forty actors in 2019, before receiving a UK Heritage Award for Best Live Event. He is currently under commission at National Youth Theatre to write a new play for the company as part of their season of work this summer.
TV production companies SISTER and Olivia Colman's South of the River Pictures included Benjamin on their SCREENSHOT commendation list of the most promising comedy writer-performers based in the UK. Benjamin's spec script for television, “Chutzpah”, was also nominated at last year’s Edinburgh TV Festival New Voice Awards for Best Comedy Script.
DO I NEED ANY PARTICULAR SKILLS OR EXPERIENCE TO TAKE PART?
This project will be most relevant to artists that have some experience performing and are interested in exploring playwriting, or if you are a writer that is new to playwriting.
IS THERE ANYTHING I NEED TO BRING OR WEAR?
You might want to bring some notes and ideas for what you want to work on during the session.
I’m not sure I can afford to take part…
If you need help to pay for things like project fees, transport or childcare, we can help. Find out how you can get support. If you are using a bursary to pay for the project, please ensure you arrange this with the Advice Base with plenty of time before the start of the project.
I HAVE ADDITIONAL NEEDS. CAN I STILL TAKE PART?
We are committed to supporting D/deaf, disabled and neurodiverse young people, those with medical conditions, access requirements or any lived experience that may require adaptation, support or sensitivity. If there is anything you would like to let us (our youth workers, tutors or staff) know that will support your enjoyment and access, you can do so by emailing us at advicebase@roundhouse.org.uk, and we contact you to discuss further how to best support your engagement.