Exeter Northcott offers new script opportunities for South West writers
Published: 9 August 2024
Writers are being invited to introduce themselves to Exeter’s Northcott Theatre and tap into a series of development opportunities tailored to their needs.
The theatre, which is supported by Exeter City Council, announced today (Thursday 8 August) that its revamped new writing strategy includes the opportunity for one writer to receive a seed commission for a full-length play.
The theatre has opened a new annual script submission window, from 8 to 25 August.
Writers from the South West will be considered for a range of development opportunities, including written feedback and one-to-one dramaturgical support. One writer will receive a seed commission to adapt a known-title to be performed in 2025.
Martin Berry, Exeter Northcott’s new Creative Director said: “The South West is brimming with literary talent, and at Exeter Northcott, we’re thrilled to offer more tailored, meaningful, and inclusive support than ever before to writers at all stages of their careers. Nurturing new work remains a crucial part of our mission, as we strive to cultivate and represent the rich storytelling landscape of our region.”
This move follows widespread calls for creative opportunities to be open to theatre makers of all ages, reports that the decline of scratch nights are strangling the development of emerging artists, and a number of high-profile redundancies in literary departments.
Sam Parker, Exeter Northcott’s new Artist Development Producer said: “As a South West-based playwright, I’ve personally grappled with the challenges of getting work seen, developed, and produced.
“This first-hand knowledge, coupled with my experience working as a dramaturg and script reader, has directly shaped the design of our annual script submission window and subsequent development opportunities. These represent a positive step to address the growing hurdles playwrights face.”
Find out more about the script submission window – and Exeter Northcott’s revamped artist development programme, Elevate by visiting exeternorthcott.co.uk/get-creative/elevate/