In partnership with Theatre Royal Stratford East, Hackney Empire, Applecart Arts and Arts Council England.

 

The Squint Playwriting Award discovers, develops and champions exceptional playwrights of the future.

We’re addressing the lack of financial support for early career writers with a paid playwriting programme designed to support East London artists from low-income backgrounds for whom money is currently a barrier to professional development.

The six-month programme enables nine participants to develop their writing across sixteen workshops, culminating in an industry showcase of original scenes and short plays at Theatre Royal Stratford East. Following the showcase, one participant will be awarded a full commission to develop an original play with Squint.

Every participant is paid London Living Wage for all contact hours throughout the programme as well as travel expenses. Bursaries for access costs are also available.

PARTICIPANTS

  • Amin Ali.

  • Nicole Botha.

  • Beattie Green.

  • Jaime Lock.

  • Gabrielle MacPherson.

  • Sophie McKay.

  • Tim McNiven.

  • Neetu Singh.

  • Milla Sutton.

MENTORS

  • Zia Ahmed.

  • Samson Hawkins.

  • Matilda Feyisayo Ibini.

  • Sami Ibrahim.

  • Gayathiri Kamalakanthan.

  • Hannah Kumari.

  • Tabby Lamb.

  • Sid Sagar.

  • Beth Steel.

OVERVIEW

9 Participants from low-income backgrounds who live, work and/or study in East London and are ready to write a first full-length play.

The six-month programme includes:

  • 10 Workshops led by Squint Literary Associate Lee Anderson and Artistic Director Andrew Whyment (3 hours each).

  • 3 Masterclasses led by established artists from low-income backgrounds (3 hours each).

  • 3 Q&As with leading industry figures (1 hour each).

  • 4 Mentoring Sessions with experienced playwrights (1 hour each).

  • An Industry Showcase at Theatre Royal Stratford East presenting scenes or short plays written by the participants and performed by professional actors.

  • The Squint Playwriting Award presented to one participant to write an original play; this includes a Writer’s Guild of Great Britain one-act play commission (£6110) and dramaturgical support from Squint.

The programme is free of charge and financially supported for all participants in the form of:

  • London Living Wage (£11.95/hour) for all contact hours.

  • London Travel Expenses for all sessions.

  • Access Bursaries where necessary.

The programme dates are as follows:

  • Workshop 1 - 18:30-21:30, Wednesday 5th July.

  • Workshop 2 - 18:30-21:30, Wednesday 12th July.

  • Workshop 3 - 18:30-21:30, Wednesday 19th July.

  • Workshop 4 - 18:30-21:30, Wednesday 26th July.

  • Masterclass 1 - 18:30-21:30, Wednesday 2nd August.

  • Q&A 1 - 18:30-19:30, Monday 7th August.

  • Workshop 5 - 18:30-21:30, Wednesday 23rd August.

  • Masterclass 2 - 18:30-21:30, Wednesday 30th August.

  • Workshop 6 - 18:30-21:30, Wednesday 6th September.

  • Workshop 7 - 18:30-21:30, Wednesday 13th September.

  • Q&A 2 - 18:30-19:30, Monday 18th September.

  • Workshop 8 - 18:30-21:30, Wednesday 20th September.

  • Masterclass 3 - 18:30-21:30, Wednesday 27th September.

  • Q&A 3 - 18:30-19:30, Monday 2nd October.

  • Workshop 9 - 18:30-21:30, Wednesday 11th October.

  • Showcase Rehearsal - Saturday 28th October-Thursday 2nd November.

  • Showcase Performance - Friday 3rd November.

  • Workshop 10 - 18:30-21:30, Wednesday 22nd November.

We’re currently raising funds for the second year of the programme. If you’d like to support us please contact Producer Claire Gilbert.

ELIGIBILITY

To be eligible for our programme, participants must be:

  • From a low-income background and currently in a position where money is a barrier to professional development.

  • Over the age of eighteen at the start of the programme (no maximum age).

  • Living, studying and/or working in East London.

  • In the early stages of a playwriting career.

  • Ready to develop playwriting practice through a sustained period of professional development.

APPLICATIONS

Applications closed at 8pm on Monday 8th May.

We accepted open applications as well as referrals from East London partner organisations that have relationships with artists from low-income backgrounds; Applecart Arts, Cardboard Citizens, Compass Collective, Hackney Empire, National Youth Theatre, Synergy Theatre Project, Theatre Royal Stratford East.

 

PARTNERS