Play On, The Dublin Theatre Festival Playwriting Initiative

This arrived in my inbox and I thought it was quite interesting, especially for all my writer friends.

Here’s what you need to know:

The Dublin Theatre Festival Playwriting Initiative, Play On was launched today. This new initiative aims to be a catalyst for the next generation of playwrights in Ireland, setting out to find playwrights with a distinctive voice, vision and style, seeking innovation in subject and form and encouraging the writing of original new plays.

The Festival is now inviting applications from next-generation playwrights from Ireland or resident in Ireland. Applicants should send one contemporary stage play (produced or unproduced, short or full-length, or even just the first scene) as a sample of their work to the Dublin Theatre Festival (details below).

Selected playwrights will be offered different resources in a programme that will run from April to October. These will range from a playwriting course for new writers, to writers’ groups, mentoring and individual meetings for more experienced playwrights. The plan is for readings of a selection of new plays and works-in-progress to be presented at the forthcoming Dublin Theatre Festival in October 2012.

Play On is led by Graham Whybrow, former literary manager of the Royal Court Theatre and a leading expert in commissioning, developing and programming new plays.

The fee for participation is €100. Places are limited but unsuccessful applicants may nonetheless be offered some help and advice free of charge, subject to numbers and availability. Closing date for receipt of applications is Tuesday 20 March 2012 at 5.30pm.

Willie White, Director of Dublin Theatre Festival said, ‘This exciting new initiative underpins the Festival’s commitment to develop and mentor emerging practitioners in Ireland. We are delighted to have the opportunity to collaborate with celebrated literary manager Graham Whybrow, who nurtured a generation of playwrights at the Royal Court Theatre and now works internationally as a mentor and facilitator.”

More information on www.dublintheatrefestival.com

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Dublin Theatre Festival acknowledges the financial support of the Arts Council.

Dublin Theatre Festival is proudly supported by Principal Sponsors Dublin Airport Authority, The Doyle Collection and The Irish Times.