Exciting New Writing Opportunity

The Octagon Theatre at Bolton is delighted to announce an exciting and unique opportunity for local writers, of any age or level of experience, to see their work transformed in fantastic short plays.

As part of a Heritage Project produced with DBBC (Diversity in Barrier-Breaking Communications) Bolton, the Octagon will support Bolton Amateur Theatre Societies in producing four new short plays, to be directed by emerging directors mentored by the Octagon’s Associate Director Elizabeth Newman, and Learning and Participation Associate Director, Lisa O’Neill-Rogan.

Supported by the National Heritage Lottery Fund, BBC Writersroom 10 writer, Ian Townsend, will write one of the plays, whilst the remaining three will be open to Bolton and Greater Manchester playwrights, who will need to submit an initial draft, to be considered by the DBBC and Octagon Theatre, by 5 February. Submissions should be made via email  elizabeth.newman@octagonbolton.co.uk

The DBBC is a truly barrier-breaking project led by volunteers with a passion for learning and helping people reach their full potential. It was the first organization in the North West – and one of the first in the UK – to use radiobroadcasting techniques to increase confidence and help students on to further education or into the workplace.

The submitted plays should have a run time of no more than thirty minutes, and must focus on commemorating and remembering the First World War, with specific consideration of local heritage, such as the Battle of Gallipoli and the many soldiers from Bolton and Manchester who lost their lives there. Plays for young people or involving music are also welcomed.

As the plays will be performed by a large group of amateur actors, writers’ scripts must accommodate a formidable cast size of 25 people.

Elizabeth Newman commented on what she’s hoping for from submissions: “We want the plays to breathe new life into stories from the past, enabling them to resonate with people today. We want to create art that is used to inform, educate, and stimulate dialogue – encouraging people to learn, remember, and be aware that what has gone before informs the lives we live today.”

The selection of the successful plays will take place on 11 February, and workshops with writers and the DBBC team will take place in a number of evening sessions throughout February and March.

You can read complete details here

http://www.octagonbolton.co.uk/exciting-opportunity-for-local-writers

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