The Customs House in South Shields is looking for a NE-based playwright under 25 to become its third Young Writer in Residence, part of The Takeover Festival, in which, each year, the venue is taken over by emerging artists and arts professionals aged up to 25 years of age for a week of theatre, cinema, music, dance, poetry, hip hop and visual art.
In 2018, Reece Connolly’s WORMTOWN was the chosen play and last year the BTG's Most Promising NE Newcomer was Elijah Young, whose Isolation was also shortlisted for Best New Play, was the Young Writer in Residence.
The chosen writer will be mentored by playwright Tom Wells whose credits include Drip (Script Club / Boundless Theatre), Broken Biscuits (Paines Plough / Live Theatre, Newcastle), Folk (Birmingham Rep / Hull Truck Theatre / Watford Palace Theatre) and Jumpers for Goalposts (Paines Plough—Watford Palace Theatre and UK tour, 2013–14).
The Young Writer in Residence’s play will be performed in the Main House at the theatre as the final of the 2020 Takeover Festival on 29 May.
“We are seeking submissions which has young people’s voices at its heart, and a narrative that is firmly rooted in the North East,” said Fiona Martin, Deputy Director (Learning and Participation). “The final version would run at between 45 and 60 minutes with no interval and would be suitable for audiences aged 14+. There would need to be roles for eight young actors, these may play single parts or as multi-roles.”
“A final draft would need to be completed by 4 May.
“Because of our funding, the Young Writer in Residence would need to be aged 25 and under and be from / live in the North East Of England. The total fee allocated to the writer for the opportunity is £400 payable upon submission of the final draft.”
To apply eligible writers should submit the following:
- Name, date of birth, and a brief biography.
- Title of play, a brief synopsis and up to 15 minutes of their play.
The deadline for submissions is Monday 16 March at 5:00 and entries should be sent to [email protected].