The Minack Youth Theatre is looking for a selection of short original plays, each with a running time of approximately 15 minutes for Autumn 2019. The material must be appropriate for performance by a cast of 12-18 year olds. The cast size needs to be flexible and should provide opportunities for between 8 and 12 actors.

As part of this process the Minack is funding a 3 day training programme led by writer and lecturer Jane Pugh to work up a treatment and sections of dialogue to present to the Minack staff on the final day.  These free sessions will offers skills development and the time to write, develop and edit as well the chance for performers to try out the budding scripts with performers.  There will be a certain number of paid commissions coming out of this process.

Jane has been a fantastic leader to an inspiring group of writers, it’s been as exciting as it has been rewarding. Last year’s participant

When:  October 24 – 26 2018

Where:  The Writers’ Block, Cornwall College Camborne, TR15 3RT

Who: Young and emerging playwrights up to a maximum of 10 people (18 years +).

What:  Why we write a story in whatever its form – in this case stage plays – underpins everything writers do. Our first mission, therefore, is to ask ourselves what we want to write about.  Next, we’ll look at narrative structure and how we craft a story for the stage.  Then we’ll explore characters and a sense of place.  Put them altogether and we will have produced something magical for the Minack.

How to apply:  Please send in a piece of your writing (play, screenplay or short story) with a cv and covering letter as to why you would like to do this course.

Send it to [email protected] by 12pm on Friday 28th September 2018

For further information before applying please contact Amanda Harris 07712331421 or email as above.

Jane Pugh has worked as a story writer, editor and educator since 1986. She’s worked in film and television for Channel 4, BBC and the ITV network. Her films have won a total of seven awards and she script edited children’s television, long-running drama series, single dramas and serials. A qualified university lecturer, she taught script writing and understanding narrative at Falmouth University. Jane works at the National Trust bringing history to life through storytelling. She is an experienced workshop leader and is part of the Story Republic and Writers’ Block, offering mentoring to young and emerging writers across Cornwall. She has written for the stage and performs her own comedy and storytelling.