Calling All Aspiring Playwrights: A local theatre is offering free script support sessions for local writers in Hull and East Yorkshire!
If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing your words come to life on stage, now’s your chance to take the next step in your playwriting journey. Hull-based theatre company Middle Child is offering free one-to-one script development sessions to budding and established playwrights across Hull and the East Riding.
Led by the company’s literary manager, Matthew May, this unique programme provides writers with tailored feedback and guidance on their draft scripts, helping them refine their work and bring their stories closer to the spotlight.
What’s On Offer?
The 1:1 Script Support programme is designed for local playwrights who may not have access to professional dramaturgical support, such as those not currently under commission or attached to an ongoing project.
If selected, you’ll receive:
- A 90-minute, one-to-one meeting with Matthew May
- Bespoke feedback on your play
- The chance to ask questions about the craft of writing for the stage
Meetings can take place either in-person or over Zoom, depending on your availability.
Matthew May is a founding member of Middle Child. He joined the company as an actor and has gone on to be an actor, director, writer, production manager, general manager, chair of the board, artistic associate – before settling happily into the role of literary manager in 2020. His credits for the company include Saturday Night & Sunday Morning, Modern Life Is Rubbish, Ten Storey Love Song (actor) and Us Against Whatever and The Canary and the Crow (dramaturg). Matthew is also a freelance dramaturg.
Who Can Apply?
The opportunity is open to writers of all experience levels, as long as you live in an HU postcode area and are working on a stage play (rather than scripts for TV or film). Your script can be at any stage of development, from a rough draft to a near-final version – the important thing is that you’re working towards a full-length play.
How to Apply
Applying is simple:
- Fill out a short online form with your name, postcode, contact details, and the title of your play.
- Submit your application by 12pm on Friday, 17 January 2025.
No need to send your script with your application! If you’re selected, you’ll be asked to share your work in advance of your session.
Key Dates
Applications are now open for meetings scheduled in February, March, and April 2025.
Why You Should Apply
This programme is an incredible opportunity to gain insights from a professional dramaturg, refine your craft, and take your playwriting skills to the next level – completely free of charge.
It’s also a fantastic initiative to support Hull and East Riding’s growing community of storytellers. As Matthew himself explains, these sessions aren’t about commissions or attachments to Middle Child but rather about empowering writers to bring their unique voices to the stage.
Inspired by successful initiatives like Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse’s Script Surgery, Middle Child’s 1:1 Script Support is all about nurturing the creative potential of local talent.
Don’t Miss Out
If you’re passionate about theatre and ready to shape your script into something extraordinary, don’t let this opportunity pass you by. Apply now and take your first step towards the stage!
For more information and to apply, visit Middle Child Theatre’s website: middlechildtheatre.co.uk
About Middle Child Theatre
Middle Child is a Hull-based theatre company redefining what a night at the theatre can be. They create gig theatre—a thrilling mix of bold new writing and original live music that brings people together for a great night out with big ideas. Their work tells untold stories and captures the electric energy of the moment when the beat drops.
They are passionate about making theatre accessible and affordable for everyone, breaking down barriers and challenging expectations of the artform.
Through their artist development programme, Reverb, they offer top-class opportunities to local creatives in Hull across disciplines, ensuring talent can thrive without needing to leave the city.
Middle Child is an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation, supported by Hull City Council and proud to be an associate company of Paines Plough.