Ever fancied being the next Shakespeare? Join Theatre by the Lake’s latest course

Theatre by the Lake are teaming up with Graeae to support first time, emerging and early career writes in Cumbria or identify as d/Deaf or disabled and have an interest in writing for the stage.

Their introduction to playwriting course is aimed at those who have a passion for theatre but little experience in writing for this medium. The course will take place on Wednesday evenings and will run for 8 weeks through September, October and November, primarily on Zoom, but with opportunities to meet in person at Theatre by the Lake. The course is free to attend and will be led by Penrith-based writer Karen Featherstone, who has written extensively for stage and screen and has previously been a part of Graeae’s Write to Play scheme for disabled writers. She has also previously been commissioned to write an audio drama for Theatre by the Lake’s Assemble Here project which launched in 2021. Graeae, led by Jenny Sealey, is at the forefront of creatively integrating sign language, captioning and audio descriptions throughout the theatre industry. They work to break down barriers and aim to place d/Deaf and disabled artists front and centre. Throughout the year, they run an extensive programme of training and learning opportunities that develop the next generation of artists. These programmes include Write to Play for early career writers and Ensemble, which trains young d/Deaf and disabled artists in theatre making skills.

As a disabled writer, Karen is well placed to support upcoming writers and has had her work featured at theatres around the UK. She is currently working as a screenwriter on a new children’s series. She is an alum of Graeae and has worked with them extensively.

The course will focus on exploring structure, character, theme and form and by the end of the course, every writer will have produced a short excerpt for two characters. If you are interested in applying, declare your interest via email to Claire Dunk via claire.dunk@theatrebythelake.com These can be written or video recorded and need to be submitted by 9^th September.

• The criteria for application includes:
  Are passionate about theatre and intrigued to learn more about the craft of playwriting
• Have minimal / no prior experience writing for the stage
• Live in Cumbria
• Are available for all of the sessions outlined below
• Identify as D/deaf or disabled**

**TBTL and Graeae follows the social model of disability. You are eligible if you identify as Deaf and/or disabled and/or neurodivergent and/or if you have experienced barriers to participation due to access requirements not being met or due to societal/attitudinal barriers related to your impairment.

Course dates:

 Wed 28 Sep – week 0 (an optional meet and greet at Theatre by the Lake to watch the performance of Brief Encounter (Captioned)

Sessions 1-8 take place between 6:30-8:30pm
Wed 05 Oct – week 1 (zoom)
Wed 12 Oct – week 2 (zoom)
Wed 19 Oct – week 3 (zoom)

(Half term Break)

Wed 2 Nov – week 4 (zoom)
Wed 9 Nov – week 5 (zoom)
Wed 16 Nov – week 6 (zoom)
Wed 23 Nov – week 7 (zoom)
Wed 30 Nov – week 8 (a sharing of work produced, in person at Theatre by the Lake***)

***we recognize that some people may still be shielding or face additional barriers to accessing the Theatre. Support and/or alternatives will be provided.