Freedom Studios are looking for experienced Yorkshire writers for free playwriting course

Bradford theatre company Freedom Studios are looking for experienced writers to join Street Voices 8, the company’s popular free six-month playwriting course.

They want to support distinctive voices who can offer new perspectives, but have an ability to write, and the potential to develop their skills. They will work under the guidance of playwright and previous course graduate Zodwa Nyoni, who went on to write Boi Boi is Dead for Leeds Playhouse, Tiata Fahodzi, & Watford Palace Theatre.

Freedom are looking for writers who may have been writing creatively in other forms and are looking to broaden their practice. All applicants must have a willingness to take risks, and try out new ideas, along with a commitment to attend all course dates, which will run from 10^th October 2020 till 6^th March 2021.

In return, Freedom Studios are offering writing workshops over a period of six months, masterclasses and Q&A’s with experienced creatives. The writers can also access support and advice from theatre-makers and industry professionals. opportunities to see plays, events and performances and the chance to see a performance of their work.

Previous attendees of the course who have gone on to write for professional theatre include Kat Rose Martin who was the recent winner of Kay Mellor Fellowship at Leeds Playhouse, Chris O’Connor  who penned The Parting Glass for Red Ladder Theatre), Gemma Beadeau currently under commission with Freedom Studios and Ben Tagoe who wrote the acclaimed When We Were Brothers for Freedom.

‘Developing new writers is about developing the theatre of the future,” say

Freedom Studios co-Artistic Directors Alex Chisholm and Aisha Khan.

“Our region has a wealth of talent and potential and we look forward to hearing from writers wanting to take that extra step to expand their experience and become the strong, diverse new generation of theatre.’

Beginning in October and running through till March next year, the course will be run online via Zoom, but should guidance change nearer the time sessions will run in Bradford as normal in adherence with government guidelines. This decision will also be made in consultation with the tutor and participants. 

‘Street voices was an incredibly affirming experience and Freedom Studios have created a really safe space to learn; and I learnt so much about narrative,” notes Playwright Gemma Beadeau who completed last year’s Street Voices 7.

“There is literally nothing that our writing mentor Zodwa Nyoni didn’t know about shaping a story. We were encouraged to be bold, brave and ambitious, and I was in great company with other brilliant writers whose feedback and work pushed me to take my loose idea to a play I’m really proud of.  If you can apply it’ll be life-changing.”

To apply for the Street Voices 8 writing course, all applicants must be over 18, based in Yorkshire and must have some level of writing experience. Individuals from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds are actively encouraged to apply. The deadline for applications is 5pm on Monday 17^th August.

Applicants selected for interview will be informed by 28^th August, and interviews will take place either in Bradford, or via Zoom, in the week commencing 7^th September.

For further details on how to apply for the course please visit https://www.freedomstudios.co.uk/opportunities/street-voices-8/