Liverpool's Royal Court Stage Write programme, is back. This programme offered by Liverpool's Royal Court is so valuable for upcoming writers. It provides a structured and supportive environment to zone in on their skills and take their craft to the next level. The fact that it's free and led by professional writers and directors makes it even more appealing. Being deeply involved in the creative scene, I've heard firsthand about the remarkable success stories of past participants in the course. My close friend Liz Redwood, for instance, was part of the Stage Write Programme, which impacted her writing journey. This influence led to Channel 4's New Writing North Awards 2023, where both she and Joe McNally secured two out of the three Writing for Television Awards. Liz shared her thoughts with me on how the program played a  role in improving her writing skills:

“The Stage Write Development Programme at Liverpool's Royal Court is a fantastic opportunity for all writers who are committed to playwrighting.  learned so much on this course and I am absolutely a better writer through completing it. Writing a full length play as part of the course can be a challenge, but you are supported with this throughout and it's a great sense of achievement when you finish your play. The access to the writers workshops after completing the course is a great opportunity to get feedback on your work to further develop your skills and to connect with others writers. I would highly recommend this course.”

I also had the opportunity to to speak with Set Mc who is also a local playwright who has been on the program, he says:

“I attended the first course and due to covid, it was mostly over zoom.  I remember being introduced to plays and writers I’d never heard of which broadened my horizons and even made me read more plays.  Both Karen and Jess were extremely supportive and were not afraid to tell you if something didn’t work, or needed cutting.  As a writer at the start of my journey, I appreciated this more than everyone telling me everything was good.  It definitely made me a better writer.”

I had the pleasure of finally speaking with Rachel Louise Clark, whose writing  impressed me when I attended "Tip Trays: What Happens Next?" I'm hoping to collaborate with her in 2024.

'If you’re thinking about doing the Royal Court’s Stage Write Playwright Development Programme, stop thinking and just do it! I completed the course in 2021 and can genuinely say it’s one of the best things I’ve ever done. With the support of Karen and Jess, I was able to properly hone my skills and develop as a writer. The programme is super informative, and Karen is a fantastic tutor and fountain of knowledge when it comes to the world of theatre and writing.   

The Royal Court are really passionate about supporting new writers in the city. They’re building a community for writers of all backgrounds and supporting them to get their voices heard. By the end of the programme, not only will you have written a full-length play, but you’ll also have had the opportunity to have it performed by professional actors in a script-in-hand performance at The Studio. You’ll be invited to join their monthly writing workshops, you’ll also get the chance to see loads of performances and go to networking events, and you’ll also get the opportunity to apply to be a writer for the incredible Stocking Fillers Christmas show. My play Better Watch Out was a part of the 2022 show, and it was such an amazing experience!  

I feel like my writing career has gone from strength to strength since completing the course (like many others who have completed the programme), and I can’t thank Kevin, Jess, Karen and the team enough. Without the support of The Royal Court and completing The Stage Write Development Programme, I don’t know where I’d be as a writer. So, don’t delay – get that application in!'

The course targets individuals with prior writing experience who are eager to improvetheir skills to the next level. Sessions held twice a month over a period of nine months, the program is not only free of charge but also accessible to writers living or studying in the Liverpool City Region. Under the guidance of Karen Brown, a screen, stage, and radio writer.

The call for applications for the 2024 Stage Write programme is now officially open. To express your interest,  submit a ten page sample of your writing to stagewrite@liverpoolsroyalcourt.com. Additionally, complete the accompanying short application form and Equality Diversity Monitoring form by 5 pm on Wednesday, 1st November 2023. For those in need of support during the application process or who wish to discuss specific accessibility requirements, please feel free to contact  stagewrite@liverpoolsroyalcourt.com.

This is a fantastic opportunity for writers in the Liverpool City Region, and I highly recommend anyone with an interest in scriptwriting to not miss this opportunity.

Written by, Christopher Woodward