Through a series of in-person and online workshops, young writers are guided and supported by experienced scriptwriters and a professional director to develop a new short script. Learning and working collaboratively throughout the course, these scripts are brought to life with help from a professional creative team and ultimately performed by professional actors as part of our annual Young Writers Festival in July.

No previous experience of playwriting is necessary as this programme is aimed at young people who may not even know they’re writers yet, as well as those who have some experience of writing.

A man stands on stage holding a book

To apply, applicants must:

  • Be aged 16 – 30
  • Live within a reasonable commute from Ludlow in Shropshire (Pentabus HQ)
  • Be ready to engage proactively in a learning opportunity
  • Have a real interest in developing scriptwriting skills
  • Be willing to explore a collaborative approach to developing new work


Throughout the course you will:

  • Explore how to develop characters, build scenes, create tension and write dialogue
  • Meet a collaborative cohort of likeminded people
  • Be supported to develop your own creative ideas for your play
  • Get to know a professional team of creatives and join rehearsal room sessions
  • Learn how to incorporate design, sound and music into your play
  • Be invited to attend a performance of your work with the other Young Writers
  • Evaluate and reflect on your experience of the programme
  • Be signposted to further networks and opportunities

An actor stands on stage

How Do I Apply?

Applications for our 2025 Young Writers Local course have now closed. Recruitment usually opens at the end of year. For more information about the course, contact Joanna Freeman (Head of Engagement) on youngcompany@pentabus.co.uk.

 

Access and Inclusivity

Access and inclusion are at the heart of all of Pentabus’ work.

We are committed to making rural theatre accessible and inclusive, and to telling stories that resonate with our diverse rural and urban audiences nationwide. We seek to work collaboratively and with care across a range of training and learning environments, with bespoke access solutions provided and best practice safeguarding underpinning all of our programmes.

We particularly encourage applications for our Local Young Writers 2025 course from people living with a disability, D/deaf people, and people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, as these groups are currently under-represented in the cultural sector