We are thrilled to be re-launching our acclaimed, six-month scriptwriting course for young writers aged 16 – 30 who are based in the West Midlands.
Through a series of in-person and online workshops, young writers will be guided and supported by experienced scriptwriters and a professional director to develop a new short script. Learning and working collaboratively throughout the course, your script will come 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 2025.
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.
At the bottom of this page you can download:
- an application form
- the course timetable for 2025
- an equal opportunities form
To apply, applicants must:
- Be aged 16 – 30
- Live within a reasonable commute from Ludlow in Shropshire (Pentabus HQ)
- Be ready to engage with an opportunity for learning and development
- Have a real interest in developing skills and insight into scriptwriting
- Be willing to explore a collaborative approach to developing new work
Throughout the course you will:
- Explore how to construct 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
How Do I Apply?
To apply for a place, please complete the short application form and equal opportunities form below and return them to Joanna Freeman (Head of Engagement) on youngcompany@pentabus.co.uk by 9.00am on Monday 2nd December 2024.
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.
Getting in Touch
If you would like more information about the course, you can reach out to Joanna Freeman (Head of Engagement) on youngcompany@pentabus.co.uk for an informal conversation.