YOUNG WRITERS

The Young Writers’ Programme introduces writers aged 16 to 25 to playwriting as a unique, imaginative and invaluable way to express themselves creatively.

We aim to open up theatre to the most innovative, original and exciting new voices, to create a new generation of Liverpool writers who will challenge and engage nationwide audiences. The Group creates a forum for practical exploration and discussion as well as entering into a dialogue with practicing professionals, gaining a solid grounding in the practical and vocational aspects of playwriting as well as the unique opportunity to learn from those with years of experience.

Programme Outline

Each September 12 young writers are invited (via an application process) to join the programme, working closely with our Literary Department and a range of professional playwrights and practitioners.

First Term

An initial term of twelve weekly workshops will introduce you to the fundamentals of playwriting such as character, narrative, structure, theatricality, dialogue, theme, plot and atmosphere.

Second Term

From January to March ten weekly workshops focus on the development of full length plays, the re-drafting process and writing for different genres and media.

Third term

From May to August, the playwrights engage with a range of practitioners to explore the development of their work in a supportive environment.

Throughout the course, the Group enjoys masterclasses with visiting practitioners, an extensive amount of reading and the opportunity to see productions at the Everyman and Playhouse Theatres. Past visiting practitioners include David Eldridge, Gemma Bodinetz, Indhu Rubasingham, Stephen Sharkey, Lizzie Nunnery and Mike Bartlett. Writers have also benefited from workshops with BBC writersroom, LA Productions, Lime Pictures.

The Young Writers' Programme has also recently raised its profile, with partnerships with the London's Royal Court Theatre, Manchester Royal Exchange Theatre and London Soho Theatre and Writers' Centre.

To find out about next year’s programme, please email literary@everymanplayhouse.com

Many of the writers have benefited from the Young Writers’ Programme, whether or not they decide to pursue a professional career in writing.

Young Writers' Programme alumni include:
Katie Douglas (2001/2)
Katie's first play Fly was produced at the Everyman in Summer 2004 and she now writes extensively for television. She was shortlisted for the international Susan Smith Blackburn Award and her most recent play, Dig, was produced by Paines Plough and Oran Mor, touring the UK throughout 2011.

Jonathan Larkin (2002/3)
Jonathan is currently developing his debut Everyman play Paradise Bound (2006) into a film. He is writing extensively for television and last year was the Writer in Residence with the Everyman Youth Theatre.

Lizzie Nunnery (2003/4)
The writer of the critically acclaimed Intemperance (2007) was also Pearson Writer in Residence at the theatres for 2008. Her most recent play, The Swallowing Dark, was the opening production of the new Playhouse Studio before transferring to London’s Theatre 503. She was also a writer on the multi-award-winning Unprotected . Her work has been produced by Cardboard Citizens, Trestle and Blind Eye and she is currently under commission to Druid Theatre Company and the Gate Theatre. She has written extensively for radio and is a critically acclaimed singer-songwriter.

Michael McLean (2003/4)
Michael's The Electric Hills was produced at the Everyman in 2007. He has written for BBC Radio and has done attachments at both Paines Plough Theatre Company and the Royal Court Theatre. He is currently developing a new play with nabokov.

Kellie Smith (2006/7)
Gas Off, Kellie's debut piece, was featured in the 2007 Everyword festival. She has written extensively for BBC Radio. Her play, I, was performed by the Young Everyman and Playhouse and her play, The Sum of Parts, was produced by Slung Low and the Everyman as part of Unbound. She was writer on attachment throughout 2008 and has written for The Miniaturists. She has recently been on attachment to the Royal Court Theatre and is currently developing work with DumbWise Theatre Company and Action Transport.

Other graduates of the Young Writers’ Programme have gone on to work with BBC, Lime Pictures, Universal Films, Old Vic Theatre, Royal Court Theatre, Greyscale, West Yorkshire Playhouse, Hull Truck, Manchester Royal Exchange, Paines Plough, nabokov and a range of other theatres and companies.

“Joining the Young Writers’ Programme is one of the best things I’ve ever done. Meeting with fellow writers, as well as gaining insight from professionals working in all aspects of the theatre, has made me realise that this is what I want to do in my life”
Michael McLean 

Our Young Writers Programme is supported by the Ernest Cook Trust