About this website: On the 26th and 27th of November 2009, a group of people came together at the Crescent Theatre in Birmingham to begin to answer the question "How do we create a better future for theatre, here, in the West Midlands". This website holds the notes from the sessions held over those two days, and allows anyone (whether they were present at the event or not) to continue the conversations from the event. You can read Alison Gagen's full invitation to the event here

Theatre writing and playwrights as part of the creative process

Convenor:

Rachel Sambrooks

Attendees:

Jon Morley

Description:

Where are the writers – Rep 6 writers nationally on attachment (mentoring but not commissioned) – so drawing from the nation and not actually any other development or shows of new plays/drama writing

Independent, making, mainly devised?
Lack of rehearsed reading/script in hand/scratch new drama writing
There is some – Script, Pilot (but no dramaturgy or producers asking for writing involvement)
Are playwrights devisors? is theatre/playwriting not seen as an art in itself? One which can be combined as another skill with actors, directors who all have a vibrant place in the collaborative theatre process

So – being left alone with focused thought I came up with –

Speed dating of writers and independent theatre companies,
All turn up on a day and have open space for writer bringing in pitch and short script, paired with a theatre company, who workshop the work and put it on at the end of the day.
Therefore writers see what can be put on, producers see what drama writing can bring to the process

Propose a whole day workshop, fun social and creative day to bridge the gap between playwriting and theatre making – build responses to work and create new vibrant theatre

Rachel Sambrooks would be pleased to do this if there was a slight element of expenses involved and so any suggestions if anyone’s interested to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
I’ve started also off Blossom Theatre Co. to put on new writing with an emphasis on response to artworks, in gallery spaces and beyond. Currently piloting one woman comedy show. http://www.blossomtheatreco.com (please forgive dodgy website design xx)