Pentabus run an annual, six month scriptwriting course for young writers aged 18 – 30 who are based in Shropshire, Wales and the West Midlands.

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.

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

What is the time commitment?

There are a mixture of in-person and online sessions, spread out across 6 months.