Counterminers and King’s Head Theatre Artists’ Club present As Yet UnScene, a new initiative dedicated to the long-term support of new writing and early-career directors and actors. For a small fee, writers are able to send in their scripts, get feedback, and potentially put on readings and stagings of their plays at King’s Head Theatre. And directors and actors have the chance to help bring the work to life.
Scene 1: On The Page
You send us a section of a play you are working on which is 10-12 pages in length. The piece must not have been performed elsewhere and should not last longer than 15 minutes. Once you send your script in, we’ll offer feedback and we’ll select a few scripts every month for…
Scene 2: At The Table
The selected pieces of new writing will be workshopped and then presented as part of a series of rehearsed readings at King’s Head Theatre. These workshopping and reading days will be held once every month so if your script doesn’t get picked the first time, you have the chance to redraft and resubmit. We’ll open submissions for actors and directors and assign them to each script. Here, each company will present the scripts at the table in front of one another, followed by a group feedback session. The scripts that feel ready to grow further will then have the opportunity to move onto…
Scene 3: On Its Feet
We stage four pieces of new writing we’ve received in one of our bi-annual showcases. We will ask writers to submit more material so that their piece lasts for around 30 minutes. We will help you put on a full production of these with tech, actors, a director and a full and excited audience.
At Counterminers, we are committed to developing the very best in new writing and early-career artists. We hope that with each script submission, reading, and showcase, we will be continually forging a growing community of creatives who support each other in their artistic development, all whilst making daring and dynamic new theatre together!
Fees
Writers pay £10 to submit a script to Scene 1 for which they are guaranteed feedback.
Actors and directors selected to participate in Scene 2 pay a £10 fee.
This fee for writers, directors and actors can be reduced by 50% simply by signing up to be a member of the King’s Head Artist Club which is completely free to do and includes a range of other fantastic benefits.
Click here to submit your script
Our next Scene 2 workshopping days will take place on Tuesday 19th and Wednesday 20th May.
Please click the button above for more information and to apply. Please see below for FAQs and to pay your submission fee. We look forward to receiving your applications!
Please get in touch if you have any questions for the team.
Guildhall School announce 15 Easter 2026 short courses (6 of which are brand new!) for ages 18 and up. These include 4 drama courses, 2 new writing courses, and 1 new skills for the creative industry course.
Below is a selection of courses which may be of particular interest, with full course listings and links to the relevant web pages. The deadline to book for all Easter short courses is 5pm, Thursday 2 April 2026, or when the course reaches full capacity.
NEW COURSES:
Drama
Writing
Skills for creative industries
FULL LISTINGS:
Drama
Writing
Skills for creative industries
Easter Short Courses:
Drama Courses
IN-PERSON COURSES
Introduction to Screen Acting (Ages 18+) (in person)
Delivered in person from Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 April 2026, 10am – 5pm
This two-day course will introduce participants to the techniques and skills required for acting in film and television. Learn key techniques including how to prepare for a scene, be present and how to connect with their scene partner, to give authentic and truthful performances. Taught by actor, director, screenwriter, acting coach and lecturer Ryan Laccohee (Maisie Raine, Coronation Street, A&E and Silent Witness), this course is for anyone aged 18 and over interested in acting for screen.
Audition Technique: Acting (Ages 17+) (in person)
Delivered in person from Saturday 11 – Sunday 12 April 2026, 10am–5pm
This two-day course taught by Guildhall alumnus Ashley Zhangaza will give participants an insight and introduction into the tools they need to succeed. The course is for anyone aged 17 and over who has an interest in acting and would be interested in applying for Drama School or equivalent programme. During the course they will look at how to choose a speech and what to look for, practical exercises that can be used to unlock the speech and enhance understanding, discussion on the audition environment and techniques to encourage relaxation and readiness, tips and techniques to bring the speech to life. Participants will need to choose a Shakespeare speech and a modern speech that they connect with in advance of the course.
(NEW) Acting Intensive for (Ages 11–14) (in person)
Delivered in person fromTuesday 7 – Thursday 9 April 2026, 9.30am–5.30pm
This new three-day intensive acting course from anyone aged 11-14 years old, delves into modern industry practice, building upon traditional Stanislavsky-based methods. The course draws on aspects of Utah Hagen, Susan Batson and Meisner providing an efficient toolkit of tips to lift participants’ text from the page to the stage. Taught by Guildhall alumnus Aled Patrick, participants will explore a number of different scenes and monologues through the lens of various acting tools.
(NEW) Acting Intensive (Ages 15–17) (in person)
Delivered in person Friday 10 – Sunday 12 April 2026, 9.30am–5.30pm
This new three-day intensive acting course for anyone aged 15-17 years old delves into modern industry practice, building upon traditional Stanislavsky-based methods. The course draws on aspects of Utah Hagen, Susan Batson and Meisner providing an efficient toolkit of tips to lift your text from the page to the stage. Taught by Guildhall alumnus Aled Patrick, participants will gain a strong toolkit to unpack and analyse a variety of texts in preparation for performance and auditions.
Writing Courses
IN PERSON COURSES
(NEW) Creative Writing (Ages 14-17) (in person)
Easter Course: Delivered in person from Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 April 2026, 10am – 4pm
In this new two-day course, participants will explore a range of literary texts including poetry and fiction, and will use artwork, photographs and songs to inspire their own creative writing. Participants will learn to draft and develop their own stories and explore the best ways to present, perform and publish them. Led by London writer Annie Hayter, this course is for anyone aged 14 to 17 with an interest in creative writing.
(NEW) Writing a Solo Show (Ages 18+) (in person)
Delivered in person from Saturday 11 – Sunday 12 April 2026, 10am–5pm
The new course is a dynamic two-day course designed to help participants create a one-person performance from scratch. Whether they have a story, a character, or simply the desire to perform their own work, this intensive course will guide participants from idea to page — and ultimately to stage. The course is taught by award-winning writers and performers Maddie Rice and Tom Machell. Maddie Rice is known for her work on Fleabag (2016), Every Blank Ever (2018) and Handy (2019). Whilst Tom Machell is an award‑winning writer and performer from Newcastle upon Tyne, whose credits include the BBC Radio 4 sitcom Tom and Lauren are Going OOT! (2024) and the play Toast F**K (2024). As an actor Tom has recently appeared in Vera (ITV), Hullraisers (Channel 4) and Emmerdale (ITV).
Music Production in Logic Pro Intensive (Ages 14-17) (in person)
Delivered in person from Tuesday 7 – Friday 10 April 2026, 10am–5pm
This four-day course aimed at beginners aged 14 to 17 will introduce essential elements of Logic Pro, allowing you to get producing, composing and mixing. Covering sampling, synthesis, drum machines, MIDI instruments and audio mixing, the course taught David Corney will give participants the skills to realise your musical visions. Participants will be encouraged to be creative and produce their own tracks daily, with the aim of having a three-minute track by the end of the course.
Skills for creative industries
IN PERSON COURSES
(NEW) Creative Evaluation Methods: A Practical Masterclass (Ages 18+) (in person)
Delivered in person on Friday 10 April 2026, 10.30am–5pm
This new one-day in-person masterclass taught by Dr Maia Mackney explores innovative, creative, and arts-based approaches to evaluation and research. Through hands-on practice and collaborative co-design, participants will gain practical experience with creative methods and develop bespoke techniques tailored to their projects.
Discover how a theatre really works from the inside.
Chichester Festival Theatre's week‑long Work Experience programme gives you the chance to explore a wide range of departments, including Technical, Learning, Education and Participation (LEAP), Marketing, Development, Producing, Finance, Box Office and Front of House. You’ll be surprised by the huge variety of roles that make theatre happen and the many ways your talents can fit in.
They’re looking for passionate individuals who can tell them why this opportunity matters to them and what they hope to gain. By the end of the week, you’ll leave with a clearer sense of where you might belong in the arts, inspiration for future opportunities and insight into the incredible teamwork behind the work on their stages.
For more information and to apply, click the opportunity link below!
The Shedload-of-Future Fund awards £5,000 grants annually to artists taking work to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe for the first time. The fund supports debut performers and companies spanning theatre, comedy, music and the performing arts.
The expanded 2026 Fund is generously supported by Francesca Moody Productions, Multitude Media, Joe Lycett, Nish Kumar, Plosive, and Mick Perrin Worldwide.
For 2026, we’re offering 5 x £5,000 grants.
These bursaries can be used towards any costs associated with bringing your show to the Fringe – whether that’s travel, marketing, accommodation, set, or simply giving yourself the time and space to create.
Applications for the 2026 Fund will go open on 11 March 2026 at Midday. Applications will close when we hit 150 submissions or on 1 April, whichever comes first.
The form has will have four short stages:
Need support applying?
We’re committed to making the process as accessible as possible. If you’d prefer to apply via video, or if there’s anything else we can do to support your application, please get in touch with us at info@shedinburgh.com
As a part of the application form, we’ll ask the following three questions (max 300 words each):
Want to be reminded when applications open? Make sure you’re signed up to the Shedinburgh mailing list!
Last year we awarded £15,000 to new Fringe artists, supporting exceptional new writing to make it to the stage.
Since Fringe 2025, the shows we supported have transferred to Soho Theatre and The Pleasance, been shortlisted for the BBC Popcorn Award, and been featured in The Guardian and Rolling Stone.
Last year’s winners were:
– Hannah Ogbu-Samuel (Tigers, Not Daughters)
– Chakira Alin (Quite the Cowboy)
Free training opportunity for South West based performing arts practitioners
Over the past couple of years we have been working with brilliant artists and companies to provide quality training for creative practitioners in the South West.
Next up we are joined by Open Theatre – a physical theatre company who specialise in working with young people with learning disabilities.
This training session will involve a practical exploration of the key elements of their unique non-verbal physical theatre practice developed over the last 25 years. The practice is used as both a theatre-making process, developing performance work on the borderlines of theatre, dance and mime, and as an educational tool with special schools that supports young people with learning disabilities to discover their capabilities.
This session is perfect for artists and practitioners who want to extend and adapt their practice to be more inclusive of young people with learning disabilities and to enrich and extend the ways in which we create theatre, opening up new ways of creating and discovering capabilities for all.
The session will be practical – sometimes challenging – asking us all to connect in unfamiliar ways, but above all are great fun! The atmosphere created by the practice is authentic, playful, and joyful – within a space that feels free, safe, non-judgemental, and alive with possibility.
The session is FREE but booking is essential as there are only 12 places available.
Travel bursaries for South West practitioners are available through application, contact Charlene@strikealight.org.uk
Work experience offers practical, hands-on insight into the theatre industry, helping you build skills, confidence, and a clearer understanding of different career pathways. It’s an ideal first step when exploring a future in theatre. As an initial step, we recommend getting in contact with your local theatre to see if they offer any work experience opportunities.
While many people associate theatre careers with performing, there are a huge number of offstage roles that make productions possible. From stage management and lighting to marketing, producing, costume, sound, and technical theatre, work experience allows you to explore these departments and discover which areas interest you most. Taking part in work experience placements can provide a range of valuable benefits, including:
Understanding How Theatres Work:
Working within a theatre environment allows you to see how different departments collaborate to bring a production to life. This perspective is incredibly valuable if you're considering a career in the sector.
Developing Practical Theatre Skills:
Work experience often gives you the chance to assist with real tasks, whether that’s supporting technical teams, observing rehearsals, helping front-of-house teams, or working with marketing and administration departments.
Building Confidence and Professional Skills:
Being part of a professional environment helps you develop communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills that are essential across the creative industries.
Making Connections in the Theatre Industry:
The theatre industry is highly collaborative. Work experience placements can introduce you to professionals working in the field and help you begin building a network within the industry.
Strengthening Future Applications:
Whether you're applying for drama school, university courses, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles, work experience demonstrates enthusiasm, initiative, and commitment to the sector.
Many theatres and arts organisations across the UK offer work experience placements, shadowing opportunities, and youth programmes. Availability and application processes vary, but the following organisations regularly provide opportunities for young people interested in theatre careers:
London
South of England
Midlands
North of England
North of England
Wales
Scotland
Northern Ireland
You may also want to check the websites of theatres local to you, as many venues offer placements throughout the year or during school holidays.
Work experience is one of the most valuable ways to begin exploring opportunities in theatre. It provides a clearer understanding of how productions are created and how different departments work together behind the scenes.
Whether your interests lie in technical theatre, production, stage management, marketing, or theatre administration, gaining offstage experience is an excellent way to start your journey in the industry.
During this programme you will:
You will do all of this with the guidance and support of acclaimed disabled director, Hana Pascal Keegan.
Hana, is also an experienced director of accessible, inclusive spaces. Hana will be joined by a team of other artists along the way.
You must be available for the dates below to take part in this project
Sign up via the form below or register by contacting us on 020 8510 4512
The Climate Playwriting Prize 2026 will uncover the most exciting new plays about the climate crisis, and support them to find their audiences.
We believe that playwrights have a vital role to play in the conversation around the climate. Theatre is a space for animating audiences, forming communities, and experimenting with form; a space for processing the past, articulating the present, and imagining the future. In order to surface the breadth and diversity of new stories about this planetary moment, the Climate Playwriting Prize is an open invitation to playwrights to respond creatively to this subject matter. Regional and touring theatre is playing a vital role in engaging audiences, and we are partnering with organisations all around the country to deliver workshops to writers, unlocking how they might want to tell their climate story.
This moment is marked by rising temperatures, escalating impacts of change on communities and ecosystems, but also by the potential for us to transform society for a flourishing, equitable future for all life. The need for new stories that help audiences grapple with the realities and possibilities of this crisis has never been clearer
In order to surface the breadth and diversity of new stories about this planetary moment, the Climate Playwriting Prize is an open invitation to playwrights to respond creatively to this subject matter. We are partnering with organisations all around the country to deliver workshops to writers, unlocking how they might want to tell their climate story.
The winning playwright will receive:
The Climate Playwriting Prize 2026 is funded by Climate Spring
Applications open in June 2026 with the deadline in September.
Head over to the opportunity page to read all about what is expected and any requirements.
Discover your skills as a storyteller and explore the world of Theatre Making!
Whether you're interested in writing scripts, directing a scene or devising from a stimulus, this course will allow you to develop your collaboration skills and enhance your creativity.
General FAQs
Is there any level of skill or experience required?
Unless specified, none of our courses or sessions require any prior knowledge or experience, and are welcome to all, from beginners to experts.
I haven’t received any information since booking, is this a problem?
You should receive a confirmation email after booking the course, if you do not have this, please contact the Box Office by calling 01635 46044 or email boxoffice@watermill.org.uk. You will then receive more thorough information from the Outreach team in the days before the course starting.
What do I need to bring with me?
Please wear comfortable clothes that are easy to move in and will keep you covered during any physical movement. Bring water in a clearly labelled or colourful bottle. You may also want to bring something to take notes with. If you have any medication you may need to take, please bring them in a clearly labelled bag and ensure we are aware by completing our Outreach booking form.
Where will the course take place?
Most of our sessions and courses take place on-site in our rehearsal room or studio at the Watermill Theatre. Our studio is the door with white to the far right of the car park. There some signs pointing towards it around the car park. Some sessions and courses may take place elsewhere, but this will be specified in your welcome email.
Who will be running the sessions/course?
Our Get Involved activities are run by a variety of professional theatre makers. This varies from freelance facilitators to members of the production crew or cast of our productions. All will have great experience and expertise in the content of the sessions and will be familiar with The Watermill’s safeguarding policies.
Open Works is a bold celebration of theatre, offering a platform for the most exciting and dynamic artists in South Yorkshire.
With a focus on fresh perspectives and powerful stories, the festival will present world premieres, and original plays that bring unheard stories to the stage.
Committed to supporting artists at every stage of their journey, the festival promises compelling performances, and a chance to experience cutting-edge theatre.
The Open Works Festival will take place between Mon 28 September and Sat 10 October 2026 across the Montgomery Theatre and Tanya Moiseiwitsch Playhouse at Sheffield Theatres.
The festival will feature work from our Associate Companies – Forced Entertainment, Roots Mbili, Stand and Be Counted and The Bare Project – alongside work by LUNG and Swans Productions.
There are four ways for artists to have their work presented as part of Open Works 2026.
Applications for Performance Ready, Work-in-Progress, and Rehearsed Readings are open now until Sun 22 March 2026. Application for Scratch will open this summer.
To support the development of new work in our region we will be running Open Working, a series of workshops focused on making and producing skills.
There will be opportunities for up to 25 people to join Open Working, with participants randomly selected from all eligible submitted applications to all of our Open Works opportunities.
We welcome and encourage applications from artists from backgrounds under-represented in the arts, including but not limited to those who identify as D/deaf and/or disabled, neurodiverse, global majority and/or migrant, and LGBTQ+.
We are proud to be partnering with New Earth Theatre to develop a range of opportunities for British East and Southeast Asian artists as part of Open Works 2026.
We want to create a platform for BESEA artists in our region, so we are allocating slots as part of our Work-in-Progress, Rehearsed Readings, and Scratch opportunities for BESEA artists. In collaboration with New Earth Theatre we will also be offering bespoke mentoring and networking packages for BESEA artists.
New Earth Theatre is the leading and longest-running British East and Southeast Asian (BESEA) touring theatre company in the UK. Their mission is to bring nuanced BESEA representation to the widest possible audience.
