Writer call-out for a scratch evening of original work from North East scriptwriters, getting brand new scripts on their feet and performed to an audience for the very first time.
Calling all budding playwrights in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire – have you got a first draft play up your sleeve that’s crying out to be seen by an audience? Or maybe you have the first few pages of an exciting new play idea that is ready to be unpicked in the rehearsal room? First Footings is for you.
Part of WayWORD Festival 2025, First Footings is a scratch evening of original work from North East scriptwriters, getting brand new scripts on their feet and performed to an audience for the very first time. The project offers four local writers the opportunity to develop an existing script extract for the stage with dramaturgical support, rehearsals with professional actors, photography and audience feedback. With a view to future development, it serves as a stepping stone in getting four local new plays closer to production.
They are looking for writers with original play ideas that they want to develop further and a 10-15 minute extract from that play to workshop in rehearsals and onstage.
If selected, each writer will get:
– Dramaturgical notes on the script either before or after the sharing
– One informal chat to plan for rehearsals or offer feedback
– One rehearsal session with professional actors and director
– Professional photography and audience feedback on the night
Writers should be:
– Based in or have a connection to Aberdeen or Aberdeenshire
– An emerging/early-career writer that has not had a play published before
– Submitting a play that has not been publicly performed before
– Available for the scratch night itself and a rehearsal slot earlier the same day of up to 90 minutes, both on Sun 5 October 2025
This is a paid opportunity. They are offering writers a fee of £80 to equate to one half-day of engagement. Travel expenses can be covered for anyone travelling over 25 miles.
To apply, please complete the online application form by 5pm, 29 August 2025.
For further information, please contact wayword@abdn.ac.uk or visit https://waywordfestival.com/firstfootings/.
