The Script’s The Thing! is a writer-led festival of script writing. The festival is taking over Dorchester Corn Exchange (and Tom Browns’ pub) on 28 October for a day of performing scripts and they want you to be part of it. This is an opportunity to try out new work or present an extract from a longer established work. Whatever you write for – and however long you’ve been doing it, we look forward to welcoming you to The Script’s The Thing!
The idea for a Festival came from local scriptwriter and creator, Ed Viney and Dorset Scriptwriters, a group of writers across Dorset who meet monthly to network, read scripts, and support each other’s work. The group has links with other writing initiatives across the region where they share news and opportunities, and champion new work. Ed approached Mark Tattersall at Dorchester Arts about a takeover of the Corn Exchange building, then Ed and Mark took the idea to the Arts Development Company who agreed to seed fund the first Dorset Festival of Scriptwriting.
The Script’s The Things seeks submissions from writers for stage, film, radio, family shows, puppetry, outdoor performance (Any genre involves character/dialogue/plot/action!). Those who wish to submit are asked to create 15 minutes of script. The submission might be a complete story, or an extract from a longer piece. Writers choose to present the work however they wish – self-read, script in-hand or with actors, a musical accompaniment, using a few props or bits of costume. You choose. The emphasis is firmly on putting the script centre-stage!
The festival wants scripts that will excite, delight and thrill – it doesn’t need to be polished. They believe everything is built on a GREAT script, so this could be about trying out new ideas, helping you to take those first few steps, or an opportunity to put a more polished piece in front of a new audience. As well as a day of performance on October 28, there will also be free workshops and talks. The whole event is FREE to attend and there’s a celebratory party in the evening with live music that’s also free to everyone who has been involved during the day.
See the submission page for FAQs and more details about how to submit your work. The Script’s The Thing
Submissions close on Friday 22 September.
The Script’s The Thing is hosted by Dorchester Arts and supported by The Arts Development Company, BBC Writers’ Room, Lighthouse Poole and Activate.
