ABOUT THE COMMISSION
What is it and what can I win?
We are offering £10k to a storyteller to get their work onstage in the form of a brand new theatre production in 2024. This is a completely unique initiative as we don’t necessarily want a script, we want a story and a way to tell it. You could be a rap artist who has an epic story idea that they want to tell, you might be a comedian who feels they have the killer idea for a narrative driven stage show or you could actually be a playwright who has the one special script that they are dying to show the world. If you have an idea for something that will work as a script on a stage, then we want to hear from you.
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How do I apply?
We want two things from you but how you do that is totally up to you. We want you to tell us an original story, this could be in a video, in a script or just a basic treatment. And we want to know who you are, again this can be in any form, it could on a plain old A4 bit of paper, or it could be a tiktok video showing your day to day life. Theres no wrong way to apply. Click the link at the bottom of the page to get tour application submitted or submit via post to 'Laurels Theatre, 212 Whitley Road, Whitley Bay, North Tyneside, NE262TA'
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What is the deadline?
August 31st 2023.
Who do you want to apply?
This brief is open to all but we are especially keen to hear voices from lower socio-economic backgrounds and other marginalised groups. We are very keen for the social clubs and the youth clubs of the UK to be aware of this opportunity. If you are a youth worker or on a committee or anything of the sort drop us a line for us to send a marketing pack via post.
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What happens next?
All submissions will be evaluated by at least two members of our team and chosen ideas will either be passed or moved onto a long list, all applicants will be told whether or not they are proceeding by the end of October 2023. Then a shortlist will be drawn up with a winner chosen from this.
Due to the nature of the open application process the next steps will differ on the certain project chosen. Whoever the winner is will be given feedback and a workshop phase with stories needing more development to turn into a theatrical form given more time and guidance to do so.
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What we don’t want?
An idea that isn’t narrative driven. A rich exciting story is what we want to see.
TIMELINE
MAY 17TH-AUGUST 30TH
31st OCTOBER 2023
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER
SUBMISSION WINDOW
- Send in your submissions. In any format, at any stage. In script or just telling us the story you want to tell, and a bit about you as an artist and human being.
LONGLIST ANNOUNCED
- 50 applicants are chosen and announced as a longlist with a chance to win the grand prize. Feedback will also be presented to these applicants on completion of the process.
SHORTLIST ANNOUNCED
- The top 3 stories are chosen and announced.
Getting into this stage guarantees a cash prize and future development plus the opportunity to win the number one spot
JANUARY 2024
JANUARY 2024 ONWARDS
SEPTEMBER 2024
WINNER ANNOUNCED
- The big announcement. The winner contracted, the press contacted and the next stages discussed and planned out,
SCRIPT DEVELOPMENT AND PRE PRODUCTION
-Workshops, meetings, castngs, lots of coffee and milka cake bars that we buy from B & M bargains.
PREMIERRE
- Your show opens to the world!
DOWNLOAD AN EXAMPLE APPLICATION
(COMING SOON THIS WEE BIT)
FAQ
CAN I APPLY AS A GROUP OR JUST AN INDIVIDUAL?
You can apply as a group if you wish but obviously you'll have to share the dollar
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YOU MENTION MARGINALISED GROUPS AND VOICES FROM LOWER SOCIO-ECONOMIC BACKGROUNDS, IS THAT THE ONLY PEOPLE WHO CAN APPLY?
No, this is open to literally everyone over 16, due to our past work we are exploring avenues to ensure as many of these voices to get the opportunity to apply
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I'VE ALREADY HAS THE IDEA ON STAGE BEFORE, CAN I STILL APPLY?
If its only been a short stint somewhere or not in a theatrical form absolutely!
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I'VE NEVER WRITTEN FOR STAGE BEFORE BUT I'VE GOT A GREAT IDEA, SHOULD I APPLY?
Yes! We will choose what we believe to be the most exciting idea and artist and help develop the idea into a narrative driven play with a team of theatre professionals.
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I HAVE A SCRIPT FINISHED AND READY TO GO, THATS FINE TO SUBMIT?
Of course, we are keen to receive as many 'traditional' entries as possible but the process is built to allow it to be more accessible to artists who havent had the exposure to making theatre.
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I'M NOT FROM THE UK CAN I APPLY?
You can as long as your currently living in the UK
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Briefly introduce yourself and share something interesting with website visitors. Double click to edit the text.
ANY TIPS?
COME SEE WORK AT OUR GAFF
A part of our decision making process will be "Does this fit with what our audiences and theatre represent?" So come see a few shows, have a night out, explore our crackers building in Whitley Bay.
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JUST DO IT
If you think you have a voice, a story, a talent, then please submit, you just never ever know.
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Briefly introduce yourself and share something interesting with website visitors. Double click to edit the text.
