Cast are looking for a professional playwright to work with the Doncaster People’s Theatre on a consultation and R&D phase of a proposal for our next production (Summer 2026). This will involve leading creative sessions with our company and creating a proposal for a new production, in consultation with Cast’s Participation team. We are interested but not restricted to the piece having a local history element, and part of this R&D/Consultation phase would be exploring what narrative and stories spark ideas and interest from our company. We are open to working in partnership with the writer and their process.
Having the opportunity to perform can be a transformational experience for members of the Doncaster People’s Theatre, building confidence, self-esteem, friendships, and pride in themselves. It is an opportunity for them to shine together and to share their ideas and creativity with others. An important element of Cast community productions is the co-creation between the writer and the Doncaster People’s Theatre Participants, enabling ownership and building creative skills. We are looking for a writer who values working in partnership with communities, is flexible to the needs of a diverse, intergenerational group, and values being part of a creative process with a community company.
We are looking for:
* A South Yorkshire professional playwright (or one with strong links to the area) with experience of writing for non-professional performers with a wide range of backgrounds.
* Experience of leading creative sessions with a community company and working with participants with a range of skill levels and health inequalities.
* Experience of devising a brief for a new play. An added bonus would be experience of writing a heritage inspired play.
* Ideally experience of writing for an intergenerational company.
* A passion for working with communities.
Key Dates:
Deadline for Applications: Midday on Monday 10th February 2025
Interviews: 10.45am onwards on Friday 14 February 2025
DPT Workshop Session 1: Project Welcome and Introduction and Writers session, 5.30 – 7.30pm on Tuesday 25 February 2025
DPT Workshop Session 2: Peer activity and Writers session, 5.30 – 7.30pm on Tuesday 5 May 2025
DPT Workshop Session 3: Evaluation event, peer led activity and Writers session, 5.30 – 7.30pm on Tuesday 24 June 2025
Submission of Brief and Project Meeting (Online/In person), date and time to be confirmed with writer, Thursday 10 July 2025
Application Requirements:
* A sample from a community play that you have written for a large ensemble.
* Your writers CV, including any workshop leading experience you have.
* A short statement, no longer than 200 words about why you’re interested in this opportunity.
Interviews:
Interviews will take place on Friday 14 February 2025 at Cast. The interview panel will include two members of the Cast team and one member of the Community Board.
Please Note:
This opportunity is a standalone opportunity, and we would not guarantee future work with the Doncaster People’s Theatre.
Doncaster People’s Theatre Overview:
Doncaster People's Theatre (DPT) was launched as a pilot programme in 2024 and brings together alumni from previous projects and new community members, creating an intergenerational company where participants range in age from 6 to 84. Rooted in values of openness, generosity, and bravery, the theatre welcomes 30–40 attendees, fostering creativity and collaboration through drama, movement, music, and poetry. Its most recent project, a reflection on friendship through multiple art forms, culminated in a public sharing in November. Looking ahead, new sessions begin in February, offering opportunities for both returning and new members to explore various artistic disciplines under the guidance of professional artists.
This vibrant and inclusive community-led theatre initiative has evolved from various successful projects at Cast, including Public Acts and Sinfonia. Many participants have been formed following large-scale productions, supported by the National Theatre’s Public Acts programme, which brought together diverse local performers in productions such as The Magic of Wild Heather (2021), The Doncastrian Chalk Circle (2022), The Odyssey (2023). Most recently DPT performed, Sinfonia (2024) in partnership with The Performance Ensemble.
Community Board:
The Community Board for Doncaster People's Theatre was established to oversee the delivery of its projects, ensuring they remain truly community-led and focused. Made up of local community members, the board plays a vital role in shaping the theatre’s direction, making sure that the voices and lived experiences of participants are at the heart of every production. By guiding decision-making and fostering inclusivity, the board helps to create meaningful, relevant, and accessible theatre opportunities.
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