The Playwrights’ Studio, Scotland are delighted to announce the launch of INSPIRE: playwright led writing sessions and IGNITE: a national competition to find the strongest new voices in Scottish Theatre for entry into EVOLVE: a professionally supported development programme for un-commissioned playwrights.

The INSPIRE writing sessions can be used as a one off experience for those with an interest in playwriting, for the sheer excitement and experience of meeting three of Scotland’s most acclaimed playwrights, or as inspiration to enter IGNITE. The playwriting sessions will be run by Associate Playwrights David Greig, Liz Lochhead and Nicola McCartney, who will suggest approaches to playwriting, share their techniques and most importantly inspire people to write for the stage.

IGNITE is the competition which will allow new and aspiring playwrights the opportunity to win a place on EVOLVE. To enter the IGNITE competition and win a place on EVOLVE, playwrights must submit a scene written to a specified brief by 10 January 2005.

Successful writers will be entered into EVOLVE, a programme which is designed to give new writers their first professional development, to hone their skills and cultivate their voice. Over six months the Playwrights’ Studio, together with leading theatre professionals, will provide focused dramaturgical and directorial support, advice and training on the development of selected new plays. The final plays will be given rehearsed readings to arts professionals and selected public groups around Scotland in summer 2005.

INSPIRE WRITING SESSIONS
No experience is necessary and with help from the Scottish Arts Council's
Lottery Fund and words@work, all places are free.

• David Greig & Liz Lochhead Saturday 2 October 2 - 5pm Mitchell Library, North
  Street,  Glasgow 
• Liz Lochhead & Nicola McCartney Saturday 9 October 2 - 5pm Central Library, The Wellgate, Dundee 
• David Greig & Liz Lochhead Saturday 6 November 2 - 5pm Highland Council, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness

INSPIRE & IGNITE Contact: To book a place on one of the INSPIRE workshops or
to enter the IGNITE competition, contact Caroline Newall at the Playwrights'
Studio on 0141 332 4403 or at caroline@playwrightsstudio.co.uk.