Page to Stage workshops

The facilitator, award-winning Londonderry playwright, Felicity McCall, said she’s delighted that the Arts Council of NI and GSCA are committed to continuing this series of workshops over 2014.

The workshops will be held on Saturdays, in the Arc Theatre/4 Block, Bloomfield, Galliagh, from 1030am. There is no fee and light refreshments are provided. After the May workshop, there’ll be a Page to Stage on July 19th and from September to December inclusive there will be a workshop on the first Saturday of the month; a total of six in all.

Participants are welcome to attend as many as they choose.

The tried-and-tested workshops offer a unique chance for writers to develop by having selected scenes acted, directed and produced on stage. The emphasis is on mutual support, respect and constructive feedback in a professional yet relaxed atmosphere.

Felicity McCall points out: ‘We can’t promise writers that their play will make it on to the professional stage, but it’s an indisputable fact that more than half the new plays produced in the NW over the past few years have come through the Page to Stage process.

Past ‘graduates’ who remain committed supporters and participants include Jim McClenaghan and Carl Campbell, Liam Campbell, Ryan Boyd, Michael Maguire, Martin Bradley, Eileen Walsh, Berni Kerr....and I know my own writing has benefitted from the process time and again. I’d like to make a special point of congratulating ACNI and GSCA for continuing to enable these workshops to be offered free of charge- that shows amazing commitment to and faith in our new talent in these recessionary times. I firmly believe that the process we go through in Page to Stage really works,” she says. ‘And it’s vital that local voices are heard over the coming months as the city takes ownership of its year as Capital of Culture.”

GSCA General manager Oliver Green, said: “There is no shortage of new writing talent in the Derry area, and I am delighted that the continuing support of the NI Arts Council through the Arts in the Community programme allows us to once again offer this excellent programme. I’d urge everyone who’s interested to book early to ensure a place.”

Writers are welcome to attend one, or both sessions. Applicants should forward six pages of their play (by e-mail, if possible) to [email protected]; [email protected] least four days before the workshop, or bring six copies of the relevant part of the script on the day. Numbers are limited, so do book in advance.. For more information or to book a place contact GSCA at 71 357443