Script Window
- ingoodcompanymids
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Introducing Script Window
We’ve been talking to writers about what support they want to see more of in the region. There are many ideas we’re working on from this, and the first is our Script Window!
Having found repeatedly that writers would love to hear some helpful and informed constructive feedback for their scripts, we’re testing out this model of providing a free, quality service for feedback reports.
Writers sharing scripts for feedback was once standard practice and acted as a way to connect with venues and organisations. We know our industry landscape has changed a lot, so we’re piloting what it might look like for us to give it a crack!
How it works
From Monday 29th September to Friday 3rd September we are accepting up to 100 scripts* which will be read and critiqued by professional script readers. Each script will receive a report offering constructive feedback, and writers will be invited to offer their feedback to us in return. You’ll receive the feedback by Mid November.
At the end of the project, we’ll want to know…
Is this service useful? Could it go further? Has it helped the development of your script or your development as a writer?
*We are capping at 100 to ensure we’re paying our readers fairly with the funds we have available. If we receive over 100 scripts, we will select via random generator. We will send you an email if we go over 100 submissions.
Scripts must be:
A full draft – we can’t offer a report if you haven’t written the ending, for example.
Must be for live performance, which include community theatre and family shows. We are not accepting scripts meant for radio, tv, or film.
The scripts can be for any genre, any length, any amount of characters.
Has not been previously performed in front of an audience, or received professional feedback before. (Your friends casting an eye is fine!)
By a writer based in the Midlands, or originally from the Midlands* (not just has a granny here, sorry)
Who’s reading the scripts?
Alice Chambers
Alice is a theatre director and dramaturg based between Birmingham and London. Recent work includes dramaturging Canalligator, a new children’s play developed in collaboration with schoolchildren across Birmingham; Community by Farrah Chaudhry, commissioned by the Birmingham Rep before touring locally; and script reading for a midscale commission with Rafia Hussain Productions. Passionate about community-centric, form-bending stories and deadpan humour, Alice has read for leading organisations and awards across the UK, including the Bruntwood Prize, Sky Comedy Rep, the Royal Court, Papatango, and the Victoria Wood Prize.
Naomi Obeng
Naomi Obeng is an artist and playwright. She was shortlisted for the Women’s Prize For Playwriting with her first play, and won Nottingham Playhouse’s family show commission in 2020. Her play fangirl, or the justification of limerence, was part of Three Acts of Love performed at Live in Newcastle and published by Methuen Bloomsbury. She has been a Script Reader for the Royal Court, the National Theatre and ATG Productions and has assessed submissions for Nottingham Playhouse, Derby Theatre, IGC and New Diorama Theatre’s Untapped Award, as well as working as a dramaturg. She is a member of the Dramaturgs’ Network UK.
How to Submit
Please email your script to igc@derby.ac.uk between 29th September and 3rd October at 12:00 with the subject as “Script Window Submission” and the name you’d like on your application. Scripts must be in either a word document or PDF.
We would also like up to 50 words on your connection to the Midlands. This can be a description of where you work and live or a description of growing up and moving away from the area, but still holding strong ties to the area. If you only have family in the area, occasionally do work adhoc, or only visit socially, you will not qualify. You must be from, or currently live and work in the Midlands.