Theatr Cymru and Theatr Clwyd are looking for bold, immediate and funny plays - small but perfectly formed – to be performed at Caffi Maes B at this year’s National Eisteddfod.

We’re looking for up to 4 writers and we’re particularly keen to hear from writers based in or with connections to North-East Wales. We welcome ideas that focus on Wrexham’s people, places and voices.

Building on the success of Ha/Ha (2024) and Rwan/Nawr (2023), we’re also interested in comedy in all its forms and want to see plays that can really land a punch in a festival environment. Writers will have a cast of 4 and a musician at their disposal.

The Wrecslam! programme will support playwrights to develop their writing and dramaturgy skills through the creation of original 10-minute plays. The process will include dramaturgical workshops and masterclasses, before finally presenting the plays in a series of performances at the National Eisteddfod in Wrexham in 2025.

Wrecslam! continues a long-term partnership between Theatr Cymru (the Welsh-language national theatre) and Theatr Clwyd, aiming to develop and produce new Welsh-language 10-minute plays.

How to apply:

Wrecslam! is open to anyone who meets the following criteria:

• Is 18 years old or older
• Speaks Welsh or eager to build confidence to use Welsh in their work
• A writer, artist or freelance worker in the creative sector, with experience of or an ambition to work within theatre.

There are two stages to the application process for Wrecslam! - first, there will be a period for artists to express their interest in the programme, along with an example their dramatic writing, and then we will invite those shortlisted to submit a full application expressing their idea in greater detail (paid).

Step 1: Expressions of Interest (by 26 February 2025)

To express your interest in being part of Wrecslam!, please complete an Expression of Interest form in Welsh via Microsoft Forms, or you can submit a video application (2 minutes maximum) by emailing creu@theatr.com or via WhatsApp on 07908 439417. As part of this process, you will need to provide an example of your script writing, and complete our Equality Monitoring Form.

Deadline to express interest: 12pm Wednesday, 26 February 2025

The panel will consider applications and choose a shortlist of 8 artists. Panel members to be confirmed.

Step 2: Submit a Pitch (shortlist only)

The 8 short-listed artists will hear from us on 5 March 2025 with an invitation to present an idea for a 10-minute play.

We will provide an application form, as well as further information on presenting your idea, to the 8 who have been shortlisted. We will also offer a fee of £50 for those on the shortlist after they have submitted their pitches.

Deadline for full applications: 12pm, Monday 31 March 2025

After receiving and discussing each pitch, the panel will choose up to 4 of these to develop further with us. The finished work by these playwrights will be staged at the Wrexham National Eisteddfod 2025.

Developing the Play ( appointed artists only)

During the weeks following, the successful artists will work on their scripts for the performance at the National Eisteddfod. The process will include dramaturgical workshops and masterclasses.

The artists will also work closely with professional directors who will offer support and guidance every step of the way.

The submission dates for drafts are:

Draft 1: Monday 19 May 2025
Draft 2: Monday 16 June 2025
Final draft: Tuesday 1 July 2025

One-to-one meetings to discuss and offer feedback will be arranged closer to the time and subject to the individuals’ availability.In August, the 10-minute plays will be staged across four nights at the National Eisteddfod as part of a co-production between Theatr Cymru and Theatr Clwyd.

The artists will receive a fee of £906.66 each for their work.

If you have any questions about this project or the application process, please get in touch with Gavin Richards: gavin.richards@theatr.com

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