The Return of First Draft
Creatives invited to submit their work-in-progress to Scratch Night
Organisers of a Scratch Night are calling on artists to test and explore any new creative work in front of a live audience at Cleethorpes Library in June.
First Draft returns for a second year, hosted by Grimsby-based lowercase theatre company, in collaboration with Lincs Inspire. A Scratch Night offers a platform for artists to share, experiment and connect.
Submissions are invited from anybody over the age of 16, who lives in, or has a connection to North East Lincolnshire. Four acts will be selected to perform, receiving valuable guidance from lowercase theatre company, as well as securing £200.
Last year, we had an incredible time working with a wonderfully diverse group of talented local writers and performers, supporting them to elevate their work. Seeing their creativity shine alongside one another at our July scratch night was proper magic, and we can’t wait to see more brilliant emerging writing submissions from across the region.”
Matt Gray – lowercase theatre
Four acts performed at last year’s event, including the creative partnership made up of Eve Darwood and Pete Cullum. They explained: “Taking part in lowercase theatre’s First Draft project was a great way to have creative collaboration and support from Matty and Lisa.
“Our project really developed over the series of workshops, and the input and advice we received helped us to craft and shape our work into something we felt really proud of. The feedback and engagement from the audience on the Scratch Night event was so useful and has led us to go on and develop our ideas even further, with more performances, more creative output, and an increased understanding of our craft.
“Importantly, working with other local creatives was a valuable process, in which we all supported and guided each other, and has resulted in some lovely friendships. We’re hugely grateful for this opportunity.”
How to Enter
The deadline for submissions is Friday, March 28. They can represent any creative form – as long as it can be shared or performed on the night. Examples could include: a collection of poems, a monologue, an excerpt from a script, a stand-up routine, a dance or movement piece, a collection of songs, or piece of music.
Work submitted can be up to 20 minutes in length, although submissions can be part of a longer piece.
Work must be original, and not a finished product. The opportunity is ideal for people who feel they could benefit from support to develop their idea and make it ready for the stage.
To apply click the link below, or email lowercasetheatregy@gmail.com with the email heading “lowercase first draft”.
Successful applicants will be invited to participate in two workshops in May and June and the scratch night event – First Draft – takes place on June 20. It’s a free event from 7pm to 9pm at Cleethorpes Library Albert Room.
