Shire Stories - A New Writing Project
What is Shire Stories?
Shire Stories is a two-year Arts Council funded project led by Worcester Theatres and Crave Arts, with the aim of finding great scripts and to get some of these performed on stage!
We want to revolutionise new writing in Worcestershire! By opening doors for emerging, established, and diverse voices, this initiative will create vibrant opportunities for writers to craft and showcase their work. We’re on a mission to uncover unique perspectives from underrepresented communities and those passionate about writing, fuelling talent through dynamic workshops and personalised feedback. Selected pieces will be brought to life on stage, captivating audiences and igniting a thriving literary community. Our vision is to elevate the profile of regional writing, forge a strong community of writers who collaborate and grow together, and establish a prestigious Literary Department at Worcester Theatres. Driven by the inspiring goal of amplifying diverse voices from Worcestershire and beyond — an area often seen as traditional Middle England — we aim to challenge stereotypes, tell new stories, and produce extraordinary work that resonates widely. Join us on this exciting journey to transform the regional theatre landscape and celebrate the power of storytelling!
Workshops
Throughout the two years we are offering a mixture of both online and in person workshops on a variety of topics. We have some fantastic guest speakers booked for Shire Stories!
Subject that will be covered include:
- Pitching Your Work
- Writing For Television
- Writing and literature in the West Midlands
- Setting your play in a specific location
- Writing with young people in mind
- Writing for diverse audiences
Upcoming Workshops
The New Writers Workshops
They say there is a book in everyone. We at Shire Stories believe there is a play. Over four workshops, we will take you through everything you need to get started and get writing. You will learn about plot, how to create characters, where to set your play, and of course, how to write great, exciting dialogue and action. Perfect for newcomers or those looking to create new and exciting theatre.
Workshops will be led by Steve Wilson of Crave Arts.
The four workshops will be:
Tuesday 4 November, 7pm - Constructing a strong plot
Tuesday 11 November 7pm - Creating interesting characters
Tuesday 18 November 7pm – Where and Why?
Tuesday 2 December 7pm – Dialogue and Action.
Location: Henry Sandon Hall, Worcester
Price: £10 per session OR £35 for the course
Pitch Me Perfect! with Sasha Damjanovski
Whether you are writing, starting up a business, trying to win contracts, chances are you will be doing an awful lot of pitching!
So, how good is your pitch? Do you walk into a session with a smile and come out with an offer to take things further, or do you go in petrified and leave dissatisfied?
THE GOOD NEWS! The skills required for pitching and presenting your ideas can be learned easily. Better still, you can learn to tailor your delivery to the needs and sensibilities of the audience, the organisational or market climate you’re pitching in, and your own personality.
An intensive, insightful and interactive masterclass, Pitch Me Perfect is also lots of fun. Come and learn how to identify the hook of your project and how to make it exciting to others. Learn how to prepare well and how to deliver a perfect pitch in different circumstances. Learn how to deal with nerves, how to show authenticity, create a connection with your audience. Find out what is more powerful than PowerPoint.
Tuesday 25 November, 7pm - 9pm
This workshop will take place on Zoom and an invitation to join the workshop will be sent out 24hrs before the session.
Open Writing Submissions
Hello Writer!
We are pleased to announce that we are now accepting script submissions from writers based or who have a strong connection to Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Gloucestershire, and Shropshire. Once submitted, your script will be read twice by one of our dramaturgs, who will be in touch to offer any support we can provide for your writing journey.
To submit a script, please email [email protected]
2025/26 Submissions are open until Tuesday 31 March 2026
Alongside your script, please include the following information.
- 200 words (max) detailing the concept informing the script
- 200 words (max) on why you’ve chosen to write this particular script at this time.
- 200 words (max) on how we can help you.
- 100 words (max) about you
- Your contact details
Please note that any script submitted must be no longer than 15 pages. This does not have to be a complete text, it can an excerpt from a wider piece or the 1st draft of a new idea.
FAQ's:
Q. I don’t have a script but have a great idea – can I send you that?
A. Yes but you will need to complete the above information.
Q. Do scripts have to be typed?
A. Yes and be sent by email
Q. I have had the play professionally performed, can I send it too?
A. We would like to see work that has not been professionally performed.
Q. Will my play be performed if you like it?
A. We are having two showcases, in the summer of 2026 and 2027.
Shire Stories is being delivered with funding support from the Arts Council England and through a partnership with Crave Arts.
Shire Stories partners include Severn Arts, University of Worcester, and Writing West Midlands.
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