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
David Lane: Setting your play in a specific location
Tue 12 May - 7pm
£15
Explore location as a dynamic force in playwriting, revealing the environments around your characters as essential tools in your approach to crafting dramatic storytelling. David Lane is a freelance dramaturg and playwright, Head of Writing at Bristol Old Vic Theatre
School and author of Contemporary British Drama.
This workshop will take place on Zoom and an invitation to join the workshop will be sent out 24hrs before the session.
Ant Stones: Writing for non-traditional spaces
Wed 10 June - 7pm
£15
Join Ant Stones as we explore the thrills and challenges of performing without a curtain. Drawing on his experiences of working off the stage - within churches, woods and the city streets - you'll explore scripts that have worked well within these settings, before writing your own...
Zoe Lewis: How to produce your own show
Thu 2 July - 7pm
£15
Playwright Zoe Lewis will take you through everything you need to know about the role of a Producer. This masterclass will answer the big questions like 'What does a Producer do?', 'Can you produce your own work?' & ‘How do the finances work?'
Perfect for writers who have the finishing post in sight for their projects, and want to know what’s next.
Aaron Corbett: Poetry in playwriting
Wed 22 July - 7pm
£15
How do we confidently combine poetry with playwriting? Join Aaron for one evening masterclass to explore your relationship with poetry and its translation to the stage. Enjoy building your toolkit of creative devices whilst simultaneously turning prose into performance.
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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