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
Jonathan Davidson: Writing and Literature in the West Midlands
Tue 13 October - 7pm
£15
In this session, Jonathan Davidson (Chief Executive of Writing West Midlands) will give an overview of the key organisations that support creative writers in the West Midlands. Looking at all forms of creative writing, he will also cover support from Arts Council England for writers. Jonathan Davidson has worked in literature development for over forty years, mostly in the West Midlands. He founded the Birmingham Literature Festival in 1999 and has run Writing West Midlands for over 20 years.
Live & Local: Writing for Rural Touring
Thu 19 November - 7.45pm
£15
There are 30 rural touring schemes in England and Wales putting on an average of 70 shows per scheme. Join Chris Davis and Steve Wilson from Live & Local for a practical masterclass for writers and creatives interested in rural touring. You will find out more about the work of Live & Local, how they select shows and also undertake a practical exercise of how to write specifically for touring companies and schemes.
Katie Bonna: Writing for Radio
Fri 11 December - 7pm
£15
Multi-award winning playwright, Katie Bonna, (In Moderation, Took Nothing Left Nothing - Radio 4) will guide you through a combination of exercises to explore the potency of radio drama and how you can bring your unique voice to crafting it.
The two hour workshop will touch on:
• Writing for the ear
• Storytelling through sound
• Crafting ideas for short plays
• Unlocking imagination for the audio landscape
Expect to work dynamically and playfully and leave with a fresh crop of ideas.
Library Sessions - Introduction to Playwriting Workshops
Introduction to Playwriting workshops covering a wide range of subjects from character to dialogue.
Shire Stories: Introduction to Playwriting - First Sparks
Sat 3 Oct, 10.30am @ Bromsgrove Library
Ever read a story in a newspaper or have something happen in your life and thought 'that would be great on stage.' Well, this workshop is for you. Steve Wilson from Crave Arts will help you unlock ideas and turn them into the foundation of a compelling play. Open to all skill levels, the workshop welcomes everyone from beginners to experienced writers.
Shire Stories: Introduction to Playwriting - What A Character
Sat 17 Oct, 10.30am @ Malvern Library
What makes an amazing character? In this workshop, Steve Wilson will explore how to create vivid, memorable characters that bring your play to life. Open to all skill levels, the workshop welcomes everyone from beginners to experienced writers.
Shire Stories: Introduction to Playwriting - Trouble & Strife
Sat 7 Nov, 10.30am @ Kidderminster Library
Plays depend on drama and conflict. In this workshop Steve Wilson from Crave Arts will examine how you create conflict and drama in your play. Open to all skill levels, the workshop welcomes everyone from beginners to experienced writers.
Shire Stories: Introduction to Playwriting - Building Structure
Sat 14 Nov, 10.30am @ Droitwich Library
Plotting your play is one of the toughest areas of playwriting. Join Steve Wilson from Crave Arts for a dynamic workshop designed to help you shape your play and strengthen your plotting skills. Open to all skill levels, it welcomes everyone from complete beginners to experienced writers.
Shire Stories: Introduction to Playwriting - Chat & Other Dialogue
Sat 21 Nov, 10.30am @ Evesham Library
How do we communicate in plays? Is it just through dialogue or can we use other ways? In this workshop, Steve Wilson from Crave Arts will explore how to craft vivid, engaging dialogue that brings your plays to life. Open to all skill levels, the workshop welcomes everyone from beginners to experienced writers.
Shire Stories: Introduction to Playwriting - Writers, Directors & Actors
Sat 5 Dec, 10.30am @ The Hive
Finished your play? What happens next? In this workshop, Steve Wilson from Crave Arts will explore how directors and actors help shape and develop new scripts and texts. Open to all skill levels, the workshop welcomes everyone from beginners to experienced writers.
Open Writing Submissions
Please note that although the deadline for Scripts for the spring showcase has passed, we are still happy to receive scripts from yourselves. Please send to [email protected] with details about yourself and the play you have submitted and what support you would like from us. We aim to respond within one month of the play being received.
Our full portal will re-open in September.
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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