WRITERS' GROUP
-Hear your entire script out loud
-Get and give feedback
-Skills sharing, networking, support
Forthcoming dates:
22nd April, 6-9pm, The Lounge, Broadway Cinema, Nottingham
13th May, 24th June, 22nd July
All in-person sessions at:
Broadway Cinema, Nottingham
Next online session: 27th May
Places limited! Book below to take part
By contacting us, you consent to receiving a monthly email (unless stated above) about forthcoming sessions.
We will never spam you about anything else, or pass your info on to any third parties.
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Writers' Group FAQs
What kind of scripts do you accept?
For our Writers' Group: Stage plays (minimum length 40 pages), TV (minimum 23 pages), film (minimum 70 pages) or audio (podcast/radio, minimum 30 pages). We will not do readings of scripts shorter than these.
Why don't you read short scripts?
There aren't enough opportunities to get feedback on full-length scripts. This is why Scriptwriting East Midlands exists. If you want feedback on a short script (eg. short film, the beginnings of a play, etc.) then get in touch. We might be able to help.
How do I book a place for the Writers' Group?
Sign up for free via our booking form. Sessions are currently limited to 20 people, due to the size of the Mezzanine Lounge at Broadway Cinema. You can only ever book for the next session.
How do I bring a script to be read?
Tick that box on the booking form. We will be in touch with what to do next. However, please note that your script might not necessarily be read in the next session, although we will always try to accommodate it as soon as possible.
How "ready" does my script have to be?
Please don't bring first drafts. If that's all you have, first get feedback from a close creative ally, then rewrite, rewrite, rewrite. Our sessions are for hearing a "good-ish" version of your script out loud, to get feedback from supportive and knowledgeable peers. Make the most of that. It helps if you have a particular question or niggle about your project, and have specific feedback in mind.
I'm a scriptwriter, but don't have a script to share. Can I attend?
Yes! Please do! The idea of this group is that we are a community of writers supporting writers. That can only be sustainable if people come, even when they don't have a script to share. Your point of view, experience and presence are very much needed. Especially when it comes to reading a script aloud. We need lots of readers for that!
Do you have to be a professional writer to attend?
No. Though we do want "serious" writers. That means you might have been paid to write before, but maybe not. If you are driven to see your writing performed on professional platforms, and dedicated to your own development, then that's good enough for us.
Do you accept writers who aren't based in the East Midlands?
Sorry, no. This is an initiative which is all about developing our regional network. We define the East Midlands as Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Derbyshire, Lincolnshire Northamptonshire and Rutland.
I'm not a writer, but I am a director/producer/actor/fan of new scripts. Can I take part?
Sorry, no. Our opportunities are not auditions for our writers, nor for actors, nor any kind of performances at all. They are simply a bubble for us writers to feel protected from judgment, and supported by friendly peers who share our pain.
If you have any doubts or questions not answered above, please be in touch: scriptwritingeastmidlands@gmail.com
Scriptwriting East Midlands is supported by funding through In Good Company
Writers' Conference & Bursary
Taking place at the University of Lincoln on Saturday 12th of April, Writing East Midlands’ (WEM) Writers’ Conference 2025 features a variety of talks, workshops and events to support and inspire writers.
This year, Script East Midlands are partnering on a panel discussion, to discuss the current state of playwriting in the UK, as well as routes in for regional writers. We will also be hosting a writers’ roundtable and career surgery, with a leading industry figure.
Special guests are to be announced this week, with full information on the Conference (including tickets) here:
https://writingeastmidlands.co.uk/for-writers/writers-conference/
CONFERENCE BURSARY
The Script East Midlands Bursary is a one-off £100 grant for ten East Midlands-based working class and/or low-income playwrights to attend the WEM Annual Writers' Conference 2025.
The £100 bursary is designed to cover:
-Conference entry (£65)
-Personal transport to and from the Conference
Bursary recipients will be selected at random from all eligible applications.
Ringfenced Bursaries
5 bursaries will be ringfenced for disabled, deaf, and/or neurodivergent writers, and writers of the global ethnic majority.
THIS OPPORTUNITY IS NOW CLOSED FOR ENTRIES
Terms and conditions:
• This Bursary is for East Midlands-based working class/low-income playwrights only.
• We recognise the East Midlands as Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and Rutland.
• You can be at any career stage of playwriting, but be actively engaged in it as a form, as explained in your application.
• You will be provided with the full £100 upon selection. We do not require receipts or anything else, although, in good faith we ask that if you find yourself unable to attend, that you let us know, so we can reallocate the Bursary to another writer.
• Script East Midlands are a Nottingham-based organisation focused on building opportunities for the region’s scriptwriters. By applying to this opportunity you will automatically be signed up to Script East Midlands’ newsletter. To opt-out at any time, please just reply with UNSUBSCRIBE. We will never pass on your data.
This Bursary has been made possible through funding by In Good Company