Call out for Writers

Are you an aspiring writer looking for a new opportunity?

Step Up is Burnley Youth Theatre’s new training programme for ages 14+ and emerging artists. Build your skills in writing or directing and watch your ideas come alive on stage.

Burnley Youth Theatre is seeking four young writers (aged 14–18) to each develop a new 20-minute script for the stage as part of our Step Up Writer’s Workshop! 

 This is a fantastic opportunity to create an original piece of theatre and see your work brought to life by a full cast and production team.

The Opportunity

You will be the lead creative responsible for writing one of four original 20-minute scripts that will be fully rehearsed and performed in April 2026 by our talented young people (ages 8-18).

The four short scripts will be split across two age groups and themes:

• 2 Scripts for Explorers (Younger Age Group – Cast Ages 8-11): Focusing on themes: Comedy or Based around a prop
• 2 Scripts for Creatives (Older Age Group – Cast Ages 12-18): Focusing on themes: Social Issues/Political or Drama

Your Role and Support

You will be the writer, responsible for developing a final 20-minute script ready for performance.

• You will receive guidance and mentorship from our Associate Director throughout the development process.
• The selected writers will attend weekly Wednesday evening workshops in January and February 2026 to develop their ideas and shape their work for the stage.
  

How to Apply

Please choose one of the themes outlined above and fill in the following application form, ensuring you include:

• Title
• 100-word copy about your proposed show
• An A4 page of example script of your proposed show
• A short video (max 2 minutes) explaining why you want the opportunity (this can be written if preferred)

APPLY NOW!

Deadline to apply – Wednesday 17th December 2025 7pm 

If you would like an informal chat about this opportunity, please contact Henry Blackburn, Associate Director at henry.blackburn@burnleyyouththeatre.org.