Exeter Northcott Theatre has announced a major boost for South West playwrights through its revitalised Elevate artist development programme.
Following over 100 submissions to its inaugural annual script submission window, 23 writers have been selected to receive tailored support, including masterclasses, commissions, and dramaturgical development.
The initiative follows the appointment of playwright and DownStage Write founder Sam Parker as Artist Development Producer in summer 2024. Under Parker’s leadership, Elevate—formerly known as ‘Futures’—was relaunched and celebrated with the first Elevate Festival at the Barnfield Theatre.
“Our first Elevate script window, which will now run annually, was confirmation that the South West is full of writing talent,” said Parker. “Our readers were blown away with the quality and depth of storytelling in the scripts we received, and we are all delighted to be supporting this cohort of brilliant writers with a programme that has been built around them and what they need. We can’t wait to see what they write!”
Five writers were paid to pitch for a future Made by Exeter Northcott production, while eight others—including Brenda Callis, Rohan Gotobed, Eleanor Hope Jones, Eva Hudson, Ali May, Nia Powell, Michael Ramus, and Ed Viney—will join the Midscale Playwriting Programme.
This programme includes exclusive masterclasses led by industry figures such as The Commotion Time playwright Sarah Dickenson and RSC New Work Manager Becky Latham.
Eleanor Hope Jones said, “Being part of this cohort of South West writers is such a blessing at a time when the craft of playwrighting needs to be celebrated more than ever. I’m blown away by the time, care and attention Exeter Northcott has put into devising a unique scheme that responds to the needs of writers and the plays they are working on here and now. Writing for the midscale has felt so far away, it’s a thrilling opportunity to get to imagine larger worlds, places and characters than ever before.”
“Playwrights need to be connected with theatres in the South West so I’m delighted to be supported through the Elevate programme with Exeter Northcott Theatre,” added Ed Viney. “It’s challenging to develop new work and Elevate gives vital practical support. I’m really looking forward to great conversations, contact with actors, and developing my writing to play at varying scales for audiences.”
Thanks to support from the Idlewild Trust, six writers will participate in Elevate Write/Direct, a course pairing playwrights with local directors to develop work towards rehearsed readings.
Additionally, Hattie Collins, Charlie Coldfield, Nash Colundar, and Michael Ramus will each receive a commission to write a short play for Elevate Festival 2025.
Three writers—Hannah Ali Khan, Imogen Frances, and Rohan Gotobed—will undertake paid residencies at the Barnfield Theatre, while Eleanor Hope Jones and Ben Callon will receive bespoke dramaturgical support.
Ali May’s play will be presented in a rehearsed reading directed by Exeter Northcott’s Creative Director Martin Berry.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
