Young Writers’ Workshop 2025
Applications for our 2025 cohort are now open.
This workshop was unlike any other writing course I have done. The opportunity to discuss and dissect plays, both the group’s own work and published texts, was fantastic.
(Martha Loader, Bruntwood Prize Judges’ Award Winner 2022)
Photo: Jack Sain
Menagerie Theatre is a leading new writing theatre company based at Cambridge Junction. We seek out, support and nurture playwrights to produce exciting, new and original work.
The Young Writers’ Workshop is our flagship development programme for writers aged 18 – 30, living in the East of England and around Cambridge - Cambs/Peterborough, Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Herts, Beds, Northants. It is led by Menagerie's Co-Artistic Director, Patrick Morris.
On the programme you will:
Learn from and meet experienced writers
Receive feedback on your work
Connect with peers and broaden your professional network
Have your work shared in our Young Writers’ Showcase
The programme is designed to be a space for you to take risks, to extend your horizons, and to open yourself to different influences
The Young Writers’ Workshop is for people who write for the stage - whether you consider yourself a playwright, a performance writer, or a writer for performance, we welcome your interest and application. There are up to 8 places available.
Applications open: October 25th 2024
Applications close: 5pm November 22nd 2024
Application results: By December 16th 2024
The YWW was transformative in the way I view my work. I got an incredibly frank look at my process through the eyes of writers so different to me. It reminded me about the focus of writing being the process and the questions asked.
(YWW Graduate 2023)
Photo: Jack Sain
Stage 1 – Workshop Content
Stage 1 of The Young Writers’ Workshop lasts from January to April 2024 and includes:
Writing a one-act (45-60 minute) play that has not previously been read or performed
One-to-one zoom meetings with Menagerie Co-Artistic Director, Patrick Morris, to discuss the piece you are writing
Meet in a series of 5 x 4-hour sessions, held fortnightly at Cambridge Junction
Sessions* include:
Tutorials and discussions with guest writers**
Feeding back on work from your peers
Sharing questions and challenges about writing for the stage
*All sessions are facilitated by Patrick Morris.
** The guest writers lead sessions on a play or performance text which inspires them. In sharing their experience and passion, they explore and articulate their own influences and inspirations. Previous guests include Matha Loader, Winsome Pinnock, Steve Waters, April de Angelis, Juliet Gilkes Romero, Fraser Grace, Chris Thorpe, Sudha Bhuchar, and Caroline Horton.
Stage 1 culminates in the Young Writers’ Showcase on April 27th 2025 - where we share extracts of each play as a rehearsed reading in front of an invited audience. Full details in the application pack.
All stage 1 activities take place at:
Cambridge Junction, Clifton Way, Cambridge CB1 7GX.
Stage 2 - Full Draft Submission
Stage 2 is simple - one week after the Young Writers’ Showcase, all participants submit a draft of their piece for feedback, ideas and advice on taking it forward. Deadline May 2nd, 2025.
Patrick was a fantastic creative guide - he incited nuanced critical thought to help our creative development...I really hope that others get the chance to experience this course.
(Magdalene Bird, ‘Radio Waves’ BBC Radio 4 Drama)
Photo: Chris Cellier
Stage 3 - Young Writers’ Workshop Alumni Network
As our current Young Writers’ Workshop cohort, you will be invited to attend Hotbed, our new writing theatre festival, as our guest. Held at Cambridge Junction on July 18-20th 2025, you will be able to see the very best new writing in its earliest form. Some of the work on show may well be from Young Writers’ Workshop alumni!
As a Young Writers’ Workshop participant, you will be invited to join our Alumni Network. The network provides the opportunity for all previous participants to connect with one another, share updates, and to stay in touch with Menagerie.
Previous participants have gone on to…
Win the Bruntwood Prize Judges’ Award
Write for broadcast on BBC TV and Radio
Be nominated for an ‘Offie’
Be shortlisted for the Verity Bargate Award at Soho Theatre
Have work produced by Theatre503, Park Theatre, Hampstead Theatre and more
Found their own company and toured work nationally
Gain literary representation
Teach professionally at university level
Participation is BY APPLICATION ONLY.
Deadline to apply is 5pm Friday November 22nd.
To apply:
Please email the following to Patrick Morris (patrick@menagerie.uk.com):
1) A letter of interest (2 pages max) which addresses the following:
Why do you wish to be part of the Menagerie Young Writers’ Workshop?
Which theatre writers or performance practitioners inspire you and why?
Introduce yourself: who are you as a writer? I.e. Your interests, your journey, your goals
2) A one-page idea for a 45-60 minute play you are writing or intend to write
3) A sample of your writing – up to 50 pages
Your application must demonstrate a commitment to playing an active role in the sessions; through both your own writing, and through your engagement with other people’s work.
Please email your application to Patrick Morris at Menagerie by 5pm Friday November 22nd:
Email: patrick@menagerie.uk.com
Conditions of Participation
You must be able to attend all sessions. If you cannot, please do not apply.
You must be aged 18 – 30, living in the East of England and identify yourself as a writer for the stage.
You must be willing to complete any and all preparatory work, including but not limited to: sharing your work with the group; familiarising yourself with the guest writers’ own work and their choices of text; reading work by fellow participants.
The Young Writers’ Workshop will be held in-person at Cambridge Junction. While we require all participants to attend in-person, we will not exclude anyone who, for medical reasons, is only able to attend virtually. Please indicate on your application if this is the case.
