Last week, 1st year, Level 2 and 3 Performing Arts students participated in in a 2-hour creative workshop with professional playwright, Martin Murphy, which was part of RuTC's involvement in the New Views playwriting programme run by the National Theatre. This is a yearlong programme for students, where each school or college is paired with a professional playwright who supports them in writing their own original 30-minute play which then get entered into a nationwide competition.
RuTC has participated in the New Views programme for the past two years and has previously achieved great success. In 2021 student, Loresa Leka, came runner up in the competition and had her play, 'Teapot Troubles', performed at a rehearsed reading at the National Theatre and then turned into a radio play performed by professional actors. A fantastic achievement for the young writer and actress!
In the initial workshop with Martin, students learned about his work and experience in the performing industry, they then joined in with a variety of exercises and writing practices. They were also able to ask him questions and advice to help aid their playwriting. Martin will be coming back to coach the students 1-1 for the competition, before their plays get sent to a panel of professional playwrights for judging.
Feedback from our students concluded that the workshop went very well, one remarked that, “It was a very informative experience which enhanced our learning and gave us different channels to think about for our writing. Martin showed us how important details are and broadened our horizons about how to approach our writing task for the New Views competition.”
Tutor, Jane Swift, who organised the workshop commented,
“Students need to be entrepreneurial, which is why we expose them to different avenues within the industry, not just acting. This competition allows students a voice and to write about anything they want from the world they live in.”
Good luck to all of the students involved!
Learn more about our Performing Arts courses and how to apply for 2024 here.
