Being a Playwright: A Career Guide for Writers

The essential playwriting career guide from the team behind acclaimed new writing theatre company Papatango, covering how to get a script noticed, pursue programming and commissioning opportunities, and approach agents, companies, and collaborators.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 20 September 2018
Publisher: Nick Hern Books

The essential playwriting career guide, from the team behind acclaimed new writing theatre company Papatango, is a comprehensive resource for aspiring playwrights looking to succeed in the competitive world of professional theatre. While writing a good play is undoubtedly a crucial aspect of becoming a successful playwright, it is equally important to understand the business side of building a career. Unfortunately, most advice for budding writers focuses solely on the craft of playwriting, neglecting the practicalities of the industry, which makes it challenging for those without connections or knowledge to get their work on stage.

Being a Playwright sets out to provide a transparent and honest account of all the factors beyond writing that playwrights need to know about to succeed. It offers valuable advice on how to get a script noticed, which programming and commissioning opportunities to pursue, and how to approach agents, companies, and collaborators. Drawing on Papatango's decade-long experience of discovering and launching successful new writers, who have gone on to win prestigious prizes such as the BAFTA, OffWestEnd, Royal National Theatre Foundation, and Alfred Fagon Awards, this straightforward and accessible book discusses the opportunities and pitfalls of life as a playwright. Whether you are an aspiring writer wondering how to break into the industry or a working playwright looking to land bigger commissions, this is your insider road map to navigating the world of professional theatre.

The book begins by exploring the importance of networking and building relationships within the industry. It emphasizes the need to attend events, join writing groups, and connect with other playwrights, producers, and directors. By building a strong network, playwrights can gain valuable insights, receive feedback on their work, and find opportunities to collaborate on new projects.

Next, the book delves into the process of getting a script noticed. It offers practical advice on how to write a compelling logline, how to pitch your script effectively, and how to navigate the submission process. Playwrights are encouraged to submit their work to reputable theatres, festivals, and competitions, and to be patient and persistent in pursuing opportunities.

The book also provides insights into the programming and commissioning opportunities available to playwrights. It discusses the different types of theatre companies and festivals, their programming preferences, and the criteria they use to select plays for production. Playwrights are encouraged to research the companies and festivals they are interested in and to tailor their submissions accordingly.

In addition to advice on the business side to side of building a career, the book also offers practical tips on how to approach agents, companies, and collaborators. It discusses the importance of building a professional reputation, how to negotiate contracts, and how to protect your intellectual property. Playwrights are encouraged to be confident in their work and to believe in their ability to succeed.

Throughout the book, real-life examples and anecdotes are provided to illustrate the points being made. These examples showcase the successes and challenges of playwrights who have navigated the industry and achieved success. They provide valuable insights and inspiration for aspiring playwrights looking to follow in their footsteps.

In conclusion, Being a Playwright's career guide is a must-read for aspiring playwrights looking to succeed in the competitive world of professional theatre. It provides a comprehensive and honest account of all the factors beyond writing that playwrights need to know about to succeed. By focusing on the business side of building a career, the book offers valuable advice on how to get a script noticed, which programming and commissioning opportunities to pursue, and how to approach agents, companies, and collaborators. Drawing on Papatango's decade-long experience of discovering and launching successful new writers, the book discusses the opportunities and pitfalls of life as a playwright and provides practical tips on how to navigate the industry. Whether you are an aspiring writer wondering how to break into the industry or a working playwright.

Weight: 322g
Dimension: 193 x 127 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781848426917