As part of its commitment to supporting as many people as possible to take part in theatre, Sherman Theatre is hosting a free, weekly writing programme this Autumn, offering expert advice and training on a broad syllabus including character creation, re-drafting and structure, how commissioning works and alternative ways to get work made.
Taught by the Sherman’s in-house Literary Department, which is funded by the Arts Council of Wales and Bad Wolf, and delivered across eight evening sessions (online and in person) between September and November 2025, Hone Your Craft is aimed at Welsh or Wales-based writers who wish to be or consider themselves to be playwrights. It is designed to upskill and inform writers from their initial idea to opening night.
The course will be delivered in English but open to writers who write in any language. It will be free to attend but places are limited. Writers are asked to apply for their place on the Sherman Theatre’s website at www.shermantheatre.co.uk/theatre-makers/ by Friday 5 September 2025.
Announcing the programme, Sherman Theatre’s Literary Manager Davina Moss said: “Learning is a lifelong part of being a writer, so we’re thrilled to be offering the playwrights of Wales this unique opportunity; all the more so because it’s in-house, open access, and free.
“We know that there are amazing stories out there and we’re committed to providing Welsh and Wales-based writers the tools to tell those stories with rigour and flair. I urge all writers hungry to improve their skills to apply now.”
Sherman Theatre’s Chief Executive Julia Barry said: “Our focus on the development and production of new writing and on nurturing Welsh and Wales-based artists is what makes us the engine room of Welsh theatre. This opportunity is one of many we offer to writers at all stages of their career, and as always it’s exciting to imagine who might take part and what skills they may gain or improve.”
Hone Your Craft follows on from Sherman Theatre’s EXPLORE and EXPAND programmes; focusing on playwriting tools, but also taking a deeper dive into skills such as structure and dramaturgical rigour. More than 200 writers have gained skills and experience through the company’s writer development programmes over the past three years, several of whom have gone on to receive commissions from the company.
Writer Edward Lee said: “I signed up as a writer to three EXPAND courses; All Writing is Rewriting, Audience is the Heart of Process, and Form and Structure, and it was a treat to return to the Sherman Theatre week after week.
“Focusing on specific facets of writing through guidance from experienced professionals gave me the kickstart I needed to get back into writing, and with writing so often seen as an isolating act, the opportunity to connect with fellow writers each week while expanding my skillset proved affirming and empowering.”
Sherman Theatre welcomes unsolicited scripts from writers too – more information on the company’s Send Us Your Script service can be found at www.shermantheatre.co.uk/programme/send-us-your-script.
And Sherman’s Pit Stop sessions offer writers an opportunity to meet the literary department for support or advice, or even just a general chat. Full details on the pit stops can be found at www.shermantheatre.co.uk/programme/pit-stop.