CRITERION New Writing is a ground-breaking education program offered by The Criterion Theatre Trust – a series of script development workshops taking place on stage at the Cri. It is free to apply and take part. The workshops are led by Greg Mosse.

Our Mission

For a new playwright, the stages of professional theatres seem incredibly distant. For new actors, the environment is exciting – but also daunting.The stage of the Criterion Theatre in the heart of London's West End is the perfect arena in which to break down those barriers and create new opportunities for new creative voices.

Yours could be one of those voices ...

How does a playwright learn to write for a West End stage? How does an actor prepare for the challenge of performing in a magnificent ‘traditional’ theatre? Join the CRITERION New Writingprogram and find out.

The workshops are led by Greg Mosse, an immensely experienced writer, teacher, editor and script consultant.

There are six workshops in each sequence. In workshops 1 and 2, Greg will help each playwright to develop their individual understanding of narrative structure so that they get the most out of the dramatic situation they are writing about. In workshop 3, the playwrights will meet actors for the first time who will perform their speeches from the stage. In weeks 4, 5 and 6, a group of actors will take part, reading aloud the brand-new scenes.

The playwrights will actually see and hear their scripts come to life.

Applications for 2020 are CLOSED.

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Applications for CRITERION New Writing 2020 are closed as of 1 November 2019.

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Applications for CRITERION New Writing 2021 will open on 1 September 2020. It is FREE to apply and take part.

 

If, after 1 September 2020, you wish to apply, please send a single document titled with your name including:

 

- a writing CV, including two referees

- a short statement of 200-250 words explaining why you would like to take part

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by email to gregmosse@gmail.com.

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There will be 3 sets of 6 workshops. Each will welcome 6 writers to the stage of the Criterion Theatre, Piccadilly, for a sequence of highly-focused script development sessions, from 12h00 to 14h30 on this calendar:

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CNW 20 - Winter 2021 - January to March

CNW 21 - Spring 2021 - April to June

CNW 22 - Summer 2021 - July to September

 

Actors will be present to read the brand new monologues and scenes on stage in weeks 3, 4, 5 and 6.

 

Now and then we will welcome industry guests - directors, producers, other writing development professionals and so on.

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(Travel expenses of up to £20 per session will be available on presentation of receipts.)