The essential playwriting career guide, from the team behind acclaimed new writing theatre company Papatango. Writing a good play is only a small part of making it as a successful playwright; understanding the business side of building a career is just as crucial. Yet most advice for budding writers focuses only on the craft of playwriting, ignoring the practicalities of the industry - which makes it harder for those without connections or know-how to get their work on stage. Being a Playwright sets out, transparently and honestly, all the factors besides writing that playwrights need to know about to succeed. It includes advice on: How to get a script noticed; Which programming and commissioning opportunities to pursue; 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 prizes such as 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're 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.

About the Author
Chris Foxon is Executive Director of Papatango theatre company. He has developed and produced new plays at fringe and West End venues. These have won or been nominated for a range of awards, toured the UK, and transferred internationally. He has taught at the Royal Central School of Speech & Drama, as well as the Universities of York and Northampton. George Turvey is an actor and theatre director and, since 2013, the sole Artistic Director of Papatango, a theatre company he co-founded in 2007. He has directed new plays at venues including the Arcola Theatre, Theatr Clwyd, North Wall Arts Centre, Marlowe Theatre, Cheltenham Everyman and Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds, as well as for BBC Radio. As a dramaturg he has led the development of all of Papatango's productions, which have premiered worldwide and won Critics' Circle, OffWestEnd, Alfred Fagon and Royal National Theatre Foundation Awards. As an actor he has appeared on stage and screen throughout the UK and internationally, including the lead roles in the world premiere of Arthur Miller's No Villain and Batman Live World Arena Tour.

Reviews

'Very good and very practical... it all feels encouragingly rooted in real experience'

* Ink Pellet *

'Thorough is an understatement... there is much to learn about and ponder in this extremely well written and laid out volume'

* British Theatre Guide *

'An effective guide that could make a difference in someone's life... if you've ever wanted to be a playwright this book will give you the tools and hope you need'

* Broadway World *

'Accessible and informative... an essential tool kit to support the playwright at many stages of writing - highly recommended!'

* BritishTheatre.com *



Book Information
ISBN 9781848426917
Author Chris Foxon
Format Paperback
Page Count 224
Imprint Nick Hern Books
Publisher Nick Hern Books