A scratch evening of original work from North East scriptwriters, getting brand new scripts on their feet and performed to an audience for the very first time.

Directed by Annabel Lunney and performed by a cast of professional actors, the scratch night offers a supportive space for writers to experiment, test ideas and gain valuable feedback to inform the next steps in their plays’ development. Join us in supporting and celebrating the next generation of local scriptwriters and be the first to see their latest ideas brought to life. Want to get involved?

Get involved:

Calling all budding playwrights in Aberdeen and Shire! Have you got a first draft play up your sleeve that’s crying out to be seen by an audience? Or maybe you have the first few pages of an exciting new play idea that is ready to be unpicked in the rehearsal room? First Footings is for you!

Part of WayWORD Festival 2025, First Footings is a scratch evening of original work from North East scriptwriters, getting brand new scripts on their feet and performed to an audience for the very first time. The project offers 4 local writers the opportunity to develop an existing script extract for the stage with dramaturgical support, rehearsals with professional actors, photography and audience feedback. With a view to future development, it serves as a stepping stone in getting 4 local new plays closer to production.

FIRST FOOTINGS: Scratch @ The Blue Lamp

Sunday 5th October, 7:30pm

The Blue Lamp, 121 Gallowgate, Aberdeen AB25 1BU

REHEARSAL SLOTS WITH WRITERS

Sunday 5th October, slot times will be allocated nearer after submissions have closed

Room TBC, Macrobert Building, University of Aberdeen, AB24 5UA

We are looking for writers with original play ideas that they want to develop further and a 10-15 minute extract from that play to workshop in rehearsals and onstage. You might be at the very start of your writing journey or have a few performances under your belt, this project is open to anyone with an idea! The extract can involve up to three performers and if selected, is welcome to be developed after the application deadline. We are just looking for a first draft at this stage. 

Directed by Annabel Lunney and performed script-in-hand by a cast of professional actors, the scratch night offers a supportive space for writers to experiment, test ideas and gain valuable feedback to inform the next steps in their plays’ development. If selected, each writer will get:

• Dramaturgical notes on the script either before or after the sharing
• One informal chat with Annabel to plan for rehearsals or offer feedback
• One rehearsal session with professional actors and director
• Professional photography and audience feedback on the night

Writers should be: 

• Based in or have a connection to Aberdeen or Aberdeenshire
• An emerging/early-career writer that has not had a play published before
• Submitting a play that has not been publicly performed before
• Available for the scratch night itself and a rehearsal slot earlier the same day of up to 90 minutes, both on Sunday 5th October

This is a paid opportunity. We are offering writers a fee of £80 to equate to one half-day of engagement. Travel expenses can be covered for anyone travelling over 25 miles.

To apply, please complete the online application form by 5pm on 29th August. We cannot guarantee that applications submitted after this time will be accepted. 

Successful writers will be selected by the WayWORD panel based on the strength of their idea and writing submission, and what they will gain from being part of the project. All applicants will be notified of the outcome on or before 5th September.  

If you have any questions or issues using this form, please contact WayWORD

Submit your application here:

ANNABEL LUNNEY:

Her producing and facilitation practice focuses on stories and artists from outwith the central belt, and how opportunity can be distributed more widely across Scotland.

Annabel currently produces with Wonder Fools and Light the Blue Festival, and is an associate artist with Ten Feet Tall. Her recent work includes Assistant Producer with Dogstar Theatre Company, and freelance projects with Traverse Theatre, Aberdeen Performing Arts, Eden Court, V&A Dundee, Scottish Youth Theatre, WayWORD Festival, Ten Feet Tall and We Care Aberdeenshire.