Our Emerging Writers’ Group (EWG) is entering its ninth year.
The EWG is an opportunity for the Bush to develop relationships with new playwrights who are at early stages in their careers.
Our aim is to support writers over a sustained period of time and help encourage work on a new full length play. The programme is an amazing way of bringing important new voices into UK theatre.
At the Bush we are committed to making our talent development programmes accessible and opening our doors to new writers.
You can meet this year’s cohort of writers here.
Staged by Jerwood
Staged by Jerwood is a new programme funded by Jerwood Arts. It will see four plays written by EWG members past and present commissioned and staged at the Bush across 2 years.
Jerwood Arts is an independent funder that supports early-career artists, makers, curators and producers in the UK. The grants are provided from its Developing Artists Fund.
Previous commissions: As We Face The Sun by Kit Withington
Up next: Shifters by Benedict Lombe
“Work with the community along with talent development are central to everything we do at the Bush Theatre, and it is important that this work is braided together with what we present on the Bush’s main stage.
We are delighted that the first play supported by Jerwood Arts will see talent development with our community viewed and resourced in the same way as all our main-stage work.”
Lynette Linton, Artistic Director
Support our talent development
The Emerging Writers Group (EWG) is a really important part of the Bush’s talent development.
The EWG is the kind of vital work which wouldn’t be possible to achieve without the generous donations of our supporters.
By supporting the Bush, your vital donation makes a real difference to our work. Join as a member today to support the EWG.
“The Bush are my theatre family. I submitted a script during their open calls for script submissions, and they invited me to join their Emerging Writers’ Group. This was an investment, in every sense of the word. From giving me the space to experiment and develop my craft – straight through to programming the world premiere of my debut play on their main stage. If you think it’s just another scheme, think again. And then send in your play – they really are rooting for you.”
Benedict Lombe, EWG alumni