Bursary Scheme for Playwrights and Directors

c21 and Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council are delighted to announce the awardees of their 2023-2024 Early Career Playwright and Director Bursary Scheme.

The successful creatives, all from the local borough, are Writers, Johanna Gallagher and Colm McCready, and Directors, Seón Simpson and Daryl Blair.

The programme kicked off on Saturday 16th December at Theatre of the Mill with a meeting of the full team, followed by an intensive writer toolbox weekend.

Over the next four months, under the mentorship of Dramaturg, Hanna Slattne and Director, Stephen Kelly, writers will take part in a four-month development process that includes skills-based workshops, 1-2-1 tutorials, guest playwright seminars, research and development and a rehearsal period. Directors will come on board from February 2024, to develop knowledge in directing new writing, the relationship between Dramaturg and Director and directing a professional creative and technical team. The process will culminate in a public showcase of two newly written plays in April 2024.

The scheme is jointly funded by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland through its National Lottery funds and Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council.