Jerwood Foundation has awarded a grant of £40,000 over two years to Pentabus; a professional rural touring theatre company based in South Shropshire. This support and partnership will allow the continuation of their sector leading Writer in Residence Programme which recruits emerging playwrights to spend a year with the company and launch them into the industry.
In recognition of Jerwood's support, the award will be renamed the Jerwood Writer in Residence. The recipients will be supported to write at least one new full length play or piece of theatre whilst learning about how a professional theatre company works.
Lara Wardle, Executive Director and Trustee, Jerwood Foundation said;
I am delighted that Jerwood Foundation is supporting Pentabus, a leading rural theatre company, with a two-year £40,000 total grant to enable their important Writer in Residence programme, which will provide playwrights critical writing opportunities in the early stages of their careers.
Previous Writers in Residence Laura Waldren (2023) Commenting on the announcement, said;
My year with Pentabus was truly transformative. The grant allowed me the time and space to write without the constant pressure of worrying about money, and the team offered not only superb artistic support, but also incredibly valuable practical career support. These kinds of opportunities are essential for early career writers, and I feel very privileged to have had the chance to spend a year working with such a brilliant team.
Since this award has been established it has enabled a series of writers to receive a career defining opportunity to launch their careers as playwrights with the support, skills and knowledge of the Pentabus team guiding them throughout the year.
For further information, please visit https://pentabus.co.uk/artists/jf-writer-residence-applications
June 24, 2024
