Being a Playwright:
A Career Guide For Writers

'Chris Foxon and George Turvey – aka Papatango – are a phenomenon for playwriting good. Being a Playwright is packed with inside information that will kick-start your writing life. Written with insight and chock-full of useful advice, this will be a bible for playwrights.'
Steve Waters
Playwright and Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing at the University of East Anglia​

Papatango’s guide to playwriting, and how to navigate the new writing industry.

Writing a good play is only the first step towards becoming a successful playwright; it is just as crucial to understand all the practical and business elements of building your career. Being a Playwright transparently and honestly sets out everything you need to know, including clear and constructive advice on:

  • Starting out, including training options and gaining practical experience
  • Finding a playwriting model that works for you
  • Getting your script noticed and connecting with industry decision-makers
  • Developing a production-ready draft through redrafting and R&D
  • Pursuing programming, commissioning and funding opportunities
  • Approaching and working with agents and publishers
  • Securing the best possible deal with producers
  • Working with collaborators throughout the rehearsal process and previews
  • Capitalising on a production, assessing its success and planning new projects

Drawing on Papatango’s superlative track record of discovering and launching new writers – including BAFTA, OffWestEnd, Royal National Theatre Foundation and Alfred Fagon Award winners, many of whom have premiered worldwide as well as in the West End – and featuring tips from a host of industry insiders, this encouraging and accessible guide explores 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 move up to the next level, this is your road map for navigating the world of professional theatre.

Pick up a copy HERE.

'This enlightening book, full of pragmatic information, is an excellent tool for playwrights navigating today’s industry.'
Indhu Rubasingham
Artistic Director of Kiln Theatre, London​

 

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