New Views is the National Theatre’s annual playwriting programme for 15-19-year-olds
Each year hundreds of students from across the UK and beyond learn about playwriting from some of the finest writers in the business and write their own short plays, with one play chosen to be staged at the NT with a professional cast. Applications for New Views 2014/15 (September 2014 – July 2015) are now open.
How New Views works
WORK WITH THE PROFESSIONALS
Students follow our specially created online course for school-based writing groups; see NT productions − in London or in local cinemas via NT Live − and take part in workshops with professional writers (October 2014 – March 2015).
WRITE
Students write half-hour plays about the real-life issues that matter to them (December 2014 − April 2015), stage readings of their work in school and have a chance to see their play produced by the National Theatre with a professional cast (July 2015).
TRAIN
Teachers visit the NT for training and support to establish and lead thriving extra-curricular writing groups in school or college (September 2014). We encourage participating schools to combine New Views with the Gold Arts Award and we offer Gold Award Adviser training as part of the package (September 2014). There’s also the chance to submit your play to the NT and receive feedback from the Literary Department.
Who can take part?
- New Views will work with approximately 80 schools and colleges from around the UK and worldwide
- Any school can apply to take part in the programme*
- Each school will establish a student group of 5−10 students − but talk to us if you're not sure if you'll be able to get as many as that or if you have more students keen to take part
- The programme is aimed at Yrs11−13 although younger students may take part at the discretion of individual schools
Cost: £300 (This year we will offer a number of bursaries providing a 50%, 75%, and in exceptional circumstances, 100% reduction of the application fee; please email newviews@nationaltheatre.org.uk to find out more).
*We ask that independent schools wishing to take part in the programme sponsor a state school to take part alongside them. If you are applying to take part on behalf of an independent school, please email newviews@nationaltheatre.org.uk for more information.
What will students gain from the New Views programme?
Through taking part in the New Views programme students will have a unique and exciting opportunity to:
- Explore their talent, sharpen their approach to research, as well as their ability to develop and articulate ideas on key ethical questions and dilemmas
- Develop a sense of connection to the arts, a lifelong enthusiasm for theatre and an understanding of the power of theatre to engage audiences in serious debate
- Develop their transferable skills for employment and further study including self-management; team working; communication; application of literacy; problem solving; independence and critical engagement with subject material