Writers’ Toolbox 2
“It’s been one of the best experiences of my writing career. A writing programme that actually has tangible results and outcomes.”
What is Writers’ Toolbox 2?
Writers’ Toolbox 2 is an incredible, accessible opportunity for female working-class writers! It is a six-month paid programme focusing on writing for stage and screen to be run by BAFTA winner, Mark Catley. Writers’ Toolbox 2 will support you to begin working on a new piece of writing as well as giving you the tools to secure funding to produce your own work. Writers’ Toolbox 2 will support writers who have distinctive voices and incredible stories to tell.
Why are we running Writers’ Toolbox 2?
It is the second time we have run this programme, imagine if’s founder and Artistic Director, Chesca Joy, who sadly died in May 2024 devised and implemented the original project. Chesca was committed to supporting the most vulnerable people in society and she helped to change people’s lives through the arts by telling the stories of some of society’s most disadvantaged and underrepresented communities. As a working-class woman and lead artist at imagine if, who struggled to find a foothold in the theatre industry, Chesca felt passionately that she wanted to create an opportunity to support working-class female-identifying writers. We are delighted to continue her amazing legacy through Writers’ Toolbox 2.
What does Writers’ Toolbox 2 include?
– A 2-hour in person writing or funding workshop every 2 weeks over a six-month period in Leeds
– An opportunity to meet and connect with industry professionals
– A private sharing of your work to industry professionals (and family and friends)
– Follow up mentoring
– Annual meetups for the group to encourage on-going support and development
– Safe and friendly environment to try out your ideas
– The national living wage paid to you to attend each workshop
– Reasonable travel costs covered (in Leeds)
– Reasonable childcare costs covered during workshop times
Criteria to apply:
– Identify as female and working-class
– Aged 18 or over
– Unique voices with stories to tell
– Able to attend each workshop in Leeds
– Able to act on feedback from peers and the course leader
– Commitment to complete homework tasks between workshop sessions
We particularly encourage applications from women who have lived experience of the care system or criminal justice system
How to apply:
Please send the following to admin@imagineiftheatre.co.uk by midnight on
Friday 7 March 2025:
– A 10-page extract of your writing
– Up to 300 words on why you want to take part on the programme
– Up to 300 words on what you will bring to the programme
Informal Interviews W/C 31 March 2025
Further info:
Writers’ Toolbox 2 will run every second week on a Thursday evening from 18:15-20:30 which includes a 15- minute break.
Workshops will run from 24 April – 25 September 2025 with the pitch event on 16 October 2025
Location – the workshops will be held at The Mill School of Performance, 96 Kirkstall Rd, Kirkstall, Leeds LS3 1HD
If you have any further questions about the programme, please email admin@imagineftheatre.co.uk with ‘Writers’ Toolbox 2’ in the subject field
We are very grateful to our funders – Leeds City Council – Leeds Inspired, Leeds Community Foundation – Flint Family Fund and The Grocers’ Charity