The Script’s The Thing FAQs
What is the Festival?
The Script’s The Thing! is a writer-led festival of scriptwriting. Writers for stage, film, radio, family shows, puppetry, outdoor performance … (anything that involves character/dialogue/plot/action!), present 15 minutes of script. This might be a story complete in itself, or an extract from a longer piece. Writers choose to present this work however they wish: script in-hand or with actors, a musician, a few props, bits of costume! The emphasis is on putting the script centre-stage! Note there are limited technical facilities available. We want scripts that will excite, delight and thrill – it doesn’t need to be polished. We believe everything is built on a GREAT script, so this could be about trying out new ideas, helping you to take those first few steps, or an opportunity to put a more polished piece in front of a new audience. There are a number of performance spaces in the Corn Exchange building – and there will also be workshops and talks during the day, so it’s going to be busy! The whole event is FREE too! And there’s a celebratory party in the evening with live music that’s FREE to everyone involved during the day!
Where did the idea for the Festival come from?
The idea for a Festival came from Ed Viney and Dorset Scriptwriters, a group of writers across Dorset who meet monthly to network, read scripts, and support each other’s work. The group links with other writing initiatives across the region to share news and opportunities, and champion new work. Ed approached Mark Tattersall at Dorchester Arts about a takeover of the Corn Exchange building, then Ed and Mark took the idea to the Arts Development Company who were impressed with the idea and agreed to seed fund the first iteration.
What does it mean to produce the script myself?
It means you are responsible for presenting the work in your fifteen minutes. You could involve others with your work, have a few rehearsals or simply turn up yourself on the day and read script in-hand. You can bring things (please talk to us about this in advance!) or describe settings, stage directions and tricky parts to help an audience ‘see’ it. We appreciate putting scripts out there can be daunting but, as writers ourselves, there can be great benefit in getting up and performing work yourself in a supportive, joyful atmosphere. We’ll be running in person workshops and meetings on zoom to help you with ideas if you’ve never done anything like this before.
I’d love to submit a script. What do I do?
You can submit your script by filling in the questionnaire and uploading your script – click here to access the submissions page. Please make sure your script is formatted clearly and include page number. Only send us the portion of script you intend to present. We will allocate you a performance space and time in due course.
Do I need to have a connection to Dorset to submit a script?
Yes – you need to be connected to Dorset in some way. You may live/work here, have grown up here, or your work may draw on themes specific but not limited to Dorset. We will consider connections with Wessex (the wider area incorporating Somerset, Hampshire and Wiltshire), Devon and the South West.
How do I know how long fifteen minutes of script is?
For a stage play, 900-1,000 words is approx. 6 mins playing time. The best thing to do is to the read work aloud. If you’re reading out stage directions or settings, then 130 words is about a minute. It’s all about your choice of words to tell your story! Make sure you’ve given yourself time to review your script before submitting and definitely run through the timing of the piece before Saturday 28th October. We’ll need to be pretty strict with timings on the day because there are so many performances happening, and we need to keep to a schedule.
Why do I need to categorise my script and genre?
Identifying your script helps the audience to navigate their way through the Festival and gives them some idea as to what to expect. The Festival will also be attended by venues, programmers, and other creatives, who may want to see particular work so this will help them.
When’s the deadline?
The deadline for making a submission is Friday 22nd September. This is so we can put together the final programme including all script performances, talks and workshops, and release it on Monday 2nd October.
Can I still make changes to my script after I have submitted it?
Absolutely – yes, this is a writers’ Festival so you can make changes whenever you like! Submitting the script to us by Friday 22nd September is just so we can get an idea of how best to programme the day and allocate a good space for you.
When will I hear whether I have been successful?
It is our aim to include every script in this festival. Obviously, we do have a finite number of slots on the day and also plan to run workshop and talks. We will be in contact with you very soon after you make your submission, and the finalised programme will be released on Monday 2nd October.
How much does it cost?
The entire Festival is free. You do not receive any fees for participating, and you do not pay any fees. We are holding a party in the evening with live music for which you will receive a free ticket – it is also an excellent way to continue conversations started throughout the day and to party!
What is the Writers’ Hub?
As a participant at the Festival, you will have access to the Writers’ Hub all day. This is a space where you can meet other writers and discuss work you’ve seen. We will also be programming talks and workshops about the craft of scriptwriting, with provocations such as ‘What is a Script Anyway?’ and ‘Making the Audience Care’. Various organisations from across Dorset will also have representatives at the Hub, including Lighthouse Poole, Activate, ArtsReach, Marine Theatre Lyme Regis, Mowlem Theatre, Tivoli, and AUB. The BBC Writers’ Room will also be there to answer any questions and representatives from audio and production companies. For a full list of current attendees please contact: scripts@dorchesterarts.org.uk.
How could I get feedback on my script?
Each performance space will have a stage manager/host who will help to ensure the smooth running for that space and facilitate an informal mingle, so you’ll have time to talk further about your work and continue conversations with others throughout the day. Festival-goers will also be able to scan a QR code and submit feedback electronically. There will be good old-fashioned pen and paper available too!
What if I want to invite others to come and see my script?
You are very welcome to invite any industry professionals, creatives, Mums, Dads, Grannies, neighbours etc. to come and see your work! The more the merrier! This event is designed for just that and we want to reach as wider an audience as possible to tell them THE SCRIPT’S THE THING!
I still have a question. What should I do?
Please get in touch: scripts@dorchesterarts.org.uk.
