
Scratch That!
The Next Voices in Theatre
Delivered by Legacy Centre of Excellence and supported by Birmingham Rep, this six-month talent accelerator is designed for writers who are ready to build on the progress they've already made and take the next step in their creative practice.
Working with a cohort of just seven writers, the programme combines creative development, dramaturgical support, industry insight and professional experiences to help participants strengthen new or existing work and move it closer to production, presentation or further development.
Across six months, participants will work alongside experienced theatre practitioners, receive creative challenge and dramaturgical support, gain behind-the-scenes access to Birmingham Rep, connect with guest artists and industry professionals, and take part in a rehearsed reading with professional actors and a director.
The programme is aimed at writers who have already engaged in workshops, commissions, scratch performances, residencies or other development opportunities and are looking to sharpen their craft, expand their networks and position themselves for the next stage of their writing career.
What You'll Gain
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£1,500 bursary, paid in three stages against agreed milestones
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Monthly in-person development sessions
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Dramaturgical support from an experienced Creative Mentor
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Workshops with guest artists and industry professionals
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Two complimentary tickets to Birmingham Rep productions
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Behind-the-scenes access at Birmingham Rep
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Access to Chains and insight into the creative process behind the production
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A rehearsed reading of your work with professional actors and a director
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Connections with artists, producers and theatre professionals
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A clearer progression plan for the next stage of your writing career
Who Is This Programme For?
We're looking for writers who have already begun developing their practice and are ready to move to the next level.
You might be right for this programme if you:
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Have previously taken part in a writing programme, commission, residency, scratch night, writers' group or similar development opportunity.
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Have shared or tested your work in some way.
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Have a script, concept or idea that you want to develop further.
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Are committed to developing your practice over six months.
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Are available to attend monthly Wednesday sessions in Birmingham.
Priority will be given to:
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Black and Global Majority writers
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Women writers
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Writers based in the West Midlands
What We Ask From You
Successful applicants will be expected to:
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Attend the programme launch on Wednesday 5 August 2026.
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Attend monthly Wednesday development sessions from August 2026 to February 2027 (remaining dates confirmed following recruitment).
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Actively develop work between sessions.
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Engage with dramaturgical support and peer feedback.
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Participate in Birmingham Rep visits and industry activity.
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Take part in the final rehearsed reading.
Key
dates
Friday 3 July 2026
Applications open
Monday 13 July 2026
Online information session
Friday 24 July 2026
Applications close
Monday 27 July 2026
Shortlisting
Friday 31 July 2026
Successful applicants notified
Wednesday 5 August 2026
Programme launch and induction
Aug 2026 – Feb 2027
Monthly Wednesday sessions (dates TBC)
February 2027
Industry-facing rehearsed reading
Access and Support
We are committed to making this programme as accessible as possible and encourage applications from writers with a range of lived experiences.
If you have any questions about the programme or would like to discuss any access requirements before applying,
please contact:
Charlene Carter-James Director of Arts & Cultural Strategy
Email: Charlene.carter-james@legacycoe.co.uk
We welcome conversations in advance of the application deadline and will work with applicants wherever possible to remove barriers to participation.
Please Note
Places are limited and the programme is expected to be highly competitive.
Only 7 will be selected to take part in the 2026 cohort.