Liverpool’s Royal Court has announced three new talent development programmes for 2027, offering aspiring writers and actors across the Liverpool City Region opportunities to develop their skills and take the next steps in their careers.
The new programmes, Stage Write, Stage Ready and Stage Craft, aim to nurture the next generation of comedy writers and performing talent, with opportunities for both emerging and established creatives.
The announcement builds on Liverpool’s Royal Court’s longstanding commitment to supporting local talent and follows the success of the BBC Comedy Festival, which was hosted at the theatre in spring 2026.
Stage Write – developing Liverpool’s next comedy writers
Stage Write Playwright Development is a free programme designed to help aspiring writers develop their first full-length theatre script.
Over the past seven years, Liverpool’s Royal Court has welcomed more than 140 writers through its playwright development programme, helping local creatives develop their writing skills and pursue opportunities in theatre, television and film.
For 2027, the programme will introduce a special focus on comedy, drawing on the theatre’s two decades of experience producing popular comedy shows.
Participants will work towards completing a full-length comedy play, with sessions, reading materials and guest speakers specifically tailored to theatre comedy writing.
The programme will also explore comedy writing for television and radio, providing participants with a broader understanding of the industry.
Applications for the Stage Write Playwright Development Programme Comedy Special are open until 23 November 2026.
Applicants must complete an application form and submit a 10-page sample of comedy writing.
Applications can be submitted at Liverpool’s Royal Court website.
Stage Ready – acting opportunities for young performers
Alongside Stage Write, Liverpool’s Royal Court is introducing Stage Ready, a free intensive training programme aimed at actors aged 18 to 25.
The programme will give young performers the opportunity to strengthen their acting abilities through practical workshops and rehearsals, culminating in a showcase performance.
Training will cover essential acting techniques, including breath control, text analysis and sense memory, helping participants develop confidence and practical performance skills.
Stage Ready aims to provide young actors across the Liverpool City Region with valuable experience and professional development opportunities.
Stage Craft – professional development for actors
The third programme, Stage Craft, will offer a range of courses for actors at different stages of their careers.
Designed for both emerging performers and experienced professionals, the courses will provide continuing professional development opportunities to help actors refine their skills and expand their knowledge.
The initiative reflects Liverpool’s Royal Court’s commitment to supporting performers throughout their careers, from those taking their first steps into the industry to established actors seeking further training.
Liverpool’s Royal Court celebrates eight years of supporting writers
Jess Bolger, Head of Programming at Liverpool’s Royal Court, said:
“This is the 8th year of running the Stage Write Playwright Development Programme, we’ve met some talented writers over the years, many of whom have gone on to write for stage, TV and Film.
“Most of the shows we produce are comedies and so it’s such a great opportunity and an honour to work with BBC Comedy to make this, the first Comedy Special Stage Write Playwright Development Programme and develop Comedy scripts.”
The three programmes represent another investment in Liverpool’s creative community, helping aspiring writers and actors gain the training, experience and opportunities needed to progress within the performing arts industry.
For more information about Stage Write and to apply before the deadline, visit the website.
