There’s been a lot of doom and gloom as we ring in 2022. Hope increasingly feels like a four-letter word with the world of theatre fighting for its life. But here at Box of Tricks, we’re determined to find some light and shake things up.
So this year, we’re ditching the new year’s resolutions (who needs punitive this year!?!) and opting for our New Year Revolutions – 10 ways we’ll be kickstarting change and shaking things up.
After all, new year, new plays…
1. PlayBox Takeover 2022
Later this month, join us for a weekend of new plays from our PlayBoxers. Championing four early-career North West playwrights, our PlayBox Takeover will showcase four new plays written during their year-long attachment.
29-30 January, HOME Manchester, £5 each reading (double-bill for £8, all 4 for £15)
2. Creative Wellbeing in Theatre
Join us for a group discussion about how we navigate the myriad challenges of being a freelance theatremaker and prioritise wellbeing when your industry is on fire.
Saturday 29 January 11am, HOME Manchester, FREE
3. Creative Sparks Mixer
Speed dating meets changemaking, the Creative Sparks Mixer will offer theatremakers of every discipline the opportunity to spark conversations and collaborations.
Sunday 30 January 10:30am, HOME Manchester, FREE
4. Screen/Play Sharings
Uncovering electrifying new stories that spark the imagination, the Screen/Play Award shines a light on underrepresented Northern writers. In partnership with Sky Studios, our award-winning writers will showcase the new plays they have developed over the last twelve months.
Saturday 5 February, HOME Manchester, £5 each reading
5. Representation in Theatre
Representation matters. Shining a light on voices that need to be heard and stories that need to be told, the Screen/Play Award offers pathways into TV and theatre. Assembling a panel of theatremakers, join us for a discussion on how we drive positive change in challenging times.
Saturday 5 February 2pm, HOME Manchester, FREE
6. PlayMakers: Masterclasses
Check out our upcoming season of Masterclasses. Kicking off with Finding Inspiration from Siân Owen – who recently wrote new additional material for Under Milk Wood starring Michael Sheen at National Theatre – will be reignite your imagination.
Wednesday 26 January 6pm, Zoom, PWYD (from £1)
7. New Tour
Following the outbreak of Covid-19 back in March 2020, we’re approaching a hiatus of two years since our last full in-person production. We’re beyond excited to be announcing a new tour with an incredible cast next week – watch this space!
End of February onwards
8. 15th Birthday Appeal
Reaching the milestone of 15 years, we’re raising £15,000 to pass on to PlayMakers for Time to Write and Time to Create.
Be the change you want to see and donate today >>> http://bit.ly/15BirthdayAppeal
9. Pen Pals
We launch Cohort 4 of our popular Pen Pals playwright exchange programme – matching 48 PlayMakers across the North since its inception in 2020 – to inspire new plays developed with support from your pen pal and Box of Tricks.
February onwards
10. PlayMakers Coffee Morning
A chance for local PlayMakers to meet the Box of Tricks team over a coffee for an informal chat about playwriting in the North.
February 2022