Jana Navarria

"Having taken an unintentional hiatus from writing, being accepted into Accelerate was the perfect antidote. The programme was chock full of workshops, industry talks, outings to the theatre and meet-ups - all of which helped me to regain my confidence as a playwright. The support from the Box of Tricks team has also been nothing short of amazing. The generosity shown by Hannah and Adam in giving their time to each of us individually has been heartening. Without their commitment, I wouldn't have managed to get a single idea down on the page, let alone a full-length play! Most importantly, I've gained a new community of like-minded creatives through the programme and I'm excited to see where our work takes us in 2025."

Emma Nuttall

"When I first applied for Box of Tricks, I was really nervous. Transitioning to theatre mid-career hasn’t been easy, and imposter syndrome has been a constant companion. But being part of the Accelerate programme has introduced me to an amazing group of peers, and it’s been reassuring to see even the most talented among us share similar worries.

"The project I’ve been working on is the most ambitious and personal story I’ve ever tackled. Thanks to the supportive space Box of Tricks and the cohort created, this idea has really grown. Whether it ever makes it to the stage or not, just starting to write it has been an invaluable experience.

"The programme has been full of insights—learning from my peers, discovering new processes, and hearing from industry professionals about how projects like this take shape. It's definitely provided hope at a point industry is having a challenging time. But the real highlight has been the community. The group writing sessions have been brilliant, and I hope we keep them going and I’ll definitely be back to see the Box of Tricks team—for more advice and a cup of tea!"

Hannah Salt

"My play 'Crossings'  is about about what it takes to forge a family, and fearlessly face the opposite shores of life and death. Without Accelerate's commitment to me as a playwright over the past 9 months I highly doubt this year I'd have created the sacred space to write, and develop my idea from a short One-Act play, into a fully realised one.  Box of Tricks have allowed me to carve out time for new creative connections and revelations, to put myself first as a writer, and with the other brilliant Accelerate writers they have given me back my community!"

James Underwood

“Being part of Accelerate has been an amazing, inspiring and creatively affirming experience - probably the second best thing to happen to me all year after becoming a Dad! (Maya being the second baby born during Accelerate in October). I applied for the scheme on a bit of a whim just before the closing date (having seen the Stage article on a friend’s social media) more out of hope than expectation, so I was surprised and delighted to be accepted. That surprise swiftly gained an aspect of fear when reading about all the varied and impressive achievements of my course mates prior to our first meeting. I needn’t have worried, as you couldn’t have asked for a more supportive group or a more welcoming facilitators than the Box of Tricks team.

"This year I have experienced insightful industry talks, thought-provoking theatre trips, joyful Zoom writing sessions, but most importantly, gained wonderful new friends and become part of a new community of playwrights. Oh, and I almost finished a first draft of a new play. Not a bad 2024!”