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Younger Ten: Writing the Ten-Minute Play

Allen Parker

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The Younger Ten is a group of ten young playwrights who have been commissioned to write ten-minute plays for the National Theatre. The plays will be performed in a series of readings at the National Theatre in London in 2023.

A Younger Ten: Writing the Ten-Minute Play

by Gary Garrison

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	128 pages

The Younger Ten are all under the age of 30 and have a wide range of experience in writing for the theatre. Some have had their plays performed at major theatres across the UK, while others are just starting out in their careers. However, they all share a passion for writing for the stage and a desire to reach new audiences with their work.

In this article, the Younger Ten discuss their experiences of writing for the theatre and offer advice to other young writers. They talk about the challenges and rewards of writing short plays, the importance of finding your own voice, and the value of collaboration.

The challenges of writing short plays

One of the biggest challenges of writing short plays is the time constraint. With only ten minutes to tell your story, you need to be very economical with your writing. Every word and every moment on stage needs to count.

Another challenge is that short plays often have to be more concise than longer plays. This means that you need to be very clear about your story and your characters from the outset. You also need to be able to develop your story and characters quickly and efficiently.

The rewards of writing short plays

Despite the challenges, writing short plays can also be very rewarding. Short plays are a great way to experiment with different forms and styles of writing. They can also be a great way to develop your skills as a writer.

Short plays are also a great way to reach new audiences with your work. Short plays are often performed in festivals and other events that are open to the public. This means that you can reach people who might not otherwise be interested in going to the theatre.

Finding your own voice

One of the most important things for any writer is to find their own voice. This is your unique way of seeing the world and expressing yourself through your writing. Your voice will come through in the way you write your characters, the stories you tell, and the language you use.

Finding your voice takes time and practice. It's something that you will develop over time as you write more and more. But it's important to be patient and to keep experimenting until you find your own unique way of writing.

The value of collaboration

Collaboration can be a great way to develop your writing skills and to learn from others. Working with other writers can help you to see your work from a different perspective and to get feedback on your writing.

There are many different ways to collaborate with other writers. You can join a writing group, work with a mentor, or simply get feedback from friends and family. No matter how you choose to collaborate, it can be a valuable experience that can help you to grow as a writer.

Advice for young writers

If you're a young writer who is interested in writing for the theatre, here are a few pieces of advice:

Read as many plays as you can. This will help you to understand the different ways that plays are written and to develop your own style.
Write as much as you can. The more you write, the better you will become at it. Don't be afraid to experiment with different forms and styles of writing.
Find your own voice. This is your unique way of seeing the world and expressing yourself through your writing. Don't try to copy other writers. Be yourself.
Collaborate with other writers. Working with other writers can help you to develop your writing skills and to learn from others.
Don't give up. Writing is a tough business, but it's also very rewarding. If you have a passion for writing, then don't give up. Keep writing and keep learning. You will eventually achieve your goals.

The Younger Ten are a group of talented young playwrights who are making their mark on the theatre world. Their ten-minute plays are a testament to their skill and their passion for writing for the stage. If you're a young writer who is interested in writing for the theatre, then I encourage you to read their work and to learn from their experiences. I believe that they have a lot to offer the theatre community and that they will continue to make a significant contribution to the art form.

A Younger Ten: Writing the Ten-Minute Play

by Gary Garrison

4.5 out of 5