Traverse Digital Writers Group

Traverse Digital Writers is a brand-new development programme designed for emerging, shifting-career, or mid-career theatre-makers who have an interest in writing for digitally immersive and/or digitally site-specific performance. The programme is split into two parts: In Autumn 2026, 12 writers will take part in a six week-long workshop programme. In Spring 2027, six writers will have the option to complete further R&D for a new digital work, with dramaturgical support provided by Artistic Director Gareth Nicholls and Traverse Associate Artist and PhD student, Emma Dorfman. Sessions will alternate between in-person and remote delivery, and applicants based anywhere in Scotland are welcome to apply. As part of the programme, you may also be invited to participate in research led by Emma Dorfman, who, in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh and the Traverse, is researching theatre that is made for and staged in digital sites (i.e., social media, mobile apps, livestreaming platforms, video games, XR platforms and technologies). If you choose to participate in Emma's research, you will be helping the Traverse understand how best to support writers, theatre-makers, and live performance artists with an interest in creating new digital work. In the Autumn delivery, each week will be dedicated to exploring how to write and make performance in a particular digitally locatable site. The aim of these workshops will be to provide insight into previous practice as well as tailored skills-building and advice pertaining to digital theatrical production, dramaturgy, and more. In the Spring, following a ‘light touch’ application process, up to six participants will have the opportunity to work toward the development of a concept for a brand-new theatrical work made for and staged in a digital site. These participants will benefit from 1-to-1 and group dramaturgical support, led by Gareth Nicholls and Emma Dorfman. In August 2027, these participants will also be invited to present an extract, proof of concept, prototype, etc. of the work they have developed over the course of three months. If you a playwright or performance maker who isn't quite sure whether you are 'emerging' or 'mid-career’ then, you are exactly who we're looking for! This programme will bring together a cohort of writers that have previously either self-produced or staged at least one new performance work. You may be a maker who has worked only in 'analogue' or physical theatre but has always been curious about working with digital technology. You may have already dabbled with platforms, apps, video games, or XR technologies in performance and are looking to hone your skills further. You should also confirm your availability for the following dates/times (please note that mode of delivery may be subject to change; all in-person workshops will be held at the Traverse): · Monday, 26th October 7-9:30pm (in-person) · Monday, 2nd November 7-9pm (online) · Monday, 9th November 7-9pm (in-person) · Monday, 16th November 7-9pm (online) · Monday, 23rd November 7-9pm (online) · Tuesday, 1st December 7-9pm (in-person)