A new writing and production studio will open in Liverpool city centre in February.
Make it Write Productions (MIWP) began in February 2017. By June that year they put on their first festival, Virago, of short plays about strong women.
MIWP is a community interest company working across Merseyside and Cheshire West. They teach people the first step on the ladder of the performing arts industry by offering mentoring to playwrights, directors, actors and crew.
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Company director of Make it Write, Sharon Colpman said: "I relocated from the south back to my northern roots. I've been through cancer in 2015, my son being ill, made redundant and my marriage breaking down. I needed a new start and a new career.
"In the next year we will be doing a variety of tool kit workshops for all areas of media. We will offer cheap rehearsal space and a development stage to new production companies.
“Most of all we will try to build confidence in those just starting out. A lot of our members have taken up writing and acting as a second career and find it a lonely occupation".
They run fortnightly Zoom workshops until their premises open in the New Year. They previously had shared space but are expanding.
Sharon said: "Our latest production will come from our 30 min play writing contest on the theme of Eurovision. It’s called, Make-it-write-a-vision, a Play Contest.”
They work with people 18 plus, especially those struggling to get into employment. However, some projects are suitable for under 18s.
Sharon said: "The big Theatres now seem more open to local new writers and that wasn’t the case in 2017. Many writers starting out in Make it Write, now run their own production companies such as Ste Mc and Steve Bird".
Neil Paul, actor, writer and film director said: “It was great to be able to practise my craft and feel safe enough to make mistakes. The writing course gave me the tools to consider and serve me in my future projects. My first film, Forgotten Soldier, has brought my work to the attention of BBC and Channel 4”.
Bernie Winston Writer said: “When I was made redundant, I took a small part time job so I could focus on writing plays. I was clueless how to start on this path.
“Finding Make it Write was a revelation. I’ve been accepted onto two playwright’s development programmes. Without help from Sharon and the group, I would never have made it this far”.
They’re seeking sponsors and patrons as they strive to fund and equip their new premises. Sharon will work with a team of four others skilled in video editing, acting, directing and more.
For information on how to get involved and their competition visit HERE or follow Make it Write on Facebook.
Eurovision content: The countdown has officially started. Join our Eurovision 2023 in Liverpool Facebook group
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