We are excited to announce Forge Playwrights a new project that will nurture emerging Black, Asian and ethnically diverse writers in our region.

The group will be led by Aisha Khan, with co-mentoring from John Rwothomack and Frey Kwa Hawking.

The writers will meet monthly at Sheffield Theatres from September 2026 to April 2027 for workshops and writing sessions, followed by a period of writing and one-to-one support that will lead to an opportunity to have their work shared as part of the Open Works Festival in Autumn 2027.

This ambitious year of activity will support six emerging Black, Asian and ethnically diverse writers to develop new skills, ideas, and relationships as they write a full-length play.

Mentors

Aisha Khan is a writer for theatre, radio and screen, director and dramaturg. Aisha recently adapted A Christmas Carol for Sheffield Theatres. Her writing credits include No Man’s Land, (Theatre An Der Parkau, Berlin/Leeds Playhouse) and Moonshed (dir, Sarah Frankcom, Royal Exchange Theatre). Aisha has also written for BBC Radio 4.

Directing credits include The Abyss by Ghiath Al-Mhitawi (Royal Court/Edinburgh International Festival) and Spirits by Gemma Bedeau.

John Rwothomack is a Ugandan-born, London-trained actor, director, writer, and recipient of the Peggy Ramsay Award whose work includes commissions from Sheffield Theatres and English Touring Theatre. In 2021, John founded Roots Mbili Theatre, where he serves as artistic director.

Frey Kwa Hawking is a transsexual critic, dramaturg, and arts worker. He is Associate Dramaturg at the Bush Theatre, a Dramaturgs' Network board member, was Co-Mentor for Sheffield Theatres' New Dramaturgs and Theatremakers Groups, and works with a number of theatres, companies and competitions.

What will Writers receive?

• 8 days of skills sessions and writing workshops at Sheffield Theatres - once a month from September 2026 to April 2027

• A £500 bursary to support their engagement with the project

• 1-to-1 mentoring and support from industry experts

• Support to write a new play

• Invitations to events and opportunities at Sheffield Theatres

• An opportunity to have their work shared as part of the Open Works festival in Autumn 2027

We want to assemble a group of writers who:

• Are available for the Key Dates*

• Are over 18

• Are Black, Asian and ethnically diverse

• Are based locally to Sheffield Theatres

• Are excited to participate in and benefit from a group learning and mentoring environment

• Have some experience of writing. This does not necessarily need to be experience of playwriting. For example, this could include experiences working or developing as a poet, a lyricist, an essayist, a comedian, or a screenwriter.

• Have clear and compelling ideas for the kind of play they want to write

• Have the skills, potential, and excitement to develop as a playwright

Key Dates

• Interviews: August 2026
• Workshop Day 1: Friday 18 September 2026
• Workshop Day 2: Friday 23 October 2026
• Workshop Day 3: Friday 20 November 2026
• Workshop Day 4: Friday 18 December 2026
• Workshop Day 5: Friday 22 January 2027
• Workshop Day 6: Friday 19 February 2027
• Workshop Day 7: Friday 19 March 2027
• Workshop Day 8: Friday 23 April 2027
• Redrafting and ongoing 1-to-1 Support: May 2027 to July 2027
• Work Shared as part of Open Works: Autumn 2027, exact dates will be confirmed during the programme

How to Apply

Applications are open now and close at midnight on Sun 26 July 2026.

To apply, please complete the application form with written responses to the below prompts. Each response should be a maximum of 300 words.

• Why you?

• Why now?

• Why at Sheffield Theatres?

Please also supply these supporting materials:

• Completed Equal Opportunities Form

• A CV

• A 10-page example of your writing