Overview

The opportunities to produce new plays in the UK are highlighted as some of the best in the world; we are a nation of writers, a theatre industry inspired by discovery. However, with the need for a changing tide in new models to discover, develop, produce and support writers, how have these opportunities changed and what of their impact? Who is producing? How are they producing? What is being produced and where? Who are the writers and where are they discovered, nurtured and supported towards a long-term career?

Engage in lively, honest conversation about new plays, emerging writers and the state of new writing today.

Join peers, fellows and practitioners for a day of open meetings to exchange ideas, share knowledge and make new connections. 

Respond to provocations from keynote speakers, leading industry figures and group discussion.

Cast/Creative

We'll be announcing more speakers and panellists as well as the full Symposium schedule throughout April. Keep an eye on the A Changing Tide? Online Notebook, check back here and follow us on Twitter @_HighTide_ for updates.

Panelists and speakers include:

Jesse Cameron Alick, Artistic Associate at the Public Theater New York

Steven Atkinson, Artistic Director of HighTide Festival Theatre

Jesse Briton, Artistic Director of Bear Trap Theatre

Ellie Browning, Associate Director of Look Left Look Right

Chris Campbell, Literary Manager at the Royal Court

Jess Cooper, Literary Agent at Curtis Brown

Ivan Cutting, Artistic Director of Eastern Angles

Sarah Dickenson, Senior Reader at Soho Theatre

Vickie Donoghue, Playwright

Rob Drummer, Literary Manager at HighTide Festival Theatre

David Edgar, Playwright

Dr Tony Fisher, Course Leader, Writing for Stage and Broadcast Media 

Mellissa Flowerdew-Clarke, Playwright

Duncan Gates, Playwright

Sarah Grochala, Playwright

Emily Hickman, Literary Agent at The Agency

Ella Hickson, Playwright

Natalie Ibu, Director and Artistic Director of We Were Here <

Caroline Jester, Dramaturg at Birmingham Rep and author of Playwriting Across the Curriculum

Carissa Hope Lynch, New Works & Literary Officer at Graeae

Laura Poliakoff, Playwright

Tony Ramsay, Playwright

Dr Graham Saunders, Reader in Theatre Studies at the University of Reading

Aleks Sierz FRSA, Visiting Professor at Rose Bruford College, author of In-Yer-Face Theatre: British Drama Today, journalist, broadcaster, lecturer and theatre critic

Hanna Slättne, Dramaturg and Literary Manager at Tinderbox

Katalin Trencsényi, President of the Dramaturgs’ Network

Steve Waters, Playwright and Lecturer in Creative Writing at the University of East Anglia

Claudia West, Relationship Manager, Theatre at Arts Council England East

Madani Younis, Artistic Director of the Bush Theatre

The day will include:

Big Ideas speeches

In Conversation panel discussions

Questions & Answers

Workshops including a special Dramaturgs' Network dn café Workshop

IdeasTap presents... three events in collaboration with our partner IdeasTap

Open Space

Meet the Antelopes

Literary Avenue shops and stands

Rehearsed Reading