Editor's Blog: From Page To Stage gives new writers rare & exciting opportunities

Earlier this year, Katy Lipson of Aria Entertainment joined forces with Robert McWhir of The Landor Theatre to create From Page To Stage, a season of new musical theatre. Following a hugely successful season, it was recently announced that From Page To Stage will return to the Landor Theatre in February 2014.

I think it is so important to support new writing as it is so hard for new writers to get their work out there. As a reviewer I always find seeing new writing extrememly exciting as you never have a clue what to expect. This week I am reviewing two Shakespeare plays which have been performed millions of times but when I review a new piece of writing I always feel as if my opinions may actually be listened to and could help the writer to improve their work.

Unfortunately I only managed to catch one show at this years From Page To Stage season. I saw The Route To Happiness which headlined the season. I loved the quirkiness of the piece and it was incredible to see three experienced West End stars tackle a brand new piece of writing in such an intimate theatre which is hidden away in Clapham. (Click here to read my review of the production.)

The season also gave many writers the opportunity to stage readings of their unfinished work, giving them the chance to receive important feedback. For this, Katy Lipson must be applauded for providing new writers with such an exciting and rare opportunity.

Applications are now open for the second From Page To Stage season which runs from Tuesday 11th February until Saturday 8th March 2014 at the Landor Theatre. The 2014 season will present a mixed programme of work at different stages of development, performed by a repertory company.

Expanding on the format of the 2013 season, From Page To Stage 2014 will present:

• A new British musical – to headline the season and run for one week in a fully staged production 
• A new American musical – to run for 3 performances, celebrating new work from America
• A concert musical - a musical specifically intended to be performed in concert format
• A classical cross-over/opera piece - to showcase the musical variety within the genre 
• Showcases – parts of musicals in development, presented with minimal staging 
• Rehearsed readings – full shows in development, read from scripts.

This year, From Page To Stage will also programme a musical commission - a single performance of some new musical theatre material commissioned especially for the season. Details of how to apply and a brief will be announced later this year.

Katy Lipson said: “Both Aria Entertainment and the Landor Theatre are thrilled to repeat this year’s extraordinarily well received 'From Page to Stage' season, but with a difference! Next year’s festival will have a dedicated repertory company of performers, 3 directors and 3 musical directors, working across a whole variety of projects over a 4 week period. Our aim is to provide an environment in which writers can develop, benefiting from having their work staged for a live audience, and the support and feedback this will encourage. February/March 2014 at the Landor will be a destination for new musical theatre."

Applications for all spaces within the festival are open from now until Monday 30th September 2013. Visit www.aria-entertainment.com for further information and follow @FromPage2Stage to keep up to date.

Andrew Tomlins (Editor)

andrew@westendframe.com
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