Oxford Playhouse Playmaker writer Carolyn Lloyd Davies. Credit Geraint Lewis.

“We want to be a one-stop-shop for creatives while the Oxford Playhouse is closed,” Laura Elliot, OP Programme Director explains.

Which is why the OP team has introduced the new Community Playmaker scheme for young and old, from children to pensioners and everyone in between, to make playwrights of us all.

A play writing team will be on hand virtually to aid and abet with top tips reassurance, structure, advice and encouragement given in a weekly blog.

“We want to keep people inspired so we also have a template for people to use, on how to get started and what to think about when planning their play,” Laura explains.

Finished plays can then be submitted by email and will be uploaded to the official Oxford Playhouse website.

“It will be a library of plays if you like,” Laura smiles, “and we will share our personal highlights on our social media feed.

“This is open to all ages and encourages people to tell their stories within the perimeter of a play,” Laura continues, “so have a go, that’s all we ask.”

Currently fundraising to keep the Oxford Playhouse going until the pandemic is over with its Playhouse Plays On appeal, staff there have come up with a 10 point creative programme to keep us all busy.

Oxford Playhouse Playmaker writer Carolyn Lloyd Davies meeting with director John Retallack. Credit Geraint Lewis.

“It is our way of giving back to Oxford and to keep people inspired, uplifted and creative,” Laura says.

From the #everydaycreatives (daily creative challenges for people in their homes) to delivering its educational classes and workshops virtually, coaching in puppetry and directing, to support for artists, online mentoring, school programmes for those still teaching, and a writers development programme, no stone has been left unturned by the Oxford Playhouse team in their efforts to #staycreative.

Laura adds: “We want to encourage everyone to have a go, to give people the opportunity to write their own play.” Now’s your chance. Go to https://www.oxfordplayhouse.com/get-involved/community-playmaker/

To donate to the Playhouse Plays On appeal go to https://www.oxfordplayhouse.com/support-us/make-a-donation