Arts Takeover

Calling all budding writers and performers from across the local area!

What is Write Out Loud?

Write Out Loud is a brand-new initiative to give local writers and performers a platform on which to showcase a 15-minute extract of their work in front of a real audience on Saturday 5 September as part of Arts Takeover.

In collaboration with local partners, we're looking for new and emerging voices from across East Surrey to share original stories that are rooted in the area.

What are we looking for?

Work could be at any stage of development - from an origianl concept right through to a complete work. We ask that the piece is:

• An original work of the author
• No longer than 15 minutes in length
• Focussed on the people, places, history or character of the East Surrey area (covering Reigate & Banstead, Tandridge, Mole Valley, Epsom & Ewell and Elmbridge districts and boroughs)

Ideally, you will already have chosen your actors and rehearsed the piece, but, in exceptional circumstances, we may be able to point you in the direction of a local drama group you can work with. If it's a solo piece, you may simply want to perform it yourself.

What do we do?

We will provide you with a stage and an audience. From then on, it's up to you how you want to use your 15 minutes. You may wat to have a discussion, ask for feedback or just see what how the audience reacts.

How to submit your work

• You'll soon be able to register your interest - we'll need your name, any relevant experience, the title of your piece and whether you need help finding performers.
• By 31 May you will need to provide a more detailed summary of the piece, its connection with East Surrey, information about the performers and any props you will be using.
• We will let you know by 23 June 2026 whether you have been allocated a performance slot.

Other things to consider

If we have more submissions that performance spaces, we will make our selection according to who we think will benefit the most from this opportunity, connection to the local area, and the suitability of the piec for Arts Takeover.

To allow as many people to be involved as possible, only ONE script is permitted per person. 

Playwrights only have a 15-minute slot and you must take responsibility for presenting the work yourself. Things to consider: are you bringing actors and/or props? What scene(s) will best connect with an audience as part of the festival?

There is no charge for submitting your work so why not take the first step towards an exciting new career?

• Contact: kay.hymas@reigate-banstead.gov.uk