The National Theatre is inviting young writers aged 14–19 to apply for its free New Views: Digital Writers’ Room 2026. The online playwriting course gives teenagers the opportunity to develop their ideas with professional playwrights and work towards completing their own short play. Applications close at 10am on Friday 11 September 2026.
1. The course is completely free
There is no fee to take part in the National Theatre’s Digital Writers’ Room. This makes it an excellent opportunity for schools to share with creative pupils who might not otherwise have access to professional writing tuition.
2. It is open to young people aged 14–19
Applicants must be aged between 14 and 19. The programme could suit GCSE and A-level students studying English, Drama or Theatre Studies, as well as young people who simply enjoy writing independently.
3. The entire programme takes place online
All five sessions are delivered online, so participants do not need to travel to the National Theatre in London. Young writers can take part from home, wherever they live in the country.
4. It is designed for emerging writers
The Digital Writers’ Room is aimed at young people who have already started their writing journey and now want to improve their craft. Applicants do not need to be published or have professional experience.
5. Participants will learn how to turn an idea into a play
Having an interesting idea is only the beginning. The course will help young writers focus their thoughts and begin shaping them into a piece of theatre that could work on stage.
6. The course includes five live sessions
The programme is spread across five online workshops between October 2026 and March 2027. This gives participants time between meetings to reflect, write and develop their work.
7. These are the course dates
The online sessions will take place on:
- Wednesday 14 October 2026, 5pm–7.30pm
- Wednesday 11 November 2026, 5pm–7.30pm
- Wednesday 9 December 2026, 5pm–7.30pm
- Wednesday 27 January 2027, 5pm–7.30pm
- Wednesday 3 March 2027, 5pm–7.30pm
8. Applicants must be able to attend the full course
The National Theatre asks participants to attend every session. Students should check the dates carefully before applying and consider any clashes with school events, examinations or other regular commitments.
9. Professional playwrights lead the programme
Participants will be taught and supported by professional playwrights. This offers a valuable insight into how working writers generate, shape and improve their ideas.
10. Students will explore dramatic structure
A collection of good scenes does not automatically make a complete play. The course will look at how writers organise events, build momentum and create a satisfying structure.
11. Character development is an important part of the course
Participants will explore how to create believable and memorable characters. They will consider what their characters want, what stands in their way and how those conflicts can drive a story forward.
12. Young writers will work on dialogue
Writing dialogue for the stage is different from writing an essay or short story. Students will learn more about creating speech that sounds convincing while revealing character and moving the action forward.
13. Sessions will be practical and collaborative
The course includes discussions, creative activities and opportunities to work with other young writers. Participants will be expected to contribute ideas, try different approaches and respond thoughtfully to the work of others.
14. Participants will receive feedback
Young writers will receive feedback on an early draft of their work. This is an important part of the writing process and can help them see what is already working and what needs further development.
15. Students will work towards writing a short play
The programme has a clear purpose: helping each participant develop their own short play. This gives young writers something substantial to work towards rather than completing a series of unrelated exercises.
16. There is a possible route into the New Views Festival
At the end of the course, participants will have the opportunity to submit their short play for consideration as part of the National Theatre’s New Views Festival. It is a rare chance for a young writer’s work to be read in connection with one of the UK’s leading theatres.
17. Applications close on 11 September
Applications for the National Theatre’s New Views: Digital Writers’ Room close at 10am on Friday 11 September 2026. Teachers may wish to share the opportunity with suitable pupils as soon as possible so that they have enough time to complete their application carefully.
Find out more and apply through the National Theatre website
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