• It’s been one year since the start of lockdown measures in the UK. The pandemic has highlighted how important freelancers are to the sector, as well as the lack of security that comes with being reliant on an industry that completely shut down in March 2020. The Big Freelancer Report was created by an independent group of performing arts freelancers and maps the problems with recommendations for change. You can read the full report HERE on the Freelancers Make Theatre Work website.

• Our unsolicited script window is now open! Our New Works department supports and develops new writing from Liverpool and across the North West. If you have a script that fits our criteria then you are guaranteed dramaturgical feedback from our team. We’re also looking to support writers through the many opportunities offered through the New Works department. The deadline for submissions is Fri 24 April. For more information and how to apply VISIT OUR WEBSITE.

•  The Unity are looking for ethnically diverse writers and actors for Hear Me Now Vol.2, in partnership with Titilola Dawudu and Tamasha. This new volume will present over 100 monologues from across the country, featuring 5 writers and 10 actors from Liverpool. More information is on the Unity website. Deadline: 12noon Thur 8 April.

• Manchester Collective have launched a new initiative to champion artistic talent across the region. To launch Northern Voices there are commission opportunities for writers and artists, particularly looking at linking music into creative projects. Commissions of £750 and £250 are available. More info HERE, deadline: Mon 5 April.

• The Theatre Artist Fund is open for applications again. An emergency grant of £1,000 is available towards living costs and previous recipients are eligible to apply in this new round. Information on criteria and requirements is available HERE and the deadline: 12noon on Tues 30 March.

• The Royal Court are looking for stories of real working people in Liverpool for a brand new play. The writer and director are looking to talk to people who would like to contribute via a Zoom chat. For more information visit the Royal Court website, the deadline is Sun 28 March.

• Liverpool’s Light Night is looking for an evaluator to work on developing data analysis and evaluation on this year’s event, taking place on Fri 21 May with the theme of play. A fee of £2,000 is available with an application deadline: Fri 9 April. More information HERE

• DaDa Fest is looking for young musicians aged 12 – 25 years based in the Liverpool City Region to join their DaDa Ensemble. The project is for young people who identify as disabled, D/deaf, neurodiverse or are living with a long term illness/conditions. Email the ensemble coordinator David Kelly at artistdevelopment@dadafest.co.uk. Text/Telephone: 07474 019698. Find out more at the DaDa website HERE.

• Applications for The Bridport Prize are now open, and bursaries are being offered to offer free entry for underrepresented writers. The international creative writing prize has numerous categories, and winners can win up to £5,000 plus literary representation. More info HERE deadline: rolling monthly until May.

• The 4thWrite Short Story Prize, in association with the Guardian, is a competition open to Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic writers. The winner will receive £1,000, a one-day publishing workshop at 4th Estate and publication of their story on the Guardian website. Entrants must place the title of the story at the beginning of the short story, but must NOT include their name anywhere on the document. You can find more details, the entrance form and upload your short story HERE. Deadline: Fri 30 April 2021.

• ArtCry is a new fund supporting urgent artistic responses to current social and political events. If you are an artist who makes political work or is interested in making social and politically aware work, you can find more information about the fund here.

• Free subtitling services are now available for small to medium sized cultural organisations, as well as for individual artists. More info HERE

• This month’s A Lovely Word online is on Thurs 1 April with headliner Miss Yankey and the usual open mic slots. Visit our homepage for more information and the sign up for a performance slot.

• BlackFest will be showcasing oral histories and accounts from Merseyside's 'powerhouse women' who have a 'HerStory' to share. HerStory will take place online on Weds 31 March at 7pm. For more information and tickets visit Blackfest’s Eventbrite HERE.

• The 65^th National Student Drama Festival is taking place online from 27 March – 2^nd April. The festival is free and open to all, featuring debates, discussions and evening events. Check out their WEBSITE for more info.

• The Band Plays On is a new musical streamed via our website from Sheffield Theatres. Featuring famous musicians and bands from the city (Artic Monkeys, Moloko, Def Leppard). The show tells stories from Sheffield and has a cast including Jodie Prenger. A recorded stream is available until Sun 28 March. For tickets visit OUR WEBSITE.