Wellspring Commissions
Wellspring Commissions
Wellspring Commissions builds on the success of our previous writers programme, but marks a significant evolution from short-term writer development towards a selective commissioning pathway for deaf, disabled and neurodivergent playwrights.
The aim is to support commissioned playwrights to create ambitious, production-ready full-length plays with access embedded at script level.
Why Wellspring Commissions?
The programme responds directly to what disabled writers have told us: they need longer-term relationships with theatres, deeper dramaturgical support, and routes into actually seeing their play produced.
Each writer receives a paid commission, dramaturgical support from our Artistic Director and Literary Associate, dedicated R&D with actors and creatives, access support, and opportunities for industry connections.
What makes these Commissions different?
The Wellspring Commissions model combines development support tailored to disabled playwrights with practical learning about the theatre ecology and industry connections, through to having a production-ready script.
Each writer is embedded in VX’s work for at least a year. They may observe, contribute to or lead a VX Lab; watch work-in-progress by other VX writers; and gain a clear understanding of how new plays move from idea to production.
Instead of writing plays ‘about’ disability, writers are encouraged to explore how disabled perspectives might shape dramatic form itself such as structure, rhythm, language or audience experience.
This is informed by the VX Labs: the research offers provocations and creatives tools. In turn, the commissioned plays may generate new questions for a future VX Lab.
Who is it for?
It is designed for mid-career writers who have received development opportunities, but have not yet been supported through to full-length, production-ready work.
Wellspring Commissions
0 Wellspring Commissions
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