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Deptford Scratch

What is Deptford Scratch?

Deptford Scratch is an established scratch night which platforms new writing; written, performed and directed by up and coming artists. Following the success of our previous iterations we have begun to cultivate a series of events which will better support the creative network we are building.

Deptford Scratch: In Conversation - Pay What You Decide

This is a brand new and accessible networking event for local creatives and anyone who wishes to join our community. It will take place twice a year, once in January and once in June. These events will feature a key note speaker who will talk about their personal experience in the industry and offer insight and advice to emerging creatives. There will be some time for questions so once we drop the name make sure to book and send over your questions! Following this you will have time to network with the other like-minded creatives in the room. Networking can be scary but it is fundamental so our aim is to create a relaxed environment where you can gain some knowledge and build real connections.

Take Me to the Event!
24

New Writing Pieces Platformed

We have platformed 24 pieces of new writing to date and provided connections to support them on their journeys beyond Deptford Scratch.
100+

More than 100 Artists

We have provided opportunities for more than 100 up and coming artists to share their work and showcase their talents.

Deptford Scratch: A Seat at the Table - Free by Application

We want to give you a seat at the table so we will be looking for people who would like to volunteer to help with the selection process for Deptford Scratch. Historically, following the writers submissions, we have selected the pieces ourselves but we have decided that for an event built to support our community that community should have a voice. This opportunity will be by application and we will be looking for two people to join the panel in making the selections and a handful of actors to read the scripts at a closed table read. Each time we will be selecting six pieces of new writing to feature be showcased at the upcoming scratch night. If this sounds like something you would like to take part in then make sure to look out for the announcement when application open.

Deptford Scratch: Link Up - Free

Previously know as the ‘Connection Event’ this is where creatives come together to form their groups ahead of the show. For this event actors and directors book a free ticket and come along to find out which projects have been selected and what opportunities are available. Our selected writers will pitch their work at the beginning of the evening and answer any questions that arise. Following this we will have a quick icebreaker to get everyone talking and then it’s time to connect. Each writers will be stationed at a table with some samples of their work for actors and directors to get a feel for their writing. Actors and directors have the opportunity to express interest in as many projects as they like and leave details for the writers to follow up with their casting/ audition process. Now, here’s the catch… the writers may only cast from the creatives who attend the event. An occasion, exceptions will be made IF the particular demographic being cast is not in the room but they will speak with the producer before doing this. Our scratch is all about building new connections and ones that continue into future projects. As casting has moved away from in person auditions, especially at the initial stages, we believe this is a vital part of the process as it provides the opportunity to build connections even if you aren’t cast. Creatives are screaming that we want to be in the room… So, come along and be in the room for Deptford Scratch!

Deptford Scratch has proven itself to be a wonderful incubator for emerging theatre talent.
Everything Theatre

Deptford Scratch - Pay What You Decide for Audience (free to take part)

Deptford Scratch is the main event. A night of raw and unfiltered new writing which showcases up and coming talent and allows artists to share their work with a live audience in a low pressure setting. We will host two of these each year; Deptford Scratch in April will be open to anyone and everyone, whilst Deptford Scratch #GlobalMajoritySpotlight will take place in October and is open to Global Majority artists specifically. Each iteration will be supported by it’s own ‘A Seat at the Table’, ‘Link Up’ and ‘Reflect’. We have also built an invaluable relationship with Greenwich Theatre over the last two scratches which have transferred to their Studio a month after the first performance at Deptford Lounge and our plan is to continue this journey. Doing a second showing a month later allows the artists to work on any feedback they receive and share their work with an entirely new audience in a second space.

Deptford Scratch: Reflect - Free

A new addition to support the artists with feedback between the show at Deptford Lounge and the show at Greenwich. This will be an informal session to discuss the feedback collected from the first show and for the artists to share their thoughts with each other and reconnect between events. Whilst this is open to the artists who have taken part if anyone from the audience has expressed interest in attending this event we will welcome them to join and feedback in person.