WANTED - potential playwrights, experience not essential.

Interested? Then get in on the act with a workshop taking scripts from page to stage.

That's what's on offer once a joint initiative involving The Courtyard and county-based New Theatre Works gets underway next month.

By March 2002 selected scripts should be ready for a showcase at the centre's studio theatre.

There's a way to go before then though, two terms tackling the rudiments of stage writing.

Estelle van Warmelo and Ellie Parker are the tutors, though they apply the title loosely. Both have been around the boards long enough to know 'right and wrong' approaches can't always be applied.

Instead, they opt for an environment where feedback from fellow participants has a key part to play.

It's curtain up for the beginner's class at The Courtyard, on Monday, October 8 (7pm). The 'old hands' of the advanced group having started a week earlier.

There are places for 15 aspiring playwrights in each.

Experience isn't essential. And don't think of pitching pre-prepared scripts into this arena - it prefers its works raw.

Contact The Courtyard for more on 01432 346500.