Open rehearsal of a new play by Wigan-born writer Laura Atherton. Followed by a workshop that guides you through writing and performing your own nature-inspired monologue.

The open rehearsal will allow students to see how a professional company operates and ask the creative team questions about the industry, the creative process, training and general career advice.

In mid April, Rootstock Theatre are running a week of research and development of a new play Spring by Wigan-born writer, Laura Atherton, at the Old Courts. Spring is a play that joins the turbulence of trying to conceive with climate anxiety to ask what happens when the future we assumed was ours is taken away?

Research and development, also known as R&D, is a term used in theatre for a period of time to play with and explore a new idea or show. Laura wrote Spring and then applied for Arts Council England funding to develop it with other creatives in order to make it the best play it can be. In this instance, the R&D is one week in a rehearsal room with a director, movement director, sound designer, a stage manager, two actors and Laura as the writer, watching her words and ideas transform through being staged.

As part of this R&D week, local college students are invited to attend an open rehearsal, Q&A event and theatre making workshop on Wednesday 15th April from 4.30pm in the Victorian Courtroom at the Old Courts.

After the open rehearsal and Q&A, Laura will lead the writing and performing workshop. Using techniques Laura used to develop 'Spring', participants will script original monologues inspired by nature before staging and having the opportunity to perform them back to the group.