Net Curtains began as an actor led ensemble meeting every week above a pub in Soho. Although the company has grown since then, we still meet in central London to workshop and explore new writing by emerging and established artists.
No one is paid a fee but it is a great opportunity for writers to have their work performed by professional actors and exposed to different directorial approaches. It also provides a chance for actors and directors to learn more about the writing process and form long-lasting artistic collaborations. In addition we also run the occasional one-off workshop with special guests such as Terry Johnson, Roxanna Silbert and Michael Grandage.
If you are a writer with a script you’d like to hear read, a director who’d like to lead a workshop, or an actor keen to be involved in exploring new work then please do contact us. Many of the practitioners who have attended these workshops have gone on to direct, produce and perform in our commissioned work.
Sue Lenier (writer)
“Working with Net Curtains has been a completely positive experience for me. They are tactful, kind and helpful to writers. They are a friendly and open organisation, offering a very helpful and well-designed process of readings, worshops and ultimately production. The actors they use are of a high professional standard and the directors excellent- giving any writer the opportunity to see their work presented in the best possible light- knowing that the flaws that emerge are likely to be the writer’s own. The organisation is extremely well-run and, importantly, is open to a wide variety of theatre from challenging political drama to light farce. I would recommend working with them to any writer lucky enough to have the chance to do so.”
Micci Gorrod (actress)
“As an actor it is so refreshing to be involved in the very early stages of a production. I really feel that Net Curtains Theatre Company has a great approach to creating new work that is equally beneficial to everyone involved. It’s been brilliant to see how the writers have developed their different scripts as the readings have gone on, and they have been very appreciative of any feedback we have offered. It’s also been a great opportunity to meet new directors with original approaches to workshopping scripts, and I always come away feeling inspired. I wish there were more ethical theatre companies working this way and addressing social and environmental issues with the same level of courage and zeal.”
Liz Newman (director)
“I’m always intensely excited before entering a Net Curtains rehearsal room, as I’m safe in the knowledge that although the script we have commissioned may not be finished or even have a definite form, it always promises to be interesting and of the highest quality.
During my two years with Net Curtains and a year of that as associate director, I can honestly say I have been connected, by Claire Farrington, to some of the most exciting new writers and directors in theatre.
Net Curtains has offered me the freedom to develop and direct new writing without dictating how I ‘should’ collaborate with a writer or company of actors. This is the main reason why I continue to dedicate my energy to this innovative company; they connect creative people and then liberate them from any constraints they may normally experience when making work.”