Do you have funny bones? Can you give audiences the giggles?

We've teamed up with Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru and are looking for Wales’ funniest Welsh-language writers to kickstart a brand-new project. If that’s you, keep reading.

Ha/Ha is a new opportunity for Welsh artists who are keen to develop the art of comedy writing for the stage and create their own comedy short.

We’re looking for four artists to write a 10-minute comedy play, which will be staged together at the Rhondda Cynon Taf National Eisteddfod 2024. As part of Ha/Ha, the successful artists will also enjoy development opportunities while writing their piece, including a comedy masterclass and professional mentorship with one of the UK’s leading playwrights/screen writers, James Graham.

How to apply:

Ha/Ha is open to anyone who meets the following criteria:

• Is 18 years old or older
• Speaks Welsh or eager to build confidence to use Welsh in their work
• An artist or freelance worker in the creative sector, with experience of or an ambition to work within theatre.

There are two stages to the application process for Ha/Ha - first, there will be a period for artists to express their interest in the programme, and then we will invite those shortlisted to submit a full application (paid).

Step 1: Expressions of Interest
(by 25 March 2024)

To express your interest in being part of Ha/Ha, please complete an Expression of Interest form in Welsh via Microsoft Forms, or you can submit a video application (2 minutes maximum) by emailing creu@theatr.com or via WhatsApp on 07908 439417. We also ask that everyone who applies completes our Equality Monitoring Form.

Deadline to express interest: 25 March 2024, 12pm

The panel will consider applications and choose a shortlist of 10 artists: panel members to be confirmed.

Step 2: Submit a Pitch (shortlist only)

The 10 short-listed artists will hear from us on 1 April 2024 with an invitation to present an idea for a 10-minute comedy play.

We will provide an application form, as well as further information on presenting your idea, to the 10 who have been shortlisted. We will also offer a fee of £50 for those on the shortlist after they have submitted their pitches.

Deadline for full applications: 22 April 2024, 12pm

After receiving and discussing each pitch, the panel will choose 4 of these to develop further with us. The finished work by these 4 playwrights will be stage at the Rhondda Cynon Taf National Eisteddfod 2024.

Developing the Comedy Play (4 successful artists only)

During the weeks following, the four successful artists will work on their scripts for the performance at the National Eisteddfod.

There will be an opportunity for the 4 artists to attend an online session for free with a comedy expert.

The 4 artists will also receive dramaturgical support and will work closely with professional directors who will offer support and guidance every step of the way.

The submission dates for drafts are:

Draft 1: 10 June 2024

Final draft: 8 July 2024

One-to-one meetings to discuss and offer feedback will be arranged closer to the time and subject to the individuals’ availability.

In August, the four 10-minute comedy plays will be staged across three nights at the National Eisteddfod as part of a co-production between Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru and Theatr Clwyd. The four artists will receive a fee of £700 each for their work.

If you have any questions about this project or the application process, please get in touch with Steffan Wilson-Jones: steffan.wilson-jones@theatr.com

Ha/Ha is the first part of a new long-term partnership between Theatr Clwyd and Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru and to develop new comedy work through the medium of Welsh. We will announce more phases within this project very soon.