The Operating Theatre Company has a development arm which organises events such as Writers' Block, in which a series of 'near miss' plays submitted by fringe venues and agents are developed in four days of rehearsal and then shown to industry figures. Actors interested in being involved should email their CVs to ken@operatingtheatre.com. The company also runs New Writing Surgeries, in which submitted plays are critiqued by three different readers during an open discussion. Applications to take part in these events are open to all, regardless of experience.

In addition to this, they run yearly or twice yearly directing courses with a variety of formats, ranging from intensive weeks focussing on individual aspects of direction, to development and support courses spanning four or five months.

Have you been involved with The Operating Theatre Company? How was your experience?

See the Old Vic New Voices Guide To Writing, Old Vic New Voices Guide To Acting and Old Vic New Voices Guide To Directing for more helpful resources.