Young Writers’ Summer Schools are back
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Our FREE Summer Schools are back this year, with more activity than ever. We’ve put together a programme of events across the North East for young people aged 12-19. It doesn’t matter if you’re an experienced writer or just want to try something new; if you’ve got an interest in creative writing then these Summer Schools are for you.
Spaces on our summer schools are limited, so check out what’s on offer below and book your free place soon.
Sunderland Young Songwriters’ Summer School
Wednesday 24 – Friday 26 July, 11am – 4pm
Academy 360, Portsmouth Rd, Sunderland SR4 9BA
Group Leader: Jennie Brewis
Join us at our first Songwriting Summer School in Pennywell. Work with professional songwriters and musicians to write, create and record your own songs.
It doesn’t matter if you don’t play an instrument, if you’re someone that enjoys writing, music, singing or songwriting this is a fantastic opportunity to get involved.
Gateshead Young Writers’ Summer School
Wednesday 31 July – Friday 2 August, 11am-4pm
Gateshead Central Library, Prince Consort Rd, Gateshead NE8 4LN
Group Leader: Lauren Vevers
For our first Gateshead Summer School we will be taking inspiration from works of art to create our own film stories!
After visiting the nearby Shipley Art Gallery to look for hidden stories to excite our imagination, we will make our own pieces of spoken word poetry with masterclasses from writers John Challis and Lisette Auton.
Then, on the final day, we will use these to have fun making our own short films.
Newcastle Young Writers’ Summer School
Monday 5 – Wednesday 7 August, 11am – 4pm
Discovery Museum, Blandford Square, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4JA
Group Leader: Zoe Murtagh
Join us at the Discovery Museum where we’ve teamed up with Tyne and Wear Archives and Museums to bring you a summer school filled with creative opportunities.
Work with actor, writer and spoken word artist Tracy Gillman along with group leader Zoe Murtagh, to pull out and create must-see stories inspired by the collections.
This is a great opportunity for writers of all levels and interests to come along and try new things.
South Shields Young Writers’ Summer School
Wednesday 7 – Friday 9August, 11am – 4pm
The Word, 45 Market Place, South Shields, NE33 1JF
Group Leader: Lisa Burns
Come along to The Word to our ‘Pick ‘n’ Mix’ Summer School, where we’ll be programming a jam-packed line-up of creative writing sessions to spark your imagination.
From poetry to fantasy, folklore to true crime, there will be something for everyone.
Sign-up to register your interest and in the meantime keep your eyes peeled for line-up announcements!
Northumberland Young Writers’ Summer School
Wednesday 14 – Friday 16 August, 11am-4pm
Woodhorn Museum, QEII Country Park, Ashington, NE63 9YF
Group Leader: Sarah Tarbit
This year we are holding our first summer school at the fantastic Woodhorn Museum and Nature Reserve, open to members of Cramlington and Amble Young Writers groups, as well as everyone else who fancies trying writing.
Come and experiment with sound!
Together with guest writers Carmen Marcus and Kris Johnson we will create poetry and prose inspired by the natural surroundings and the industrial heritage of the unique site.
Then, we will work with a composer and poet, Martin Heslop, to create amazing audio recordings using sounds from the site.