Playwriting Mentorship Programme

Playwriting Mentorship Programme 2026

In partnership with Fishamble: The New Play Company

Playwriting Mentorship Programme 2026 In partnership with Fishamble: The New Play Company

The Lime Tree Theatre | Belltable will undertake a year-long playwriting workshop and mentorship programme in 2026 in partnership with Fishamble: The New Play Company. This initiative is designed to support the development of emerging playwrights based in the mid-west through structured workshops, professional mentorship, and engagement with leading Irish theatre artists.

The programme will consist of three workshops across the year, involving up to six selected participants. Each workshop will be led by playwright and dramaturg Gavin Kostick and will coincide with Fishamble productions visiting Limerick, allowing participants to engage directly with contemporary professional practice.

The first workshop will take place in February 2026, aligning with Fishamble’s visit to Limerick with Pat Kinevane’s work. Gavin Kostick will lead a full-day workshop focusing on the core elements of playwriting, exploring structure, character, language, and storytelling.

The second workshop will take place in early July 2026 during Fishamble’s presentation of For Dolores by Eva O’Connor. This session will allow participants to develop their own writing further, with Gavin continuing to mentor the group. Eva O’Connor will also join the workshop to share insights into her own playwriting process and professional journey.

The third and final workshop will be held in September 2026, coinciding with Fishamble’s presentation of Refuge by Dee Kinahan, one of Ireland’s most significant contemporary playwrights whose work will be touring nationally and internationally in 2026. This workshop will focus on supporting participants to complete a first draft of their plays.

At the conclusion of the programme, we intend to bring all mentors and participants together, alongside professional actors, for a rehearsed reading of the completed scripts, providing writers with the opportunity to hear their work performed and receive further feedback.

Preference will be given to participants based in the mid-west region or who have a strong connection to Limerick. We particularly welcome voices from new communities. Participants will be paid a daily rate for attendance at the workshops.

If you are interested in being considered for the mentorship, please send two short samples of your writing, together with a short letter of application outlining your interest in the mentorship to air@limetreetheatre.ie before Friday, January 30th 2026. The first workshop takes place on Saturday, February 14th.