National Theatre Partners Theatre503 UK Kicks off Advanced Scriptwriting Masterclass Series

Yinka Olatunbosun

The National Theatre Nigeria, in a strategic collaboration with Theatre503, UK, is set to host an intensive Advanced Scriptwriting Master class Series aimed at nurturing and refining the skills of emerging and mid-career Nigerian scriptwriters. This initiative is part of the National Theatre’s renewed commitment to capacity building in the creative sector, aligning directly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s focus on youth empowerment, talent development, and economic diversification through the creative economy.

This carefully curated programme which kicked off today features three high-impact online classes from April 28 – 30, each focusing on critical areas of scriptwriting such as plot development, character arcs, dialogue crafting and more.

Each class will explore specialised forms of storytelling: Writing from History, Autobiography, and Play Adaptation (Literature to Stage).

Speaking on the training, the General Manager/CEO of the National Theatre, Mrs. Tola Akerele, emphasised the institution’s drive to support the Federal Government’s human capital development goals.
“This partnership is one of many steps we’re taking to ensure Nigerian creatives are not only seen but heard on the global stage. We’re investing in people, and that is the essence of true national development.”

Participants will be selected through a competitive application process and must already possess basic scriptwriting skills. The training is not entry-level, and only those seeking to hone their craft to professional standards are encouraged to apply.

This initiative not only showcases the National Theatre’s efficient and proactive approach to talent development, but also its capacity to deliver world-class collaborations that will redefine the Nigerian storytelling landscape.

As the apex cultural institution in Nigeria, the National Theatre is committed to promoting artistic excellence, preserving cultural heritage, and empowering the next generation of Nigerian creatives through targeted training, international collaborations, and dynamic programming.

Theatre503 is a leading UK theatre company dedicated to discovering and nurturing new voices. With a reputation for excellence in new writing, Theatre503 has launched the careers of some of the most exciting talents in British and international theatre.