INK Pen to Performance Schools’ Project Secures New Grants

The INK Pen to Performance Schools’ Project has been awarded three new grants, enabling the programme to involve additional schools and support more young writers.

This long-running initiative introduces secondary-aged students to storytelling and playwriting. With guidance from professional actors and experienced drama facilitators, students create their own short plays and hear them performed by the professionals. The process is designed to build confidence, encourage imagination and give students practical insight into writing for the stage.

The next phase of the project recommences in November 2025. Workshops this term are led by a team of respected practitioners:

Henri Merriam, actor and drama facilitator

Sophia Copasso, playwright

James McDermott, playwright

Adrian Poynton, playwright

Their expertise supports students as they develop original ideas and learn the fundamentals of writing for performance.The project aims to inspire more young people to submit plays to the INK Festival and to help nurture the next generation of creative writers.

Schools participating this half-term:

Alde Valley High Academy and Bungay High School, supported by East Suffolk Council Festival of Careers

Broadland High Ormiston Academy, supported by the Janus Henderson Foundation

Support from these funders enables INK to expand opportunities for young writers and strengthen access to creative learning across the region.