South London Theatre’s (SLT) diversity drive seeks plays from people of colour

A community theatre in Lambeth is seeking plays written and directed by people of colour for their autumn/winter season.

The reach-out is part of a diversity drive for actors, directors, writers and general users at the South London Theatre (SLT).

The theatre is looking for directors to pitch existing plays and new writers to submit work via a director who’s willing to take it on.

The directing work is unpaid but writer payments for original plays are based on fees charged by mainstream publishers.

Theatre director Caroline Beckett said: “As Covid restrictions have gradually lifted, we’re committed to opening this wonderful community asset to a wider audience.

“We’re especially keen to attract new faces and talent from a diverse range of backgrounds that reflect this borough.”

The SLT was founded in 1967 in West Norwood’s old fire station and produces around 20 shows a year ranging from classics to contemporary plays as well as new writing, with at least one musical or pantomime/family show.

Before the pandemic, the Grade II listed fire station, built 1881, was refurbished at a cost of £2 million with Heritage Lottery Funds. And while it needs constant repair, it is home to a flexible, creative hub with a 100-capacity theatre.