Second Star Motel
A New Play
by Rebecca Jade Hammond
Trainee Writer Callout 2026
About the Project
Chippy Lane Productions Ltd. are offering an opportunity for an individual to spend 5 days as a Trainee Writer on the development of new play Second Star Motel, written by Rebecca Jade Hammond and directed by Hannah Noone.
Second Star Motel follows a successful woman in her forties and a man who met through a widows dating app as they finally decided to take their relationship offline and IRL. A play exploring grief, loss, second chances and genuine human connection in a world drowning in technology.
We are undertaking one week of R&D (Research and Development) to develop the script for Second Star Motel in early July 2026, funded by Arts Council of Wales.
R&D rehearsals will take place in the following week:
Monday 6th – Friday 10th July 2026, 10am – 6pm: rehearsals at Theatr Clwyd, Mold
The Trainee Writer will have the opportunity to spend 5 days shadowing and working alongside with the Writer (Rebecca Jade Hammond), Director (Hannah Noone) and Dramaturg (Davina Moss) in the room during these rehearsal dates, experiencing first hand the script development process and the creative logistics of working intensively on a script with a director, actors, producing and creative partners.
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for someone who is based in Wales, and is an entry level playwright and is early in their development for writing for stage. We are interested in hearing from individuals who are interested and passionate about writing for stage, who have not had a chance to work on script development, or had the chance to be in a rehearsal room as a writer.
Applicants should be able to demonstrate a strong commitment to making work in Wales and clearly identify writing as their primary creative discipline.
We are actively interested in hearing from people we haven’t met or engaged with before as a company. If you’re not sure whether you should apply, please don’t hesitate to get in touch for an informal chat about the role by emailing producer Philippa Mannion at [email protected].
What’s the fee?
The successful applicant will be paid an attendance fee of £650 for the R&D week. Travel and accommodation to attend the R&D will be arranged for the Trainee Writer by Chippy Lane Productions. Please note that you must be based in Wales to apply for this opportunity.
What will the application process be?
Stage 1 – Application
We’re inviting applicants to answer questions and submit one page of their writing for stage via Google Forms by 5pm on Friday 1st May 2026. The link for submitting your application is available here: https://forms.gle/hZknYkcYyKSTbwCw8
We are interested in seeing a one-page sample of your writing and hearing your answers on the following questions:
- What type of writer do you think you are? What sort of writer would you like to become?
- Why do you want to pursue this opportunity as part of your development?
Please also fill in this monitoring form: Chippy Lane Productions – Monitoring Form. This is anonymous and will in no way be linked to your application.
From the written applications, we’ll then shortlist candidates for interview.
Previous open calls for Chippy Lane have received a large number of applications therefore we’re unable to provide feedback to those who are not shortlisted.
Stage 2 – Interview
The interview will be an informal 20-minute chat on Zoom in the week beginning 11th May 2026, where you’ll be asked about your application in more detail.
If you have any access requirements and require adjustments to the application process, please get in touch with us via email (Philippa – [email protected]).
When is the closing date?
The deadline for applications is Friday 1st May 2026 at 5pm.
We will be holding informal 20 minute chats on Zoom on the week beginning 11th May 2026. Please let us know when you apply if you have any scheduling conflicts or access needs for attending the Zoom call.