National Theatre Connections Company - Fishville (13 - 17yrs)

Artrix Studio

In 2026, we are proud to be a part of the National Theatre Connections Festival, whereby we will be putting on a special production. Each year, NT Connections commissions a selection of brand-new plays for young people to perform, pairing some of the UK’s most exciting writers with the theatre-mak …moreers of tomorrow. Connections have 250 entries from across the country, with the choice of 8 plays to be performed, one by each group. Find out more about NT Connections here - https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/learn-explore/young-people/connections/ We are delighted to be bringing this new opportunity to Worcestershire, and welcome applications from aspiring young actors, performers and theatre-makers, aged 13-18. We hope to recruit 20 young people to form our Connections Company 2026. Please contact caroline@encorearts.org Fishville by Afsaneh Gray Performed by Encore Arts Connections Company Director - Suzanne Lane Assistant Director – Ralph Joy Producer - Caroline Dean Venue - Artrix Key Dates - Sunday 1st February: Welcome workshops and casting auditions - Monday 16th - Friday 20th February: 5 day intensive rehearsals - Saturday 21st February: Performance at Artrix - Monday 30th March: Regional Performance at Swan Theatre, Worcester Following a February Half Term intensive, we start with a Home Performance at Artrix Bromsgrove on 21st February, where a National Theatre Mentor Director will visit to provide feedback. We then transfer the production to a Regional Theatre Festival at Swan Theatre, Worcester between 30th March – 1st April. A number of companies from across our region will join us at the Swan, for an inspiring day of industry workshops and performances. Finally, a select number of groups (one for each play) are invited to perform at the Connections Summer Festival (June 2026): a final celebration, which spotlights each play and champions the incredible work created throughout the year. Encore Arts have chosen Fishville from the 8 play choices available. Fishville is a play written by Afsaneh Gray. The story starts when a young man named Jared takes to the sea in swimming gear but never starts swimming… His death, which follows on from the unexpected sale of his parents’ house, throws the community into chaos. When the daughter of the man who bought Jared’s house arrives in Saltwell and finds a severed foot washed up at her feet, she and the daughter of the ‘second homers’ decide to investigate what drove Jared into the sea. They uncover a local myth about an underwater community – did Jared believe the myth? Then, ‘Jared’ starts posting messages, asking his friends to join him. With the new girl’s father spending more and more time in the sea, and the myth gaining traction, the young people must figure out what’s going on before anybody else is lost to a vengeful ocean… Afsaneh Gray is a writer for screen, stage and audio, published by Methuen Drama. She is the winner of the Brian Way Award with her play for young people, The Border. Other productions include the critically acclaimed Octopus, a satire about what it means to be British. Her plays have been longlisted for the Bruntwood Prize and Women’s Prize for Playwriting, and shortlisted for the Theatre Uncut Political Playwriting Prize. For television, she has written for Shakespeare & Hathaway and Doctors (both BBC). Her original TV comedy, Lulu The Extremist, was selected for the UKTV 50:50 scheme. She is represented by Giles Smart at United Agents. Characters: FAITH AMIRI – 17 years old, a newcomer, daughter of Mr Amiri, the new art teacher. CONNIE SMITH – 17 years old, a newcomer. SALLY HUNTER – 17 years old, daughter of the local chippy. MAXWELL HUNTER – 15 years old, her brother. JAY BROWN – 16 years old, child of the petrol station owner. ARIANA CHASE – 15 years old, daughter of the ‘Climate Change Transition Manager’. LEX FINK – 15 years old, child of the people who run the post office. ARCHIE RICH – 13 years old, son of the estate agent. RILEY PRATT – 14 years old, Jared Pratt’s sibling. THE SEA - Ensemble, speaking roles Setting: A tiny coastal village about to be swallowed up by the sea. Content guidance:   o Mild sexual references o References to suicide o Themes alluding to radicalisation and conspiracy theories Participation Fee £200 | £150 second sibling / current Encore Arts members discount Concession rate places are available, please contact caroline@encorearts.org Payments can be made in instalments less