Writing Ourselves for the Stage - Workshop 1

Kick off your creative journey with Writing Ourselves for the Stage, the first in a two part series of inspiring workshops feeding into OILCAN – the musical, a bold new production blending Scottish storytelling with contemporary rap and song.

In this two-hour session, you’ll explore how to turn personal stories into compelling scripts for the stage. Through fun and supportive exercises, we’ll cover the basics of playwriting: crafting dialogue, shaping character, and using dramatic structure to bring ideas to life. Whether you're brand new to writing or already exploring your voice, this workshop offers practical tools, creative inspiration, and a welcoming space to express yourself.

You’ll also get a taste of what’s to come in Session 2: Songwriting for Self-Expression, where music, melody, and rhythm take centre stage in telling your story.

About the Musical

OILCAN - the musical is a bold and innovative musical blending contemporary rap with traditional Scottish airs. Power, identity, and community leadership are all explored. Developed through collaborative workshops, the musical amplifies unheard voices, telling the stories of communities facing political and social challenges. 

At its core, OILCAN – the musical is a platform for creative expression, where participants contribute ideas, lyrics, and scripts that may shape the final production. 

This hands-on creative session blends playwriting, songwriting, and performance, introducing the core skills behind musical theatre writing. 

This workshop offers a unique chance to explore storytelling through music with opportunities to get professionally published. 

Through attending one of our feeder workshops, you can develop skills in musical writing, connect with a wider artistic community, and potentially see your work both published and featured in a professional production!