FOR CREATIVES
TEST DRIVE Scratch Night
Four WHeel Drive and Theatre@41
In association with Alice Thorley and Ben Middleton
SUNDAY 9 FEB, 6 PM Theatre@41 York
Stories are the heart of who we are. They shape our communities and bring us closer together. That’s why we’re thrilled to host York’s vibrant artistic community for TEST DRIVE SCRATCH NIGHT—a space where new work is shared, voices are heard, and stories in development come to life.
Whether you’re excited to experience creativity in its rawest form or a storyteller eager to share your work, this is your invitation to join our community and be part of the journey.
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Do you have a script, an idea, or even just a spark of inspiration you’d like to take for a test drive? Whether it’s your first Scratch Night or your 100th, we’d love to support you in sharing your work with an audience.
This is your chance to:
Hear your work performed out loud.
Meet potential collaborators.
Receive constructive feedback in a welcoming, supportive environment.
Are you a director or actor looking to create something new? Get in touch—we’d love to pair you up with a writer to bring a fresh idea to life.
How Do I Get Involved?
If you’d like to take part, email scratch@fourwheeldrivetheatre.co.uk and let us know:
If you have an idea you’d like to share.
Or if you’re keen to join the creative pool (as a reader, performer, director, or dramaturg).
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Scratch Nights are an incredible way to showcase new work, theatre-makers present an extract of something in development to an audience who offer feedback in a supportive environment.
For many, this will be the first chance to share an idea with an audience, test whether it has legs and find inspiration/ motivation to continue developing.
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Lot's of people enjoy attending Scratch Nights to meet like-minded people, experience some exciting new work and be involved in the creative process.
Those who attended our last Test Drive Scratch Night have found creative collaborators through the event and gone on to continue developing their work, apply for funding and book further performances and tours for their work.
If you like theatre, have an open mind and enjoy offering supportive feedback, you'll probably enjoy this event.
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Tickets are Pay What You Feel, we hope anyone who is interested in attending feels they can do so. This event as a great introduction to the theatre/ creative scene in York.
If you have a piece you'd like to present at this Scratch Night or a future event, email us at Scratch@fourwheeldrivetheatre.co.uk
If you'd like to support other pieces as a director or performer, please reach out and we can connect you with artists performing at the next event.
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The first TEST DRIVE Scratch Night took place at Friargate Theatre in May '24 as part of the 'Friargate Creative Hub' project in partnership with Riding Lights Theatre Company.
The second event ran in September in partnership with Theatre@41, where it was hosted in association with Junk Drawer Theatre Co.
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SAVE THE DATES:
Sunday, February 9th @6PM
Tuesday, May 20th @ 7PM
Thursday, October 2nd @ 7PM
Calling all performers looking for more work in York.
Our Performers Directory is the best way to be on our radar for performing opportunities. But not just us, you can opt in to let us share your details with other creative organisations looking for performers.
Specify the type of work you’re looking for and become one of our valued contacts.
Are you an actor, practitioner, singer, musician or dancer based in York? This is for you.
PERFORMERS DIRECTORY
PREVIOUS PROJECTS For Creatives
FOUR WHEEL DRIVE are passionate about improving the creative ecosystem within York. Find out more about previous projects designed for creatives…
FRIARGATE Creative hub
4 - 18 May 2024, Friargate Theatre (Previous Project)
A space for creatives to meet, collaborate and create!
Friargate Creative Hub offered a series of workshops and events tailored to artists in York, providing a welcoming space for creative work and collaboration.
A collaboration between Riding Lights Theatre Company and Four Wheel Drive.
A flexible workspace designed for creatives; space to focus on your script, find creative inspiration or get something up on its feet. All centred around collaboration.
Enjoy the cafe space with creative break-out areas for FREE. Tea, coffee and snacks will be available to purchase if you’d like.
EVENTS & WORKSHOPS
PRO sessions: run by professionals, pay what you feel.
COMMUNITY sessions: for and by the community, FREE.
A HUGE thank you to everyone who made this project possible and to all who engaged with us over the 2-week project.
CONNECT FESTIVAL 2023
19 - 23 July 2023, Theatre@41 (Previous Project)
A 5-day Theatre and Arts festival championing new work and emerging artists.
Programme Included:
8 New 60 Minute Shows
2 Late Night Cabaret Shows
15 Workshops, Masterclasses and Events
With thanks to our sponsors and supporters; Viridian Labs, The Guild of Media Arts and Brew York. As well as the fantastic team that made it possible.
