Actors & Writers London (AWL)
is London's longest-running professional
play-reading
forum for actors and writers
It was established in the 1980s at Hammersmith's Riverside Studios and was known as Hammersmith Actors and Writers Group for many years until July 2004
We have recently begun to develop a library of audio clips in which members talk about the work of AWL and their experiences as members. We hope to develop this facility to cover all aspects of our work, enabling newcomers to discover how AWL works and how to get the most from their membership. Click "In the Bar" for a lively, atmospheric introduction to AWL in members' own words. The other links provide a more detailed introduction to AWL by chairman Anthony Murphy, secretary Martin Cort, committee members Robin Miller and Penny Culliford and past chairman Paddy Gormley. You need Flash Player 8 or higher to enjoy this website to the full. If you cannot see the image above, click here to download Flash Player |
AWL meets in Hammersmith, London W6, on alternate Monday evenings for rehearsed readings and chaired discussions of new plays.
You are welcome to attend our meetings whether you are a theatre professional or just interested in theatre.
Click here to see a schedule of meetings and venue details including local map
What We Do
Writers
We support writers by enabling them to:
- see their work brought to life before an informed audience;
- benefit from objective, expert feedback
Actors and Directors
We support actors, directors and aspiring directors by enabling them to:
- take part in and influence the development of new plays;
- work with friends old and new;
- gain performance credits that extend the range of their work.
We work to the highest standards:
- Readings are directed and performed by established professionals.
- Plays are rehearsed, usually on the Sunday afternoon before the reading.
- Participants abide by strict guidelines similar to the rules governing their paid work.
Admission
AWL is extremely informal and friendly.
A licensed bar is available throughout the evening.
You are welcome to attend as a non-member, in which case you will be asked to make a £5 contribution at the door towards the costs of room hire, etc. You will be under no obligation whatsoever to become a member.
If you prefer to become a member, you pay a subscription of £10 for one year plus £3 entrance charge (£1.50 Student) at each meeting you attend.
You must become a member if you wish to submit a script for appraisal or if you wish to act or direct.
See the Membership page for full details, including links to pages of detailed guidelines for writers, actors and directors participating in AWL readings.
The guidelines are adorned by a series of wonderful, witty drawings by Max India, well worth a visit!
We have also recently reviewed our script appraisal policy. Click here for details.
Where To Go From Here
This site tells you everything else you need to know about AWL:
-
details of Readings, including cast lists for all readings since September 2002 and information about forthcoming readings
-
Membership benefits, including details of how to get your free personal page on this website
-
Members' biographies, including links to personal pages on this site and links to
members' own websites as appropriate -
Backstage: details of what's going on behind the scenes, including details of current
plays and projects involving AWL members as well as information about how to participate in the work of AWL