Traverse Digital Writers

Exploring new possibilities for storytelling, performance and creativity in digital spaces.

Traverse Digital Writers is a brand-new artist development programme bringing together 12 writers and theatre-makers from across Scotland to explore how theatre can be imagined, created and experienced in digital spaces.

Designed for emerging, shifting-career and mid-career artists, the programme offers an opportunity to experiment with new approaches to storytelling, develop creative skills and explore the possibilities of performance beyond the traditional stage.

From social media and mobile apps to video games, livestreaming and immersive technologies, Traverse Digital Writers invites artists to think differently about where theatre can happen, how stories can be told and who they can reach.

Applications for the 2026/27 programme are now closed.

ABOUT THE PROGRAMME

Traverse Digital Writers takes place across two development phases, combining practical workshops, creative experimentation and dedicated dramaturgical support.

Autumn 2026: Exploring Digital Performance

In Autumn 2026, 12 selected artists will take part in a six-week programme of workshops and skills-building sessions, exploring different approaches to writing and making performance for digital spaces.

Each week will focus on a different digital platform or technology, introducing participants to existing digital theatre practice and encouraging them to experiment with new forms of storytelling, dramaturgy and production.

Sessions will combine in-person and online delivery, bringing together artists from across Scotland with a range of creative backgrounds, experiences and perspectives on technology.

Spring 2027: Developing New Work

Following the Autumn programme, up to six participants will have the opportunity to take their ideas further through a dedicated research and development phase.

With one-to-one and group dramaturgical support from Traverse Artistic Director Gareth Nicholls and Traverse Associate Artist and PhD student Emma Dorfman, artists will develop concepts for new theatrical works created specifically for digital spaces.

In August 2027, participants will be invited to share an extract, prototype, proof of concept or other element of their developing work, offering a glimpse into the new creative possibilities emerging from the programme.

RETHINKING THE POSSIBILITIES OF THEATRE

At its heart, Traverse Digital Writers is about curiosity, experimentation and opening up new possibilities for theatre-makers.

The programme brings together artists who may be entirely new to digital performance alongside those already experimenting with emerging technologies. It welcomes different perspectives, including artists who are interested in questioning and challenging the role technology plays in how we create and experience performance.

Through this shared exploration, Traverse Digital Writers aims to support a new wave of creative thinking about the relationship between theatre, technology and audiences.

RESEARCH AND COLLABORATION

Traverse Digital Writers also connects with ongoing research led by Emma Dorfman, in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh and the Traverse.

Emma's research explores theatre created for and staged in digital spaces, including social media, mobile apps, livestreaming platforms, video games and XR technologies.

Funded and supported by the Scottish Graduate School for the Arts and Humanities (SGSAH), this research will help deepen our understanding of how the Traverse can support writers, theatre-makers and live performance artists interested in developing new digital work.

Programme participants may be invited to contribute to this research, with participation entirely optional.