WRITERS with playwriting ambitions have a chance to test their talent with Raising Voices Again at the Watermill Theatre, Newbury.

The Watermill's 2003 search for new writers for the stage resulted in 85 entries and a full production and week's run for one of the successful plays at the theatre.

The Watermill has long made known its commitment to supporting new talent in theatre. Many actors and directors have gone on to greater things after launching their career at this intimate Berkshire venue, including Edward Hall and Sean Bean.

Writers of all cultures and backgrounds are invited to submit a new play for the Watermill, celebrating the diversity of the English language and the visual and emotional dynamics of live theatre. Each play should be a complete evening's entertainment and employ a maximum of six actors, which should not limit the number of characters within the story.

Each play will be read by one of a team of professional practitioners who will write a short critique for the writer. Six plays will be chosen and the writers will have the opportunity of working with a professional director and actors to present their play at a staged rehearsed reading at the Watermill during the week commencing September 13.

Submissions to Raising Voices Again, should be sent to Watermill Theatre, Bagnor, Newbury, Berkshire, RG20 8AE by March 27.

The selection of the six plays to go forward will be made by June 30.

Rehearsed readings will be in the week beginning September 13. There is a participation fee of £20, cheques to be made payable to Watermill

Theatre Ltd.