Capital‘s first Festival of New Writing is taking place at The Old Joint Stock between 22 – 27 November, bringing writers, actors and theatre makers together to celebrate developing work.

The festival will use the current political climate as a backdrop, offering an informal platform for participants to explore new work, ideas and audiences. They have also launched a competition asking ‘What’s your take on Cameron’s “Big Society”? Have you been affected by any of the issues raised?’, urging playwrights to create small plays about a big society.

To enter, take a look at the full details, and send your entry to catherine@capitalplays.co.uk by 5pm on Friday 12th November 2010.

For further information on events happening throughout the Festival, visit the Capital website.

Class Act Drama Centre offers the opportunity to learn drama techniques with professional actors and directors. Classes are open to complete beginners as well as experienced thesps, and even better, tuition fees start from a piddling £2.50 per half hour, which sounds like a bargain to me. Here’s what they have to say about themselves:

With our realistic approach to drama and our range of classes we believe that we offer something for everyone from beginners to advanced performers. Class Act’s tutors offer the very best in part time theatrical training and opportunities. We aim to make drama accessible to people of all ages and capabilities at a practical cost.

They hold classes in Digbeth, Solihull, Sutton Coldfield and Yardley, as well as other areas of the East and West Midlands. For more information about classes and venues, or to arrange a trial session, please visit the Class Act website or contact Marian by email or on 0121-244-321.