Following the success of last year's New Cumbrian Play Competition, Theatre by the Lake is launching another exciting new writing initiative tEXtPERIMENT.

We want to develop five new pieces of writing that are inspired by Science and the ethical dilemmas of Science.

tEXtPERIMENT aims to support writers in the development of exciting new work create a forum for the public discussion of the work and the issues encourage the exchange of ideas between the Sciences and Arts tEXtPERIMENT will include a series of short rehearsed readings of new work-in-progress, with public discussions, to follow performances of Theatre by the Lake's 2005 Summer Season production of Caryl Churchill's A Number - a brilliant and disturbing play about the repercussions of human cloning.

Writers will also be given dramaturgical support and workshop time during September 2005, with professional actors and director, to assist them in the development of their work.

tEXtPERIMENT is open to any writer - new or established - living or working in the Arts Council England North West region. There is funding to provide fees and expenses for the selected writers.

We require a brief synopsis of your idea and story (one side A4 double spaced) and a sample of the script (up to 10 pages of A4, double spaced).

Five pieces will be selected by a panel and the selected writers will be informed by 11 April 2005.

The deadline for submissions is 1 March 2005.

For further details and entry requirements please send a sae to: tEXtPERIMENT, Theatre by the Lake, Lakeside, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5DJ Useful information and links can also be found on the News section of our website: www.theatrebythelake.com tEXtPERIMENT SPECIAL EVENT 7.30pm FRIDAY 11TH FEBRUARY 2005 in the STUDIO at THEATRE BY THE LAKE This event is intended to give information and inspiration to writers who are interested in participating in tEXtPERIMENT. There will be an introduction from Stefan Escreet, Associate Director at Theatre by the Lake, the poet Helen Clare will be reading from Mollusc (her latest collection of work with a science theme, published by Comma Press) and there will also be a talk by Norman Hammond on the Solway Sharkwatch and Sea Mammal Survey as well as a Q & A session and the chance to meet other writers from the region. This will be a free event, but demand for tickets is expected to be high. For tickets please contact Theatre by the Lake's Tickets and Information Office on 017687 74411.