Soho Theatre Walthamstow x British Pakistan Foundation Writers’ Lab FAQs

This is an entry-level programme for people of Pakistani heritage. No previous experience required at all! Maybe you’re sitting on a story you’ve always wanted to share. Maybe you have a passion for creative writing and want to explore it further. Maybe you’re not seeing yourself represented in the work you’re reading/seeing on stage and screen. Perhaps you’ve tried some writing but it’s never seen the light of day and you’re keen to change that. If any of that sounds at all like you, please don’t be shy, and apply.  

We actively welcome applicants who identify as LGBTQ+, D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent and people living in the London Borough of Waltham Forest. 

The application is an online form which will be available on this page when applications are open, and the questions are listed below. 

It’s really helpful for us to get to know people through their application answers, so we appreciate people just being themselves, there’s no need to try to impress us, just be open and honest in your answer about why you want to take part. Also don’t worry about trying to sound formal with your language – just write or speak in your own authentic voice.  

When applications are open, we offer Zoom Q&As and taster sessions, hosted by our Labs team, where people can find out more. These are listed above when applications are open. 

The application form consists of some short answer or multiple choice questions (most of it basic things like name, email address, etc) and 1slightly longer-form answer questions (about why you want to take part in the Lab).  

It works best from a computer, but you can also complete it on a smartphone or tablet. For the long-form answer question, you can type it up or submit your answer by video instead if you find that easier/preferable, by pasting your YouTube/Vimeo/Dropbox link in the answer box (please do NOT use WeTransfer or any service where the link expires).  

For other support regarding the application form, please email engagement@sohotheatre.com 

Here are the list of questions on the application, in case you’d like to see them in advance: 

1-What is your name?
2-What email address can we contact you on?
3- What’s the best phone number to reach you on?
4- Have you taken part in one of our Labs courses before?
5- If yes, which Labs have you taken part in and when?
6- Why do you want to take part in this Lab, and what are you hoping to gain from it? (200 words, for a text answer, or 2 minute video link)
7- Do you require a bursary in order to take part in the Lab(s) you are applying to? (Yes/No) We will follow up with you separately to discuss your needs.
8- If you require a bursary, please let us know a little bit about your circumstances.
9- Where did you hear about Soho Theatre Labs?
As we are a charity, the following questions are to do with equal opportunities data which our funders request.
10- Do you live in London? (Yes/No)
11- If you live in London please let us know which borough you live in. (multiple choice)
12- If you don’t live in London, please let us know which town/city you live in.
13- How do you describe your gender? (multiple choice)
14- How do you describe your sexual orientation? (multiple choice)
15- What will your age be on 1st October 2025?
16- Please describe your ethnic origin. (multiple choice)
17- What was the occupation of the main/highest income earner in your household when you were 14? (multiple choice)
18- Do you consider yourself to be disabled?
19- If yes- please let us know how you describe yourself. (multiple choice) 

In the application form, we’ve indicated the question that helps us learn a bit about you. You’re welcome to type this out, or answer via video if more convenient. If you’d like to go for the video option, simply film yourself answering the question. Then upload this onto YouTube (there’s a ‘create’ or + button for web or the app, followed by an ‘upload video’ option). Be sure to set your privacy settings so only those with a link can watch the video and then copy and paste the link as your answer. You can also use other services like Vimeo, Dropbox or GDrive – however, please always ensure that the video is unlisted or that the privacy settings are set to enable people with the link to access the video without signing in, and without a password. Otherwise we won’t be able to see it, and we can’t consider your application! Please do NOT use any service where the link expires after a time period (like WeTransfer) – as the link is likely to expire before we get to it.  

Once you have submitted an application through our online Typeform, you will see a page thanking you for your application and confirming that it’s been submitted. Congrats! 

Please note – you will not automatically be sent a copy of your application. So if you want to keep your answers for future reference, we recommend you copy and paste them into a document for yourself.  

We will be in touch with all applicants, whether or not we are able to offer a place on the programme. We will aim to get back to everyone in early November. 

As we are a small team, managing a large volume of applications, unfortunately we are not able to offer feedback. Inevitably, there are brilliant writers we’re not able to offer places to each year, due to the high application volume and limited course spots available. 

The course involves 16 writers. Over the 3-months of the Lab, you will be meeting regularly on Thursday evenings for workshop sessions teaching you some of the basics of writing across different media. Reading and writing homework may be set at the end of each workshop and the course is designed for writers to connect with each other outside of the workshops as well, to get the most out of the programme. We have designed the course to be around 20 learning hours, with reading and writing time in addition. 

The schedule is (subject to change): 

Thursday 27 Nov – session 1 

Thursday 4th Dec – session 2 

Thursday 11 Dec – session 3 

Thursday 18th Dec session 4 

BREAK and first draft submission deadline 

Thursday 8 Jan – session 5  

Thursday 15 Jan – session 6 

BREAK and second draft submission deadline 

Thursday 22 Jan – session 7 

BREAK and final submission deadline 

Throughout February: recording sessions 

Thursday 12 March – session 8: sharing, release and celebration 

We have a limited amount of funding to enable people to participate in the programme if they are unable to pay the full course fee (£100). The bursaries can cover the full cost, or half of the cost of the programme, depending on the circumstances of the person. 

If you are unemployed, receiving Universal Credit or other benefits, receive a low income or would like to request a bursary for another reason, please complete the bursary section on the application form. As well as general bursaries which are available to all, we also have a number of sponsored bursaries available. 

We will be hosting taster workshops in the run up to opening applications so keep an eye on the website and social media. These are open for people to hear more from our team and ask questions. 

You can also email us at engagement@sohotheatre.com