Here’s what to know about the DYSPLA Script Development workshop

Observer P.O.V of SurgeryScript

Participation is not limited to writers, actors, or directors

The script in developed this month was ‘Borderline’, written by Lucy Requier and Giverny Masso. Photography by Lennie Varvarides © 2025.

Intro

My name is Grey Cronin. I am a student at Boston University studying Psychology and currently doing a semester abroad here in London! Part of my program is an internship placement which is how I got involved with DYSPLA, a Neurodivergent-led, award-winning arts collective celebrating, producing and developing the work of Neurodivergent Storymakers. I started working with Lennie Varvarides and Kazimir Bielecki — co-owners of DYSPLA — as an intern a couple of weeks ago and was invited to attend the SurgeryScript workshop.

As a fellow neurodivergent person this atmosphere is wonderful.

DYSPLA produces a wide range of digital art and events: from meetups, exhibitions, trainings, to workshops — one of which is SurgeryScript. Most things are either free to participate in or heavily subsidized by DYSPLA. To get involved in some way, request to join DYSPLA’s mailing list by emailing: dyspla intern AT gmail DOT com

A 10/10 Inspiring Experience

On 25 October I had a lovely opportunity to attend DYSPLA’s SurgeryScript workshop, which showcased everything DYSPLA is about. It is worth noting that any writers who submit must be neurodivergent (ND) and the room is often filled with a combination of ND and non ND minds, as actors are not required to be ND.

I’ll admit, as someone with ADHD, this was such a welcoming and comfortable environment to be in — even as an observer who was not there to create. The workshop truly is a beautiful sight to behold.

This month’s first draft script was written by Lucy Requier and Giverny Masso and called, Borderline. It followed “two very different women’s lives” whose paths become “entwined after they are diagnosed with one of the most stigmatised and misunderstood mental health disorders, Borderline Personality Disorder”. Masso and Requier have created a strong script and brought likable characters to life who are often stigmatised.

“Interesting writing and subject matter and how to turn something that is potentially difficult to explain into something watchable and therefore much more understandable. The Power of Theatre!! Saw the value of flexibility — moving bits of the play around — setting scenes on their feet”. — Debbie Radcliffe https://app.spotlight.com/1175-7860-2008

(From Left to Right — Cristina Teibas, Grey Cronin, Nina Schlautmann, Megan Affonso, Giverny Masso, Lucy Requier, Gerhard H. Sanft. Photography by Lennie Varvarides Nov 2025 © belongs to DYSPLA

THE PROCESS

Every minute was filled with creativity and inspiration. We started off the five-hour workshop by reading through the script (I was given the honour of reading the stage directions) and followed up with any questions actors had about their character before moving on to the fun part — bringing scenes to life!

I have been in many rehearsal rooms and frankly never seen something quite like this. The actors and director were able not just to bring up ideas but to fully run with them too. The creative team, (writers, actors, director) worked together to breathe life into the scenes. The script blossomed into something collectively created by everyone in the room.

“This was a transformation experience. It was an exciting but nerve-wracking [to] share our play with people for the first time, but their feedback was so constructive, and the creativity of the actors and director was so inspiring and made us think about the play ways we’d never have imagined”. — Giverny Masso

(Left-Megan Affonso, Right-Nina Schlautmann) by Lennie Varvarides Nov 2025 © belongs to DYSPLA. Megan Affonso https://app.spotlight.com/1167-8971-7527

Criticism was never given harshly and there was no sign of the typical hierarchy that often exists in a rehearsal rooms. Feedback was offered by anyone and everyone and it was valued by all involved.

The actors, along with providing feedback on the script, did a wonderful job animating the characters, creating real people that audience members could be invested in. They came up with ideas only possible by putting themselves in their character’s shoes — and said ideas were so creative and really brought the character to life.

“I think we made great progress and found the points of dramatic moments and also the moments of humour, taking something raw and human into a story”. — Nina Schlautmann — https://app.spotlight.com/2619-1202-7305

Commentary was also given from inside the room by peer audience member who attend to support new writing. I even came up with some ideas on the tech side of theatre (which is my not-so-secret love), and the reaction of the writers was heartwarming. They said they ‘want tech as a third main character’ and generally were being so grateful and welcoming to ideas — even from a two-weeks-in intern who doesn’t have a career in the arts. Truly, each person who participated wanted nothing but the best for the writers on their journey.

The conversations, however, were not just about the script but about BPD because for many involved, this was their first introduction to it. In the post-performance feedback circle, which was such a neat moment, one of the actors, Debbie Radcliffe, talked about how she sees BPD as a “disruption” not a disorder.

(Left-Cristina Teibas, Right-Gerhard H. Sanft) Photography by Lennie Varvarides Nov 2025 © belongs to DYSPLA Cristina Teibas https://app.spotlight.com/9812-4505-5857 Gerhard H. Sanft https://app.spotlight.com/9258-8940-2351

As a psychology major with a love for theatre — and a splash of ADHD — the entire workshop was like a dream come true, except I didn’t even know it was a possibility until it happened. I had an interactive, front row seat to all my favourite topics while being in an environment that not only accepts neurodivergence, but celebrates it.

The experience in three words is: welcoming, memorable, and inspiring. I would strongly recommend attendance — whether that be as an audience member, an actor, or a writer. If you have the opportunity to take part in a DYSPLA SurgeryScript workshop, take that opportunity — because DYSPLA can only offer 11 script development slots per year. (Closed in Dec 2025)

DYSPLA are accepting submissions for Jan 2026

SurgeryScript is held on the last Saturday of every month and is a chance to script development and scene act and designed for ND creatives. To participate — Writers please email dyspla intern AT gmail DOT com with:

15 pages from your draft script Logline (two sentences max) A short script synopsis (250 words max) Character breakdown (4 characters max)

Actor please email dyspla intern AT gmail DOT com with: Your spotlight link and request to be added to the Actors mailing list.

SurgeryScript is an invite only workshop. If you are invited to participate, you will then be required to make an online booking to secure your place. Bookings for writers are £60.00, for actors £20.00, and for guests £5.00. Only pay if you have been confirmed. More information is available on our website here.

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