WATERFORD is a buzz with theatrical chat in pubs, cafe's and, of course, Garter Lane Arts Centre, where the National Playwrights' Conference is in full sway. Four previously unproduced plays by new playwrights have been chosen (out of 50 submissions) to be work shopped this week and next week by a team of 17 actors, as well as directors, dramaturges and designers. The plays are by Celia McBride, Fergal O'Byrne, Mary Hoey and Ursula de Brun.

"The main priority is to give the writers food for thought expose flaws in the plays so that the writers can take the play to another level," says Annette Clancy, artistic director of Garter Lane. The results, in the form of staged readings, will be on view to the public over eight nights, starting tonight at 8 p.m. On Saturday 29th June there will be a seminar entitled What's the Story? chaired by Declan Gorman, about how stories are sourced and developed for contemporary theatre in Ireland. Phone 051 55038 for information.