We are hugely excited to announce the inaugural North East Playwriting Award, presented by Live Theatre in partnership with The Catherine Cookson Charitable Trust. This brand new venture seeks to award commissions to two playwrights who are either from or based in the North East of England. The commissioned plays will then be produced for our stage.

Our main award will offer one playwright a full-length commission fee of £10,000 and ensuing production in our main theatre.

Furthermore, we are thrilled to build on our commitment to young talent by offering a second commission award of £7,000 to a young playwright (16-25 years) to write an under-70 minute play.

Who is this for?

These awards are open to writers who are either from or currently living in the North East of England.

The main award is open to anyone aged 16 and above.

The second award (Youth award) is exclusively for writers aged 16 to 25.

Both awards are open to writers at any level of experience. No minimum or maximum level of experience is required.

What are we looking for?

We want to hear the stories you feel compelled to tell, through the filter that makes you different to everyone else in the world - your own unique voice.

We want plays that are brave, bold and ambitious in theme and drama. That are diverse and dramatically theatrical. To show us new worlds and perspectives we’ve never seen before.

Forget what you think a Live Theatre play is or any preconceptions of what you think we would like you to write. All we want is for you to tell us the story you are passionate to share, in your own unique way, unrestricted from limitations or briefs.

Let your imagination free.