The VAULT Creative Arts Playwriting Award 2026 is open for submissions.

The VCA Playwrighting Award is a scheme to support early-career writers find meaningful pathways into the performing arts.

Up to 15 shortlisted writers will receive:

• Written, developmental feedback on your script.
• Invitation to a talk by Methuen Drama on getting work published.
• Two, hour-long one-on-one mentorship sessions with our Artistic Director.
• Free, on-the-door comps to shows at The Glitch, and 15% off food and drink for a year.

They're looking for:

• Completed scripts 60 to 90 minutes in length. (This would be roughly 40 to 70 A4 pages.)
• Scripts must be a world premiere - they may have had rehearsed readings, or short runs of up to 3 shows, but have never been fully produced.
• Scripts should be written to be performed with a maximum of two actors.
• Scripts should tell a riveting, engaging story – with a strong preference for unique, untold stories from under-represented voices.

They're particularly interested in:

• Vibrant: fun, fast-paced, colourful, and full of life.
• Intimate: makes the audience feel safe and connected
• Inspiring and Impactful: empowering and encouraging audiences to realise their potential.
• Ambitious: pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved in our humble venue.
• Optimised for in-the-round: Our venue is in-the- round. We'd like to see work that fits this layout.

In exchange, the winner agrees to:

• Grant VCA the rights to produce the script for its run at The Glitch.
• Grant VCA exclusive producing rights to the script in the year following its production at The Glitch.
• Grant VCA the title of “Originating Producer”, and a 5% share of income for any future productions of the script.
• Grant VCA the right-of-first-refusal on any future productions of the script.