Are you a writer that is not currently represented by an agent, based in the UK or Ireland and writes for the stage? Then we want to read your work!
Formerly titled Open Submissions, our open call window to submit your work this year is 12noon Wednesday 12 August 2026 until 12noon Wednesday 26 August 2026.
We are keen to discover and build relationships with writers across the UK and Ireland unknown to us at the moment. This submission process is an opportunity for us to find exciting new voices, learn more about who’s making work today and begin conversations and invest in the development of writers whose interests and ambitions feel aligned with our own.
We’re looking for original voices and ideas – writers asking the big questions of today inventively, urgently and theatrically. We want to read your work for future development and collaboration: at least one writer identified through this open call will be offered a place on our Bush Writers' Group 2026-27.
For more information and to submit, click the opportunity info link below!
A playwriting competition for Northern writers!
One winning script will be chosen for a five-night production by the People’s Theatre in May 2027 in their Studio Theatre, and the writer will receive a cash prize of £1,000.
The judges for the competition are looking for a new full-length play on any subject, for a cast of any age or gender. Don't worry about how old you are or much experience you have - the Award is open to everyone with a story to tell.
Past winners include Peter Straughan (BAFTA & Oscar-winner for ‘Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy’ & ‘Conclave’), Carina Rodney (Audible, BBC Radio 4, Live Theatre) and Alison Carr (National Theatre, Finalist: Women’s Prize for Playwriting, BBC Three).
SUBMISSION INFORMATION:
For more information, including submission guidelines, click the opportunity info link below!
REWRITES is a partnership programme led by Lowry, Birmingham Hippodrome, Mayflower Southampton, Norwich Theatre and Capital Theatres Edinburgh.
REWRITES champions bold new musicals that are ready to connect with audiences across the country, recognising touring as a crucial stage in a show's development. By enabling productions to test, refine and strengthen their work in front of diverse audiences nationwide, REWRITES creates a clear pathway for ambitious new musicals, combining direct financial support with in-kind expertise from some of the UK's leading theatre organisations.
Initiated by Lowry in 2017, musicals featured in REWRITES include: Jeezus! By Sergio Antonio Maggiolo, Ballad Lines by Finn Anderson and Tania Azevedo, Half Man Half Bull by Wright & Grainger, Chosen by Taiya Yoshida & Dominic Varney, Nel’s Place by Sheep Soup, No Miracles Here by The Letter Room, A Super Happy Story (About Feeling Sad) by Jon Brittain and Matthew Floyd Jones (Kathy & Stella) and Snowflake by Lewis Cornay. The award-winning West End and Broadway musical Operation Mincemeat started out at a scratch event as part of REWRITES.
REWRITES platforms normally take place twice a year in Spring and Autumn. Our next opportunity is Autumn 2027. Dates TBC.
Submissions open on 20th July and closes on 18th December. Applicants will hear by the end of January.
For more information and to apply click the opportunity link below!
Are you passionate about creative writing, history, and the arts? This exciting and unique course offers the opportunity to explore all three in an inspiring and creative environment.
Led by a professional theatre-maker and writer, alongside a range of specialist guests, participants will take part in dynamic workshops that bring stories, history, and creativity to life. The 10-week course includes exclusive curatorial access to the American Museum & Gardens, providing a rare opportunity to engage directly with fascinating collections and uncover the stories behind them.
Throughout the term, you will create original written and performance work inspired by the museum and its exhibits. The course culminates in an end of term celebratory sharing of the work developed during the programme. There will also be a special performance of selected pieces that will go on to be showcased within the museum itself!
Sessions take place in the beautiful Coach House and Stables at the American Museum & Gardens, offering a unique and inspiring setting for creativity, collaboration, and discovery.
Theatre Royal Bath Theatre School in partnership with the American Museum & Gardens.
Wonderfund Bursaries
We believe every young person should be able to take part.
Thanks to the Wonderfund, bursary places are available for all our Theatre School workshops — giving young people the chance to get creative, build confidence, and be part of something special. Apply through the link below.
Dates:
Time: 6.45pm - 8.15pm
Are you passionate about creative writing, history, and the arts? This exciting and unique course offers the opportunity to explore all three in an inspiring and creative environment.
Led by a professional theatre-maker and writer, alongside a range of specialist guests, participants will take part in dynamic workshops that bring stories, history, and creativity to life. The 10-week course includes exclusive curatorial access to the American Museum & Gardens, providing a rare opportunity to engage directly with fascinating collections and uncover the stories behind them.
Throughout the term, you will create original written and performance work inspired by the museum and its exhibits. The course culminates in an end of term celebratory sharing of the work developed during the programme. There will also be a special performance of selected pieces that will go on to be showcased within the museum itself!
Sessions take place in the beautiful Coach House and Stables at the American Museum & Gardens, offering a unique and inspiring setting for creativity, collaboration, and discovery.
Theatre Royal Bath Theatre School in partnership with the American Museum & Gardens.
Wonderfund Bursaries
We believe every young person should be able to take part.
Thanks to the Wonderfund, bursary places are available for all our Theatre School workshops — giving young people the chance to get creative, build confidence, and be part of something special. Apply through the link below.
Dates:
Time: 5pm - 6.30pm
We're inviting Masterclass members to apply to take part as actors, directors and designers in Script Scratch, an exciting opportunity to celebrate four new pieces of writing developed through our Script Sessions programme. We're also looking for one technician, proficient with QLab, to source and cue sound effects, and assist the London Youth Theatre's technician on the night.
📜 Script Scratch will take place on Thursday 17 September, at the London Youth Theatre (F.K.A. Seven Dials Playhouse - 1a Tower St, WC2H 9NP); all participants will be required from 3.00pm to 9.00pm.
🗣️ Rehearsal: A 2-hour Zoom rehearsal will take place the weeks commencing Monday 31 August and Monday 7 September. Please note, you must be available for the rehearsal of the play you are applying for.
💸 Each participant will receive £25 towards expenses. Set designers will receive an additional budget of £35 to cover design materials. The technician will receive £60 towards expenses.
🎭 A summary of each play and a full casting breakdown can be found here.
🚀 Log in to your Masterclass account and apply via your members' area.
Shape Arts has partnered with The Literary Consultancy for another year to facilitate their Free Reads scheme which provides opportunities for professional feedback for low-income writers from underrepresented backgrounds. TLC, the UK’s leading literary consultancy, run the scheme every year, helping hundreds of writers on to publication, but its main aim is to support writers developing their work and honing their writing craft through structured constructive feedback.
Free Reads provides free access to a professional reader, who will provide written feedback on a sample of your work. The pool of writers will b e decided by Shape following a selection process. All selected writers will receive access to TLC’s ‘Being A Writer’ online portal for 6 months.
This service is available for extracts or full manuscripts across the following formats:
Alongside the main Manuscript Assessments, TLC are offering additional support this year to apply to. This includes:
You can find out more about each of these additional support packages via the TLC website.
Elevate is a practical, skills-building programme from acta Community Theatre for socially engaged theatre-makers and artists. Selected workshops are also open to artists from other disciplines.
This workshop will explore:
The workshop focuses on working as a theatre practitioner, but the skills and tools will benefit artists working across disciplines.
The workshop takes place at acta’s theatre, accessed via five steps, with a lift available. An accessible toilet is also provided.
acta can offer a range of access adjustments, including on-site wheelchairs and walkers, accessible parking, free tickets for carers or companions, sighted guiding and large-print materials.
For access requests, including anything not listed above, please contact rosa@acta-bristol.com.
If cost is a barrier, acta may be able to help with attendance. Contact rosa@acta-bristol.com to discuss options.
Elevate is a skills-building programme from acta Community Theatre for socially engaged theatre-makers, artists, community organisers and campaigners interested in working creatively with communities.
This practical, explorative workshop will explore:
The theatre is accessed via five steps, with a lift available. There is also an accessible toilet. acta can provide a range of adjustments, including on-site wheelchairs and walkers, accessible parking, free tickets for carers/companions, sighted guiding and large-print materials.
If you have access requirements, including anything not listed above, please contact rosa@acta-bristol.com.
The first workshop, Creative Facilitation, takes place on 16 September.
If cost is a barrier, acta may be able to help with your attendance. Contact rosa@acta-bristol.com to discuss options.
Elevate is a practical, skills-building programme from acta Community Theatre for socially engaged theatre-makers and artists. Selected workshops are also open to people from other creative and community disciplines.
This workshop will explore:
The workshop is open to anyone interested in everyday heritage and people’s histories. Writers, storytellers, filmmakers and researchers may also find it useful.
The workshop takes place at acta’s theatre, accessed via five steps, with a lift available. An accessible toilet is also provided.
acta can offer a range of access adjustments, including on-site wheelchairs and walkers, accessible parking, free tickets for carers or companions, sighted guiding and large-print materials.
For access requests, including anything not listed above, please contact rosa@acta-bristol.com.
If cost is a barrier, acta may be able to help with attendance. Contact rosa@acta-bristol.com to discuss options.
