Play Development Bursaries are an opportunity for playwrights based in Scotland to receive financial and practical support to create the first draft of a new play. The aim of the bursary is to help create space for playwrights to invest, with momentum, in a new piece of work up to first draft stage. It is a chance for them to experiment and to spend time with an idea that they might not otherwise be able to explore.

Open to early career and professional playwrights, each bursary offers financial support, space, Case Study Sessions, development, and community support over the course of a year to help you create your next play.

To be eligible to apply for a Play Development Bursary, you should:

• Have had at least one professional production paid at industry rates. You might have had a play produced by a theatre company or have produced your own work and/or have experience of being the writer in the room, developing your work in a workshop environment, through rehearsed readings or working with others to improve your skills.
• Be normally resident in Scotland.
• Anticipate being able to complete a Play Development Bursary by 30th April 2024.
• Unfortunately, we are unable to accept applications from playwrights who:
  • Are in full-time formal education (i.e. 16 hours or more per week). If you are in part-time education, please contact us to discuss your options.
  • Have directly received support from Playwrights’ Studio in the previous 18 months (this doesn’t include attending workshops or groups run by us).

Financial support
£3,634 (This is equivalent to a first draft fee under the Scottish Society of Playwrights/Federation of Scottish Theatre commissioning agreement).

Space

A week-long writing retreat at Cove Park or equivalent venue for space to work on the script. Playwrights’ Studio will cover travel expenses and provide a daily allowance for food and refreshments.

Access to a desk in the Tom McGrath Writers’ Room in the CCA is available on request for the duration of the Bursary.

Case Study Sessions

The Case Study Sessions are group activities available to you as a playwright currently being supported by Playwrights’ Studio. They are designed to enhance your skills and knowledge of the theatre industry, give you the opportunity to ask questions and think about the other sides of being a playwright that don’t necessarily involve writing.

Development 

Three two-hour sessions with either an Associate Playwright or an external theatre professional. Support will be tailored to focus on whatever you feel you need to best develop your script.

A one-day script development workshop with a professional director and actors.

Community

Playwrights’ Studio will create space for you to make connections with peers within the industry. This includes a group visit to the theatre, invitations to meet other practitioners in Scottish theatre and social events with other playwrights.

You will be able to set specific dates for your individual dramaturgical support sessions around your own availability and the rate at which your work progresses. They ask that writers apply only if they anticipate being able to complete the bursary within one calendar year. Case Study Sessions happen around once a month.

Deadline 

1pm, Monday 3rd April 2023.

Development Bursary — Playwrights’ Studio Scotland (playwrightsstudio.co.uk)