As Scotland’s only theatre wholly dedicated to new writing, The Traverse strive to discover, nurture and produce the brightest new voices across Scotland, the UK and Ireland. They are now are open to new, innovative ideas, and would like to hear from all writers with a bold and brilliant story to tell. A story that could only be told on the Traverse stages.
Open Submissions are intended to introduce the theatre to writers who are new to them, as well as encouraging submissions from those with whom they have an existing relationship. Please make sure you feel the play you submit best represents your work to date and familiarise yourself with some the recent work at the theatre (Meet Me At Dawn by Zinnie Harris, How To Disappear by Morna Pearson, Gut by Frances Poet) and, if you can, with the spaces: the expansive Traverse 1 and the intimate Traverse 2.
Unfortunately, the Traverse resources do not allow for them to provide feedback to all writers. However, if, after reading your script, they find your voice particularly compelling, they will provide feedback. This year they will also be selecting five of the most promising plays in order to develop them through in-house dramaturgy and round-table readings with professional actors. These development periods will happen throughout the year culminating in an Open Submissions Festival of script-in-hand readings, showcasing the best new plays to industry professionals and Traverse audiences alike.
Deadline
30 September 2018
Guidelines
The Traverse cannot accept:
- plays that have already been produced elsewhere.
- adaptations, poems, novels, short stories, or television, film or radio scripts.
- musicals, historical dramas or bio-plays.
- short plays (scripts must be over 30 minutes in length).
- more than one play per writer per year.
- redrafts of previously submitted work, even if retitled.
- plays by writers based outside the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.
To ensure an unbiased response to your play, all scripts received through Open Submissions are read anonymously. Please remove your name and contact details from the script itself, and check that your play is clearly formatted, with page numbers, cast list and potential cast doubling noted before sending it.
For a full FAQ and to apply please go to https://www.traverse.co.uk/writing/open-script-submissions/