Script Submissions

New Works exists to discover, champion and support new writing from the North West. Our annual Open Submissions window is an invitation for writers to introduce themselves to us via their work, and an opportunity for us to begin a conversation.

The submission window for 2024 will open on Mon 3 Jun 2024, and closes at 11.59pm on Sun 30 Jun 2024.

Submissions will be via a short online form, the link for which will go live when the window opens. Scripts should be submitted as a PDF or Word document.

Why submit a script?

Open Submissions is one of the key ways that New Works engages with local talent. Possible outcomes from your submission might be:

· dramaturgical feedback
· a meeting with the New Works Associate
· scratch opportunities
· free space to workshop and share your work
· a seed commission to develop the script
· a supported production in the Playhouse Studio

Whilst it’s very rare for a play to be programmed directly from the Open Submissions process, it can be the beginning of a relationship that starts the journey to our stage.

What are we looking for?

We’re committed to thrilling, big-hearted, forward-thinking theatre that responds to its time and place, ignites the imagination and wrestles with the knotty, complicated business of being human.

That can take many different forms, which means there’s a huge variety of things that might excite us in a play or a writer – what’s important is clarity of intent. We should be able to read your work and really get a sense of who you are as an artist, and what’s energising you.

We’re looking for writers who:

· have a story that they passionately want to tell, and that demands to be told in a theatre;
· showcase an original voice, and an aptitude for emotionally and intellectually stimulating narrative, vibrant characters and a distinct outlook on the world; and
· are dedicated to staking their claim as a playwright in this city, showing a rigorous attention to detail in their work.

Submission criteria

We also have some firm criteria for submission. Plays must be:

· by writers either from or currently living in Liverpool City Region (i.e. the boroughs of Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens and Wirral)
· written for stage (i.e. not film, TV or radio scripts, or poetry/prose)
· original works (i.e. not adaptations of novels or existing plays)
· unproduced (i.e. not staged in a full production – scratches or sharings are fine)

We can also only accept one play per writer.

What happens when I submit?

After you complete the short online form to submit your script, you’ll get a confirmation of submission.

We will then share scripts out between the Artistic team and our reading panel – a diverse group made up of freelance theatre makers, writers, director and producers.

The scripts are read in two rounds:

· Round One. We read approximately 1/3 of the script (or up to 25 pages), and put scripts forward which meet our aims for new work.
· Round Two. Scripts are read in full, and then discussed by the team. Recommendations for next steps are made.

Based on the readers’ recommendations, we then put together a programme of support.

How do we decide what support is offered?

We aren’t able to offer everything to everyone, so we tailor our support according to how closely the scripts meet the creative aims of New Works – but we ask what you’d find useful when you submit, and do as much as we can to support that need.

We’ll talk to you about what we can offer when we contact writers after the reading process.

When will I hear back?

We aim to contact all writers in September.

Can I send in my script outside of the submission window?

Outside of our script windows, we are always looking to establish new relationships with talented writers and theatre makers in the North West. So, if you’re a playwright based locally and you’d like to tell us about your work, please do get in touch at [email protected].

We won’t necessarily be able to read a full script or offer feedback outside of our script windows, but we are always happy to get to know you.

How do I become a script reader?

We currently have more interested script readers than available places on the panel, so will be recruiting from that pool this year.
If you’d like to be considered for future submission windows, please email [email protected] with your CV, and we’ll put it on file.