Resources for writers

If you’ve written a script, or many scripts, chances are you don’t want them to just sit on your laptop. At some point, you are going to want to get them read, and then to get them up on their feet and seen. There are lots of ways to take the next step after you’ve written a script, to get feedback to help you develop your craft, to take your work to the next level, and here we’ve compiled a non-exhaustive list of resources that might help you do that. Please note, we have focused on resources with either a national or South West focus, however there are a huge number of resources available for playwriting in other parts of the UK.

If you have resources you think we should include, please get in touch and let us know.

Get inspired

BBC Writersroom Script Library – a brilliant free resource to access scripts to your favourite television shows and films. New scripts released most weeks.
BBC Writersroom Scriptwriting Essentials – a brilliant series of videos created by the BBC which explore everything from developing Characters to Re-writing.

Find opportunites and events

The PLAYWRITING UK Facebook Group is a must with over 9,000 writers and is a great place to hear about competitions, opportunities and prizes, and also discuss issues pertinent to writing for stage in the UK today. And follow them on Twitter here.
The London Playwrights Blog – Despite the name, this regularly updated blog features loads of opportunities and events for non-Londoners too.
BBC Writersroom have a buzzing Opportunities page full of all kinds of schemes, competitions and activities for established and emerging writers, and not just related to television.
The Bruntwood Prize has a regularly updated page of Opportunities for writers, as well as webinar workshops and interviews with past winners.
Lane’s List is a popular weekly mailout of resources, competitions and script submissions compiled by playwright & dramaturg David Lane (subscribe for £3 per month).

Where to send your scripts

Always be sure to read about a company’s submission policy and any literary guidelines and what kind of work they make and what they are looking for before you send your script in.

Bristol Old Vic’s Open Session is the theatre’s annual script submission window (usually in June) for unsolicited scripts for stage plays and musicals, from writers living in the South West. They choose up to 5 writers to receive development and support from the theatre for the year.
Paines Plough accept unsolicited scripts from writers across the UK throughout the year.
Out of Joint accept unsolicited scripts from writers across the UK throughout the year. Be aware they will only accept one script per writer per year.
Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting: The biggest biannual national playwriting prize for anyone 16+ to find a bold new play, hosted by the Royal Exchange Theatre, with potential production of the winning play. Free to enter.
Papatango: An annual playwriting award ran by Papatango with potential production of the winning play. Free to enter, and they give feedback to everyone (whoah!).
Theatre503 Playwriting Award: A biannual national playwriting prize ran by Theatre503. Free to enter.
The Verity Bargate Award: A biannual national playwriting prize ran by the Soho Theatre. Free to enter.

Scratch Nights in Bristol

Prototype: Tobacco Factory Theatre’s regular scratch night of new work. At each event up to five artists or companies work across a wide range of disciplines to try out brand new ideas in front of an engaged and supportive audience of up to 90 people.
Sharp Teeth: A monthly Sunday night featuring four acts from four genres: theatre, storytelling, poetry and music at The Wardrobe Theatre.