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Edd
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Posted: Wed Aug 16th, 2006 06:32 pm |
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All these wonderful UK opportunities were compiled by Kate. Thank you, Kate.
Nina Steiger, Literary Manager, Soho Theatre (London) http://www.sohotheatre.com
Francis Stirk, Literary Manager, Hampstead Theatre (London)
Jack Bradley, Literary Manager, National Theatre (London)
Graham Whybrow, Literary Manager, Royal Court Theatre http://www.royalcourttheatre.com
Abigail Gonda, Literary Manager, Bush Theatre (London) Welcomes unsolicited full-length stage scripts http://www.bushtheatre.co.uk
Warehouse Theatre, Croydon, South London Accepts unsolicited scripts - and hosts the annual international playwriting competition http://www.warehousetheatre.co.uk (I've acted there - it's a great place!)
Abbey Theatre (Dublin) produces new writing from Irish & international playwrights. http://www.abbeytheatre.ie
Birmingham rep priority given to new local writers http://www.birmingham-rep.co.uk
Bootleg Theatre Company contact Colin Burden colin28@btinternet.com Salisbury. welcomes scripts from new writers.
Clwyd Theatr Cymru Literary Manager: William James. considers plays by Welsh writers or with Welsh themes http://www.clwyd-theatr-cymru.co.uk
Coliseum Theatre employs someone to read all submitted scripts. Need synopsis. tel: 0161 624 1731 no website
Derby Playhouse Ltd Creative producer: Stephen Edwards Unsolicited scripts need synopsis, resume, 10 pages of script only. http://www.derbyplayhouse.co.uk
Druid Theatre Company Galway, Rep. of Ireland - emphasis on new Irish writing - national and international playwrights. http://www.druidtheatre.com
Library Theatre Company Manchester 'aims to produce drama which illuminates the contemporary world) allow 4 months for response. http://www.librarytheatre.com
Live Theatre (Newcastle) New writing - comedy Script submissions: Jeremy Herrin http://www.live.org.uk
The New Theatre Dublin welcomes scripts from new writers http://www.thenewtheatre.com
Nottingham Playhouse takes 6 months for response. http://www.nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk
Nuffield Theatre, Southampton (My old stamping ground - has a great writers' group) Script executive: John Burgess interested in new plays. http://www.nuffieldtheatre.co.uk
Salisbury Playhouse new writing considered Artistic Director: Joanna Read http://www.salisburyplayhouse.com
Scarborough Theatre Trust Ltd prefers comedy - strong narrative and 'a desire to entertain, though nothing too lightweight'. send treatments rather than MSS in first instance http://www.sjt.uk.com
Traverse Theatre Edinburgh will read unsolicited scripts. Literary assistant: Dave Overend http://www.traverse.co.uk
Watford Palace Theatre welcomes synopses of new plays before submitting scripts. http://www.watfordtheatre.co.uk
The West Yorkshire Playhouse Literary manager: Alex Chisholm. prefers local writers. email: mail@wyp.org.uk
Hull Truck Theatre Co Ltd touring theatre commissions up to 6 new plays a year. 'Popular and accessible theatre'. Artistic director: John Godber (does a lot of his plays - world premiers!) http://www.hulltruck.co.uk
New Perspectives Theatre Company (Notts) commissions 3-4 writers each year. Artistic Director: Daniel Buckroyd http://www.newperspectives.co.uk
Nitro for black writers Contemporary issues. Project manager: Sophia Tarr http://www.nitro.co.uk
Paines Plough A friend of mine has had plays put on by them. Very helpful. Tours new plays by new writers nationwide. Literary manager: Pippa Ellis http://www.painesplough.com
Out of Joint (One of the founders was Sonia Friedman - but that's another story!) Contact is Max Stafford-Clark http://www.outofjoint.co.uk
Real People Theatre Company York. for women writers. Artistic Director: Sue Lister http://www.realpeopletheatre.co.uk
7:84 Theatre Company (Scotland) Ltd Political new writing. http://www.784theatre.com
Snap People's Theatre Trust Herts. theatre for young adults Contact: Gill Bloomfield e-mail: info@snaptheatre.co.uk
Sphinx Theatre Company (London) women writers http://www.sphinxtheatre.co.uk
Theatre Centre (London) touring. theatre for young people. http://www.theatre-centre.co.uk
Theatre 503 Latchmere Pub London Fantastic for new writing. The Associate Director of my play On The Third Day is connected here. http://www.theatre503.com
Robert Fox Ltd - independent theatre & film production company. Welcomes scripts from new writers e-mail info@robertfoxltd.com
Hampstead Theatre British & international writing welcome. http://www.hampsteadtheatre.com
Moral Support - brings together writers, musicians etc. http://www.moralsupport.org
The Old Red Lion Theatre (London) Artistic Director: Helen Devine Interested in contemporary pieces, especially from unproduced writers. http://www.oldredliontheatre.co.uk
Stroud Theatre Company Postcode Project (for those in Glos. postcode area) deadline: 31 October 2006 http://www.stroudtheatrecompany.co.uk
Etruria Cafe Theatre New Playwright Competition (for Stoke-on-Trent & Newcastle) deadline: 31 Dec 2006 Plays by multiple writers also welcome. Length of play: 50-90 mins, 2-4 actors, 1-6 minor support allowed. Scenery & props must be suitable for touring. Details: 66A Rowley Bank, Stafford ST17 9BG
McLaren Memorial Comedy Play Writing competition. Accepting from 1 Dec until 31 Jan. Comedies for adults, teens or children. Entry fee. http://www.mctmidland.org/mclaren
Alfred Bradley Bursary Award - RADIO DRAMA - BBC For writers based in the north of England. deadline 3 Nov. http://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/opportunity/alfred_bradley.shtml
4Laughs Channel 4 looking this autumn for funny pitch for a sketch. http://www.channel4.com/4laughs
Last edited on Fri Aug 18th, 2006 12:25 am by Edd
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Anubian Nights Theatre Co
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Posted: Wed Aug 16th, 2006 08:52 pm |
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http://www.artscouncil.org.uk
The Arts Council of England are a heavy funder of playwrights and their work in England - they fund everythihg from script development to productions. Their website is well worth a visit...
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Anubian Nights Theatre Co
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Posted: Wed Aug 16th, 2006 09:14 pm |
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As most of my old friends on this Board are in America I would add that Americans in particular when approaching UK theatres should bear in mind the persistent love/hate relationship that the UK has with America and her artists.
On the one hand we love and are fascinated by all things American yet on the other hand we hate all things American. There is tremendous anger in liberal circles here over the Iraq situation which many feel, rightly or wrongly, that America has dragged us into. There is also a great resentment amongst many in the English theatre community who perceive that our West End theatres in particular are becoming over-dominated by American musical shows and fading American actors.
You will have to tread softly to get anywhere and understand that contacts and a slightly understated approach are important here.
Kevin Spacey is doing interesting things at the Old Vic Theatre and rumour has it he would like to set up some sort of USA/UK theatre alliance for new writing and classic plays so shows get produced on both sides of the pond.
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MacR
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Posted: Thu Aug 17th, 2006 06:36 am |
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Hope Kate doesn't mind me adding this, but for Soho Theatre scripts are much better off sent to Rachel Taylor - she's the one who deals with script reading.
Andthe Scarborough Theatre aren't taking submissions until 2007.
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Kate
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Posted: Thu Aug 17th, 2006 08:00 am |
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| Thanks MacR - I was hoping people would add to/amend this list. It's very useful for everyone! And I'm sure there's loads more contacts/competitions to be found. Thanks again. Kate x
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alexc
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Posted: Sun Aug 20th, 2006 10:57 am |
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All sort of news about theatre in Wales, including calls for scripts and companies that produce new writing (in English and/or Cymraeg) : whttp://www.theatre-wales.co.uk
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moneal
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Posted: Thu Aug 24th, 2006 01:17 am |
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Deadline - 29th September 2006
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS -
missfit productions is currently accepting submissions from dyslexic:
* PERFORMANCE POETS
* PERFORMANCE ARTISTS
* THEATRE WRITERS
For the 2007 event entitled:
DYS
(the)
LEXI
WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?
Whether you want to try out a new idea in front of an audience,
or showcase an up and coming production, we will offer you the opportunity:
· To developed/present new work (No participation fee).
· Free Technical Rehearsal
· Limited, but free rehearsal space.
· Free Publicity. (Press Release/Postcards/Website)
· Get constructive audience feed back (Each show will have audience feedback sheets).
· Support finding cast/crew.
PAYMENT:
Dependent on Funding
PROPOSAL GUIDELINES:
missfit productions will select proposals for presentation at the Baron's Court Theatre in March 2007.
Please include title of work, duration, stage of development and your full name and full contact details .
No C.V'S: work will be judged on its own merits.
PERFORMANCE POETS (Only 12 places)
Please submit:
* A CV of a minimum of five poems or/and a DVD or video of a live performance.
* A short proposal of your performance ideas.
* All Performance Poets will have a max of 20 minute performance slots.
also
PERFORMANCE ARTISTS (Only 5 places)
THEATRE WRITERS (only 6 places)
PERFORMANCES DATES:
March 2007 (TBA)
There will be two different performances showing each night:
7:30 PM & 8:30 PM
DEADLINE
Submissions must be received no later than Friday September 29th 2006.
Interviews will be held in November –Jan 2007
All decisions will be made by Jan 30th 2007
All proposals and supporting material must be sent by post to:
Lennie Varvarides, 23 Brook Hill Road, East Barnet, Herts, EN4 8SE
For further information please visit: http://www.missfitproductions.org
Or email Lennie at lennievarvarides@gmail.com
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MikeJohn
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Posted: Fri Jan 12th, 2007 06:00 pm |
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Although it is several months too late, thank you very much Edd and Kate for UK Opportunities. It will be hugely useful for me as I try and find help to produce my play.
I'm a playwright and actor based in London and I've been trying to get my first play off the ground and have faced huge difficulties raising the money to produce it. I've managed to find a 3-week run at a very good fringe theatre based in Islington, London, from April 16th to May 6th. Unfortunately it looks like it won't go ahead now due to funding problems.
I've applied to the Arts Council and several other grant giving bodies with no success. I've been desperate to get hold of a Theatre Angels list, but have had no luck at all. I've considered writing to local business, but have to admit that I've no idea how to approach a company for sponsorship or how to word covering letters or a breakdown of why I would like their help.
Is there anyone who can give me advice on how to fund and produce my play? I've completely run out of ideas and I have only 3 more weeks to find the money.
I appreciate any help anyone can give.
Cheers,
Mike.
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Edd
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Posted: Fri Jan 12th, 2007 06:28 pm |
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Hi Mike,
I hope there are some here who will be able to help you. Half of our members are on your side of the pond.
Islington? I kept wondering why I remembered that name until it just came to me. A couple/few years ago my former agent was negotiating with a pub that had a back room theatre to produce one of my cabaret style plays. The name of the pub/theatre was something like King's Head or Boar's Head or something like that. Anyway it never happened as with others he negotiated. As I said he is my former agent.
Good luck. If anybody on this forum knows something that will be of help to you, they will certainly leave you a message. I regret that I know nothing in this regard.
Edd
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Anubian Nights Theatre Co
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Posted: Fri Jan 12th, 2007 09:28 pm |
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Hello Mike - I can't work out from your post if you have signed a rental contract with a theatre that you now can't afford to pay for? But if that is the case then you might suggest a box-office split with them to cover the bill. You haven't mentioned which theatre it is so let us know as someone here might have contacts there. If it is one of the very popular venues they might have someone deperate to get into the space who would take your slot (although they have very little time to get their publicity in place) and you could offer to pay half the rental to get out of your contract.
The other thing is to use the lack of money as an opportunity to think sideways and look for creative solutions to things like set and costume - strip everything down to basics and consider using your lighting rather than physical sets for effect. Double-up on performers, perform yourself, put notices in the colleges with theatre courses offering last year students a 'great opportunity' to come and work on your play as part of their work experience - not forgetting that theatre courses nowadays include modules in marketing so try to link up with a hot shot hustler who would love to have a go at publicity and press. Use the internet for press releases and distributing images which will save you money on postage, print and paying for 8 x 10 pictures. Remember that London is awash with free newspapers and magazines who are all desperate for someone interesting to feature.... be interesting even if that means sending out a press release explaining your predicament which would make a great story....then talk yourself up rather than down!
As you have probably found out by now it is really not a good idea to take on a project without having every single penny of the finance in place first and no matter how positive meetings with The Arts Council theatre people might seem, nothing is ever confirmed verbally by them despite one thinking everyone is very keen on your project - you simply have to have their written offer before you spend anything. If you have been to the Arts Council I imagine that your production needed some subsidy to operate and that should always be built into your budget at the outset.
The London fringe is no longer a place where shows can be put on for nothing as good performance venues are hard to find making the 'off West End fringe' especially a very expensive place to learn lessons with terrifyingly high rents for small spaces. My Company reckon to lose (or invest...!) about two or three grand a week if we showcase or workshop shows in fringe venues. While we all love theatre and are often personally happy to work for nothing on our own shows no-one else will be, or should be expected to.
Michael Kingsbury at The White Bear Theatre in Kennington gives lectures to drama and theatre students on the mechanics of putting on fringe shows in London; it might be worth getting in touch with someone like him before you embark on your next project.
Lastly, don't forget that the London fringe is a small and incetuous place - people network and talk all the time so do your damdest to sort this out as it will affect your future reputation when trying to book venues and raise money either through The Arts Council or Producers. Best of luck with this one.....
Regards
TKL
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MikeJohn
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Posted: Sat Jan 13th, 2007 06:59 pm |
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Hi Edd,
Cheers for your message. I know the pub you mean, it's the King's Head on Upper Street, it's quite a famous venue and nice little boozer.
It's nice to know that there's a community out there where you can get advice and bounce ideas around, it's a valuable resource to have when you're starting off.
Once again, thanks.
Cheers,
Mike.
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scenedreamer
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Posted: Sun Jan 14th, 2007 02:10 am |
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Thanks Edd and Kate. Sounds lots of folks on the other side of that infamous 'pond' are looking for scripts. I wonder if they speak redneck. Or maybe a musical--it's the universal language after all. I love London theater and should submit something. Maybe if there is no post office involved.
sd
P.S. I'm sure much to everyone's relief, this is the last post for my great 2007 resolve to post on every topic. Great way to waste an hour or two. And it was fun. Hopefully no one is terribly bored with my name on every topic.
Hey, it's good advertising--Or something. Right Shanahan?
Last edited on Sun Jan 14th, 2007 02:11 am by scenedreamer
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Anubian Nights Theatre Co
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Posted: Sun Jan 14th, 2007 02:38 am |
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Scenedreamer - check out the new posting I put in 'Opportunities for Playwrights' about the BBC radio competition. It is for overseas writers only so all you people in the USA should have a go and if you win you get a trip here so we can go for tea and cakes!
Best wishes TKL
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Poet
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Posted: Wed Jan 17th, 2007 09:02 am |
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"I love London theater and should submit something. Maybe if there is no post office involved." Scenedreamer
I might really regret this, but...
For Scenedreamer to get her MS in front of a UK theatre would cost a $packet - and it would cost me a £bomb to get mine in front of a NY theatre.
But maybe a new play from a Brit would have a cachet in the US, and a new play from a Yank would have a cachet in the UK - maybe they'd be toward the top of the reading pile for novelty value alone?
So what if we spent Spiffoos instead?
A UK Spiffoo is a Stage Plays Forum Unit, and defined as the cost of printing out and binding a 100pp MS, enveloping it and sending it to a theatre in my home country with a letter and return SAE. So, let's say a £Spiffoo is worth £12.
But it's also the cost of Scenedreamer doing the same in the US - so maybe a $Spiffoo is $20 (I'm guessing)?
So I print and send out 5 MSS for Scenedreamer which she e-mails me (along with the letter etc, from information pooled here). I earn 5 Spiffoos.
I can therefore 'spend' them with Scenedreamer - and, importantly, with anyone else who wants to opt into the system - either on an ongoing basis or because they want to buy in for a one-off submission spree of their own. So I probably ask Scenedreamer first - but if she's busy, maybe I ask Paddy to send something out for me - and Paddy earns my Spiffoos! It comes under the heading of 'what goes around comes around'.
Maybe, after a while, Spiffoos could even be traded for full-blown, pukka crits from those we most respect, from our contact here?
Or maybe I'm just chasing leaves...
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Paddy
Moderator
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Posted: Wed Jan 17th, 2007 12:50 pm |
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What a wondeful idea! You do know, however, that I am in Canada, and mailing to the us can sometimes be nearly as big a headache as for you...even though I'm an hour and a half from Buffalo.
Paddy
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Poet
Member
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Posted: Wed Jan 17th, 2007 03:54 pm |
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Sorry, Paddy, slip of the atlas. But maybe the idea is sound anyway? I spend my Spiffoos with you on Toronto or Quebec, then?
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mac
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Posted: Wed Jan 17th, 2007 07:39 pm |
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poet, this is a brilliant idea. i lived in a part of vermont once where some folk had invented their own monetary system (that was based upon bartering services, but had printed "money" to accompany it). it worked really, really well.
spend Spiffoos here there and everywhere!
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scriobh
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Posted: Tue Jan 23rd, 2007 07:29 pm |
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| Hi, just new to the forum and I am very sorry to get off on a sour note but I would like to point out to Kate and the rest of the Forum that Ireland in not in the UK . As a citizen of Ireland and playwright I find it disrespectful, offensive and insulting. Is there any chance the moderator could remove the New Theatre, Druid and Abbey Theatre listings from this thread please as soon as possible? Last edited on Tue Jan 23rd, 2007 07:34 pm by scriobh
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Kate
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Posted: Wed Jan 24th, 2007 09:14 am |
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Hi Scriobh and welcome to this forum! There was no offence intended (as I'm sure you know) by including opportunities from Rep of Ireland in the UK slot. Perhaps you'd like to start a new thread of opportunities? This would be very welcome!
Best wishes, Kate
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scriobh
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Posted: Wed Jan 24th, 2007 09:45 am |
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| Thanks for that, but there wouldn't be much hope. Druid won't producing any unsolicited material for quite some time, the Abbey is going through a transition and is always worth a shot but is keen for plays with Irish subject matter. As for the New theatre, I'm not quite sure how that got on your list. It closed last year for renovation and will re open soon and plans to do Irish Classics. It is a small set up with no funding what so ever and with no plans to produce unsoilicited material, I doubt they even have a reader! Last edited on Wed Jan 24th, 2007 09:51 am by scriobh
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in media res
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Posted: Wed Jan 24th, 2007 03:25 pm |
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Solving the confusion of the UK/ Ireland geography.
Below is exact quote taken from The Gate Theatre's website under "Literary."
We do not accept:
Plays by playwrights from the United Kingdom
Most of the Irish Theatres are currently in some kind of trouble financially/artistically/mangement from what I understand. Tough time for them.
in media resLast edited on Wed Jan 24th, 2007 03:26 pm by in media res
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Anubian Nights Theatre Co
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Posted: Wed Jan 24th, 2007 03:36 pm |
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The Republic of Ireland (Eire) is an independent state with its own govenment, Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom...... I think it is history lessons that are needed not geography lessons!
Regards TKL
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scriobh
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Posted: Wed Jan 24th, 2007 06:56 pm |
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| The main problem is with funding; most of the companies have their own offices so a large chunk of their grant goes on rent, wages and utilities etc, leaving a tiny amout for new work. There are also a large number of them and when all the funding is shared out the most they can manage is just 1 show a year. As regards the Gate's policy; they rarely even do work from authors on their doorstep, and even when they do it's usually a show by an Irish playwright that the Royal Court etc has taken a risk on first.
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Swann1719
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Posted: Wed Jan 31st, 2007 09:47 am |
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/opportunity/rocliffe.shtml
This seems to be used mostly by film writers, but is advertised for playwrights too. A great recurring opportunity. I came across it yesterday about 24 minutes before the deadline but plan on catching it the next time around.
Happy writing,
Your friendly neighbourhood Swann
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