New Works at Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse exists to discover, champion and support new writing in Liverpool. Their annual Open Submissions window is an invitation for writers to introduce themselves via their work, and an opportunity to begin a conversation.
Open Submissions is one of the key ways that New Works engages with local talent. Possible outcomes from your submission might be:
written feedback
dramaturgical support from their New Works Associate
free space to workshop and share your work
Submission criteria
Submissions are open until 30 June 2024.
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)
They 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.
They 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. They read approximately 1/3 of the script (or up to 25 pages), and put scripts forward which meet their 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, they then put together a programme of support.
How do they decide what support is offered?
They aren’t able to offer everything to everyone, so they tailor support according to how closely the scripts meet the creative aims of New Works – but they ask what you’d find useful when you submit, and do as much as we can to support that need.
They’ll talk to you about what they can offer when we contact writers after the reading process.
When will I hear back?
They aim to contact all writers in September.
Can I send in my script outside of the submission window?
Outside of their script windows, they 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 them about your work, please do get in touch at newworks@everymanplayhouse.com.
They won’t necessarily be able to read a full script or offer feedback outside of their script windows, but they are always happy to get to know you.
How do I become a script reader?
They 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 newworks@everymanplayhouse.com with your CV, and they’ll put it on file.
For more information, please visit https://www.everymanplayhouse.com/new-works/script-submissions