Theatre503 is thrilled to announce the return of the prestigious Theatre503 International Playwriting Award for the 2024/25 cycle. Submissions are now open, inviting debut and early-career playwrights from around the world to showcase their original works. This award is dedicated to discovering and championing new voices in theatre.
Award Criteria and Eligibility:
To be considered for the 2024/25 Theatre503 International Playwriting Award, playwrights must adhere to the following criteria:
- Eligibility: Open to writers who have not had a full-length play (over 65 minutes) produced for a 3-4 week run or more, or for two weeks or more in a major subsidized theatre/organization, including national tours. Limited international and screen credits are acceptable.
- Submission: Work must be submitted directly by the writer or translator through Theatre503’s online portal (theatre503.com/writers/submissions) from 9am (GMT) June 1st to 12pm (midnight) June 30th, 2024. Only online submissions are accepted; physical or emailed submissions will not be considered.
- Content: Scripts must be in English, original, unproduced, and unpublished at the time of submission. Adaptations and musicals are not eligible. Each writer may submit only one script, and co-written scripts are eligible provided both writers meet the criteria.
- Anonymity: The reading process is anonymous. Writers must not include their names or contact details anywhere in the script.
For Translators:
Translators are encouraged to submit works, provided they secure permission from the original writer. The prize money will be shared equally between the writer and translator if a translated play wins. Translators can submit more than one translation, each with a different original writer.
Prize:
The winner of the Theatre503 International Playwriting Award will receive £3,000 in prize money and an additional £3,000 as an advance against 8% of the gross box office. The winning play will be granted an exclusive production license with Theatre503 for up to 18 months. Additionally, Samuel French Ltd., a Concord Theatricals company, will have the exclusive right to publish the winning play.
Award Timeline:
- Round 1: June – October 2024
- Round 2: October 2024 – January 2025
- Round 3: January – March 2025
Playwrights will be notified at each stage of the process, and long-listed and short-listed titles will be published.
Accessibility:
Theatre503 is committed to making its space accessible to all writers. We are addressing structural challenges and aim to have a fully accessible venue by 2025. Should there be delays, we will seek production opportunities in accessible venues.
Previous Winners:
- 2023: A Woman Walks Into A Bank by Roxy Cook
- 2020: Moreno by Pravin Wilkins
- 2018: Out of Sorts by Danusia Samal
- 2016: In Event of Moone Disaster by Andrew Thompson
- 2014: And Then Come The Nightjars by Bea Roberts & Valhalla by Paul Murphy (Joint Winners)
The Theatre503 International Playwriting Award is made possible by the generous support of Philip and Chris Carne and Samuel French Ltd., a Concord Theatricals Company.
For more information and to submit your play, visit theatre503.com/writers/submissions. For any queries, please contact us at literary@theatre503.com.
