Playwrights will have the chance to see their scripts performed next year at the Abbey Theatre in a New Writing Festival hosted by the Company of Ten. Entry to the festival is completely free.

Perhaps you have a script languishing in a bottom drawer? Or maybe you’ve always wanted to write a play but not got round to it yet? Or you and your friends are keen to collaborate on a theatre script? If so, here is your chance to see your creation fully realised in front of an audience in the Abbey Theatre Studio.

The Festival, which will take place in July 2024, will provide a showcase for previously unperformed plays and give emerging writers much needed stage time, and contact with enthusiastic audiences who will be able to feedback constructively for future development. There is no theme, so writers can explore any topic they feel passionate about.

Entries are open now until 29 February. Entries will be shortlisted and those selected to progress to the Festival will be given time to cast and rehearse their shows in preparation for performance in July. Should casting be a problem, the Company of Ten may be able to supply actors and directors. Each production will have stage time for a simple technical rehearsal and one performance.

Only UK-based writers can be considered for this festival, and submissions must be the playwright’s own original work. Funding is regrettably not available.

The submission window opens on 1 October 2023 and will remain open until 29 February 2024.

You can apply here.