Introduction to Playwriting Groups
Unfortunately, the deadline for Introduction to Playwriting has now passed. We will be in touch with writers who have submitted in September 2024.
Please see below for the large print, easy-read and BSL versions of this information.
What is Introduction to Playwriting?
The Royal Court’s Introduction to Playwriting group is a series of six weekly sessions where emerging playwrights work to develop their craft alongside their peers, facilitated by a leading professional playwright. At the end of the sessions, there is an opportunity to submit a first draft for feedback from the Royal Court’s Literary and Artistic team.
Who is it for?
Introduction to Playwriting is open to everyone, whether you’re a member of the Writers’ Card or not. It’s an opportunity for early career playwrights with raw talent and big ideas who wish to develop their craft. It may be your first time writing a play, or you may feel stuck as ‘emerging’ in need of the mutual support and structure offered by the group. You won’t yet be a professionally produced playwright.
Will the group teach me how to write a play?
We can’t teach you how to write a play. Introduction to Playwriting is not a course, toolkit or instruction manual, but a group which offers you an insight into the practice of one of our leading playwrights, alongside the structure of six group sessions and a deadline with guaranteed feedback. Introduction to Playwriting is an invitation to write courageously, with the support of the Royal Court and your fellow playwrights.
Who can apply?
Applicants must be aged 18 or over and based in the UK or Ireland.
Are the groups accessible?
We’re committed to ensuring these groups are accessible as possible.
There is no fee to take part in the groups and we passionately encourage playwrights with little or no experience to apply. We can support with access needs, travel to London and other costs of joining a group. We will guarantee to run one group entirely remotely to facilitate writers unable to access the Royal Court on a weekly basis. Interpreters will be available in every session for BSL users.
When will the Intro Groups be?
Places on Introduction to Playwriting have been offered in Autumn 2024 with groups due to begin in early 2025. Each group runs for six weeks, followed by six weeks of writing time prior to a deadline. Sessions are usually in the evening and last 1.5 hours.
How do I apply to the Intro Groups?
To apply, you will be asked to submit the following via our online form.
- One scene, written for the stage (up to a maximum of ten pages)
- A brief statement detailing what a place on Introduction to Playwriting would mean to your practice (850 characters maximum)
Some important points to note:
- Please attach your documents in .doc, .docx, or .pdf format.
- Your writing sample must be intended for the stage and not for film, television or radio. It should be an original piece of writing, not an adaptation.
- Your name must be the file name of your writing sample i.e. firstnamesurnamesubmission.doc or firstnamesurnameapplication.pdf
- Do not include any other attachments or materials (photographs, CVs etc).
- You can send us an application if you’ve applied before, but please do not apply for this group if you have taken part in an introductory group at the Royal Court.
- We will not be able to send you feedback on your submission and because of the volume we receive, we can’t accept late applications
- Once you complete your application, there will be a webpage to notify you of this. You should also receive an acknowledgement email once you have submitted your application – these can sometimes end up in your junk box so please do check there too.
SUBMISSIONS FOR 2024 ARE NOW CLOSED
FAQs
I participated in another group at the Royal Court, am I eligible to apply for Introduction to Playwriting?
Introduction to Playwriting is designed to be just that – an introduction to the act of playwriting. Playwrights who have participated in other groups or programmes at the Royal Court will already have experience of writing and reading plays, and therefore aren’t eligible to apply for Introduction to Playwriting.
Am I a ‘professionally produced playwright’?
The rule of thumb is that a professional production is one that plays for at least three weeks and for which people are paid for their involvement. There are always going to be situations and circumstances that fall outside of this imperfect definition. We’re trusting your discernment as to whether you fit the gesture of what we’re looking for – but, honestly, you won’t get the most out of the programme if you’re coming to it with too much experience. There will be other opportunities on the horizon that may fit you better.
Do I need to have written a play before?
No! Many exceptional playwrights have actually completed their first ever plays on Introduction to Playwriting. You just need to have written one scene for theatre in order to be considered for the programme – and it can be the first scene you’ve ever written.
What happens after the group?
Once the sessions are completed, everyone on the group has six weeks to complete a first draft. For those that submit first drafts, we’ll host a feedback meeting to discuss your work with you.
Who ‘owns’ the play that I write on Introduction to Playwriting?
The plays written while on the group are not seen as under option to the Royal Court, and many plays written on the group in the past have gone on to have successful lives in other theatres. The purpose of the group it to support playwrights in developing their individual voices, not to directly feed scripts for the programme here at the Royal Court
I am based internationally, am I eligible to apply for Introduction to Playwriting?
Historically, Introduction to Playwriting is not an international opportunity, only playwrights based in the UK and Ireland may apply. We’re reviewing that for future opportunities but for this round we’re only accepting applications from UK and Ireland based playwrights.
What is a “scene”? My play doesn’t have scenes, what should send?
Every play is different. What we really want to see is a scene, a sequence, a unit of time, something that gives us a section of dramatic action. It’ll help us get a sense of your voice and means that it won’t cut off mid-flow.
Do I have to submit 10 pages? Can I submit 9 pages, for example?
It’s a maximum of 10 pages, but your scene can be any length.
Can I submit 11 pages?
No.
I have applied to Introduction to Playwriting before and was not successful, can I apply again if I fit the criteria?
Absolutely, and we welcome your application.
I have attended various and multiple writing courses at other theatres – but still haven’t had a play professionally produced before. Can I still apply to be on Introduction to Playwriting?
Yes! As long as you fit the criteria you and feel you would get something out of the group, you’re welcome to apply to come and join us.
I am resident in the UK and/or Ireland but my play is not written in English. Can I apply using this script?
I’m afraid, due to the large number of different readers who will be looking at your scenes, we require all applications to be written in English.
Is there an upper age limit?
No! There are no upper age limits for taking part, although all applicants need to be over 18 at time of applying.
Is there a format you would like my scene sent in? Or any particular document file type?
We would like it in Word of PDF but there is no formatting criteria.
If you have any further questions that are not answered here, please get in touch with the Literary and Artistic team: literary@royalcourttheatre.com
The Introduction to Playwriting Groups are supported by the Jerwood Foundation
How we store your data
We take data protection seriously and hereby undertake to look after all personal data in accordance with General Data Protection Regulation which came into force in May 2018 or any forthcoming data protection legislation. As part of our Introduction to Playwriting application process, all personal data related to submissions will be stored securely on our server for up to 4 months and access limited to the Literary department, who manage the script reading process. The justification for keeping this data is legitimate interest, as we may need to contact writers about their application during the application process. This information will not be shared with third parties. Scripts will only be stored if the writer is selected for one of the Introduction to Playwriting groups. If the application is successful, all personal data related to the chosen writer will be stored securely on our server indefinitely. The justification for keeping this data is legitimate interest, as we may need to contact writers about the script they have submitted or future work. You have the right to request access to your personal data at any time and can ask to be removed from the database.
Please click here for full details of our privacy policy.