Stephen Joseph Theatre New Writing Policy
We aim to produce in the region of 10 plays a year, including lunchtime shows and late nights as funding allows. The majority of our work is first productions of new plays.
When it comes to choosing plays we look for writers who have a distinctive voice, an understanding of the needs and possibilities of the stage, an awareness of audience and a strong sense of narrative. Although the theatre is associated with comedy, our interest is by no means limited to this genre.
Here at the SJT we receive a large number of scripts each week. Although it is impossible for us to comment in detail on all the plays which are submitted, we do look at each play with a view to discovering new voices we would like to develop or to hear from again.
A team of professional readers assess all submitted material with a view to its suitability for the SJT. If it is felt that a work or writer has potential, the script will then be considered by Alan Ayckbourn, the Artistic Director and his senior colleagues. Should the script continue to get a favourable response, the new writer may be invited to meet with a potential director in order to discuss submission, commissioning or production possibilities. Although we do occasionally produce unsolicited plays, more frequently we are looking to develop long term relationships with writers who are attuned to the possibilities of the Stephen Joseph Theatre.
PLEASE NOTE: We are not currently accepting any unsolicited scripts. Please continue to check this website for updates on this situation.
Commissions and successes since 1996 include:
Storm in a Tea Chest by Alison Watt
Purvis by Nick Warburton
Inglorious Technicolour by Christopher William Hill
Villette by Lisa Evans
Playing God by Laurence Marks & Maurice Gran
Caution! Trousers by Kerry Hood
Unless by Carol Shields and Sara Cassidy
Fields Of Gold by Alex Jones
Soap by Sarah Woods
My Own Show and Bedtime Stories by Lesley Bruce
Making Waves by Stephen Clark
Clockwatching and A Listening Heaven by Torben Betts
Larkin With Women and All Things Considered by Ben Brown
Whispers Along The Patio by David Cregan
Absolutely Frank, The Safari Party and Love Songs For Shopkeepers by Tim Firth
The Star Throwers by Paul Lucas
Beautiful People by Neil Monaghan
Man For Hire by Meredith Oakes
Amaretti Angels by Sarah Phelps