How we work
The Literary Department manages the Traverse's script
commissioning process. We host script development workshops and
public playwriting workshops, and organise and host many
literary activities within the theatre such as the Young Writers
Group, Playwrights' Toolkit, PlayGroup and Words, Words,
Words.
Commissions
Each year the Traverse commissions at least eight new plays by
UK writers (mainly those living in, or from, Scotland), as well as
some contemporary international plays under our Playwrights in
Partnership translation scheme.
Well-known Traverse commissions include Midsummer [a play with
songs] by David Greig & Gordon McIntyre,
ENGLAND by Tim Crouch, Knives in
Hens by David Harrower, Iron by Rona Munro,
Gagarin Way by Gregory Burke,
Bondagers by Sue Glover and The Slab Boys
Trilogy by John Byrne.
Playwrights in Partnership international commissions have included
The Girl on the Sofa by Jon Fosse in a version by
David Harrower, and Strawberries in January by
Evelyne de la Chenelière in a version by Rona Munro.
Script Development
When commissioned writers deliver drafts of their plays to us,
they are offered the option of a script development workshop in
which the writer works with a Traverse director and professional
actors on the development of their play.
The play is read and discussed in a supportive environment,
allowing the writer to hear what is working in the play and
providing insight into what changes might improve the play.
One-to-One Dramaturgy
Traverse commissioned playwrights (and some of the most
promising non-commissioned writers) are offered one-to-one meetings
with a member of the Artistic Team where they are offered personal
encouragement, feedback and advice on their writing.
We also offer, where appropriate, certain non-commissioned (or unsolicited
script) writers the chance of this type of development for
their plays.