Send us your writing

While the majority of work we produce at the Traverse is commissioned rather than chosen from a bank of unsolicited scripts, the unsolicited script stream keeps us familiar with writers within Scotland and beyond.  We currently receive about 450 unsolicited scripts a year.

Scripts from the stream have on occasion gone on to have a further life at the Traverse, either through development work, readings or productions. 

Our Literary Department and Reading Panel read about 450 unsolicited scripts a year, and at present, it takes about 6 months to read and respond to a script.

What happens when you send us your script?

When we have received your play, we will send you an acknowledgement via email if you include an email address with your submission.  This is done when the scripts are processed (usually within a month of receipt), so if you want acknowledgement of the script's safe receipt sooner than this, we advise that you send it via recorded delivery. 

Next, in most cases, the play is read by a member of the Literary Department, or by a member of our Script Reading Panel, who then reports back on the play to the core members of the Literary Department. 

You will then receive a letter from us, where relevant, with feedback and details of any further involvement that might be possible with the theatre.

Other ways of getting your writing seen and heard

Another way of sending us your writing is by submitting a short play for Words, Words, Words. It's a hybrid of a performance, a reading and a workshop where writers of all ages and levels of experience are invited to send short scripts  (5-10 minutes in length) for consideration up to two weeks before the performance date.