Every year, we invite anyone with an idea for a play to send us their script through our Open Submissions window.

This year, 6 scripts have been selected from over 400 submissions to receive dramaturgical support with the aim of helping the writers develop their plays.

This culminates in our first-ever First Stages Festival featuring script-in-hand readings of the selected plays, showcasing them to industry professionals and Traverse audiences alike. Each evening will be followed by a Q&A.

This festival is a celebration of the Traverse’s commitment to nurturing and supporting new voices. The festival programme also includes writing workshops, panel discussions and networking opportunities.

Come in, we’re open!

Supported by The Noël Coward Foundation

• Motherland by Hugo Timbrell

Tracking the course of a young woman’s life, from mummy’s girl to ruthless businesswoman, and back again, Motherland presents a troubling future that asks whether we deserve to be helped anymore.

• 44 Sex Acts in One Week by David Finnigan

Lifestyle blogger Celina is given the job of putting new book ‘The 44 Sex Acts You Must Try Before You Die’ to the test – but the only person she can convince to take part is her arch-nemesis. Over the course of a sex-laden week, will the friction between the two turn into something more?