Exeter Northcott to launch annual script submission window

Photo credit: Ralph Whitehead

Today, Exeter Northcott has announced a new annual script submission window will be open until 25 August.

Writers from the South West will be considered for a range of development opportunities, including written feedback and one-to-one dramaturgical support. One writer will receive a seed commission to adapt a known-title to be performed in 2025.

Exeter Northcott’s new Creative Director, Martin Berry, said: “The South West is brimming with literary talent, and at Exeter Northcott, we’re thrilled to offer more tailored, meaningful, and inclusive support than ever before to writers at all stages of their careers. Nurturing new work remains a crucial part of our mission, as we strive to cultivate and represent the rich storytelling landscape of our region.”

This move follows widespread calls for creative opportunities to be open to theatre makers of all ages, reports that the decline of scratch nights are strangling the development of emerging artists, and a number of high-profile redundancies in literary departments.

Exeter Northcott’s new Artist Development Producer, Sam Parker, said: “As a South West-based playwright, I’ve personally grappled with the challenges of getting work seen, developed, and produced. This firsthand knowledge, coupled with my experience working as a dramaturg and script reader, has directly shaped the design of our annual script submission window and subsequent development opportunities. These represent a positive step to address the growing hurdles playwrights face.”

To find more out about the script submission window – and Exeter Northcott’s revamped artist development programme, Elevate, please click here.