A Play, a Pie and a Pint Script Reading Service
The script window for a Play, a Pie and a Pint is currently:
CLOSED
Anyone can send a play to be considered for production at a Play, a Pie and a Pint. There is a submissions window which is open for twice a year for three months. Playwrights' Studio Scotland runs this service for a Play, a Pie and a Pint.
A Play, a Pie and a Pint produces a new lunchtime play every week. You can get a sense of their work from visiting their website or from seeing a show.
There's some guidance on this page about what work you can send to be read for consideration. If your play doesn't fit the criteria it can't be considered for a Play, a Pie and a Pint, but you can send any full length play to Playwrights' Studio's National Script Reading Service which is open all year and provides feedback to every Scottish or Scotland-based writer.
Scripts are eligible to be read if they are:
- 45-50 mins in length
- for three actors or less
- unproduced
- written for live performance (i.e. not for screen or radio)
- a rehearsal-ready draft (i.e. one that feels complete, with the understanding that all work develops in the rehearsal process)
We can't re-read plays which we've already read for a Play, a Pie
and a Pint and you can only send one script per submissions window.
Unfortunately we can't provide detailed feedback on scripts read
through this service, though we can offer some key thoughts.
The next submission window will be open on Wednesday 17 August 2022 and close on Thursday 17 November 2022.
How do I submit a script?
Please use the A Play, a Pie and a Pint Script Reading Service form.
Please don't include any details that identify you as the writer on your script as all plays are read anonymously.
Equalities Monitoring
As part of the submission you'll be asked to provide some demographic information about yourself. This is for our overall equalities monitoring and is processed separately from your submission.
What happens next?
You will receive an email from Jotform confirming the submission of your script. All plays are read by experienced script readers who work in the wider industry as actors, writers, directors, dramaturgs, producers or in other roles and who work closely with the team at a Play, a Pie and a Pint to match work to their stages. They'll recommend whether a Play, a Pie and a Pint takes your play further.
You'll be notified within twelve weeks of the script window closing on Wednesday 4 May 2022 whether or not your script has been recommended to A Play, a Pie and a Pint. If your play is recommended for production, it'll be read further within the Play, a Pie and a Pint team and from there, they'll arrange to meet with you. A recommendation for production does not guarantee the play will be produced but may lead to conversations about future work.
How long is 45 - 50 minutes on the page?
It very much depends on the layout of your script and the amount of dialogue and stage directions you have included. Some previously produced 45 - 50 minutes plays have been between 8000 and 9000 words in total, but this will not always be the case. It might be useful to read your script aloud and time it before submitting.
How do I know if my script is rehearsal-ready?
We would like you to send a script that feels complete and that you have taken some time to consider. Script development does continue in rehearsals, but it would be advisable for you to get to a point where you are happy with your draft before submitting.
Can I submit multiple plays?
No, we can only accept one play per submission window.
Can I submit a script that has been devised?
Yes, if the script is complete and all the creators of the script consent and are credited.
Can I submit a script that has been co-written?
Yes, if all authors consent and are credited.
I've redrafted my play since I first sent it for consideration, can I resend it to you?
No, we can't re-read plays which we've already read for A Play, a Pie and a Pint.
Can I submit a play that has been adapted from a film, book, song, etc.?
No, unless you hold the rights to the other form of art. It is also worth considering that A Play, a Pie and a Pint's chief function is to produce new writing for the stage.
Can I submit a musical for consideration?
Yes, if the music is original or you hold the rights to the music. If so, we'd love to hear a sample of the music: please get in touch with us to arrange transfer of sound files as you won't be able to upload them automatically.
I have previously self-produced my play, can I submit it?
No, we can't consider plays that have been previously produced.
Is there a format or template I should use for my submission?
There isn't a particular format or template for submissions. However, we would advise that you make sure it is clear what is dialogue and what is stage directions. Use a standard font (such as Times New Roman, Arial or Calibri) and font size that is clear and easy to read. Also, please remember to include page numbers as part of your script.
My play has more than three characters, but it could be double cast, can I submit it?
We can only accept plays for up to three actors. If your play contains more than three characters, please indicate how the roles could be double cast in your script.
My play requires technical elements, can I submit it?
If the success of your play relies highly complex design elements such as a revolve or video projection it is less likely to be produced at A Play a Pie and a Pint as resource and space is limited.
I've seen a play produced by A Play, a Pie and a Pint before that is similar in content to the one I'd like to submit
We are always on the look out for original ideas and styles of writing. If your play is very similar, it will be less likely to be produced soon, but not impossible!
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