Disabled Playwright Support Programme
Applications are Open
Applications are Open
Playwrights' Studio, Scotland in partnership with Birds of Paradise Theatre Company
Deadline for applications: 1pm, Friday 21st of November.
A career in the arts is not straightforward for anyone: we recognise, though, that disabled artists face an increased number of barriers, from starting out to working professionally. Created in partnership with Birds of Paradise Theatre Company (BOP), this programme offers a disabled playwright bespoke support, providing artistic development, financial support, skills sessions, and opportunities to widen their creative community.
The Disabled Playwright Support Programme is a professional development opportunity for a disabled* playwright living in Scotland, with a commitment to writing for theatre.
Content
Development
At the start of the programme and then at regular intervals, we will work with you to design support that gives you the space and time to experiment with your writing and grow in confidence as a playwright. This might include, but is not limited to:
one-to-one playwright mentoring sessions with an established professional playwright
sessions to discuss your writing, how you feel about it and how to further develop your work
meetings with external theatre professionals
a script development workshop with a professional director and actors
This programme will be tailored to focus on what you need and what your plays need. It is designed to support you from initial idea to the first draft of a new, full-length play.
Case Study Sessions
The skills sessions are group activities available to you as a playwright currently being supported by Playwrights’ Studio. They are designed to enhance your skills and knowledge of the theatre industry, giving you the opportunity to ask questions and think about the other sides of being a playwright that don’t necessarily involve writing.
Community
Playwrights’ Studio will create space for you to make connections with your peers within the industry. This includes the Playwright Introduction Day, a group visit to the theatre, invitations to meet other practitioners in Scottish theatre and social events with other playwrights.
Financial Support
£3,240. This is roughly equivalent to 18 contact days with Playwrights’ Studio and BOP and will be paid in two instalments, with the last after the final project debrief.
Key dates
The Playwright Introduction Day will take place on Friday 30th January 2026.
Case Study Sessions happen around once a month from February to September. We will work with you to set specific dates for the rest of your sessions and workshop. The programme will take place over the course of six months.
Eligibility
This award is open to anyone who identifies as disabled and meets the criteria for applying to the programme.
To be eligible to apply for the Disabled Playwright Mentoring Programme, you should:
Have some experience of creative writing
Have a specific idea you want to develop into a full-length play
Be able to commit to an eight-month intense programme
You should also be:
Resident in Scotland
Available for the Playwright Introduction Day in Friday 30th January 2026
Unfortunately, we are unable to accept applications from playwrights who:
Are in full-time formal education (i.e. 16 hours or more per week). If you are in part-time education, please contact us to discuss your options.
Have received support from Playwrights’ Studio in the previous 18 months (this doesn’t include attending workshops or groups run by us)
If you are in doubt regarding your eligibility, please contact us at info@playwrightsstudio.co.uk
Access & Equality
Applying
As part of your application, you will be asked to:
Tell us about your experience as a writer to date.
(Suggested word count: up to 500)
Tell us about why you would like to participate in the programme and why you think it may help you right now.
(Suggested word count: up to 500)
Tell us about the idea you would like to develop into a play
(Suggested word count: up to 500)
Submit two samples of your writing. Either:
Two five-page extracts from stage plays, or;
One five-page extract from a stage play and one five-page extract of writing in any genre.
Here are a few things you may want to think about before you proceed with your application:
This process isn’t about ‘teaching’ you how to write a play but supporting you to grow your writing skills. For this reason, it is beneficial to have some experience of creative writing.
This programme is designed to support you from the initial idea through to the first draft of a full-length play. For this reason, you should only apply if the idea you’re proposing hasn’t already been written.
Please submit using the Disabled Playwright Mentoring Programme form. You can either submit a written application, or a video application. We accept submissions in English, Scots, Gaelic or BSL.
If you are unable to submit online and would like the application form in a different format or have any questions at all regarding or the application process, please email info@playwrightsstudio.co.uk.
Applications deadline: 1pm, Friday 21st November 2025
What happens next?
You will receive an email from Jotform confirming the submission of your application. Applicants will be informed of the outcome of their submission no later than Friday 19th December 2025.
Questions?
Please read the Frequently Asked Questions. If your question is not answered, please email info@playwrightsstudio.co.uk and we will be happy to help.
*A note on terminology - what do we mean by disabled?
We use the term 'disabled people' or 'disabled playwrights' to refer to anyone who self-identifies as disabled. This can include D/deaf people if they identify as disabled as well as others living with impairments (physical, sensory, learning, cognitive, mental health, etc.) that identify as disabled. Playwrights' Studio use the Social Model of Disability and recognise that some people experience disabling barriers.