Beyond the Draft

Beyond the Draft is a free, eight-week programme run by National Theatre of Scotland for six playwrights in Scotland who self-identify as experiencing barriers to access within the theatre sector. These could be early-career playwrights or those with more experience in the arts who feel disadvantaged by a lack of access to creative education or formal training.

This opportunity isn’t about producing a finished play — it’s about developing your craft, building confidence in your voice, and giving you practical tools to navigate the industry as a professional playwright.

This group was created by early-career playwrights who recognise how hard it can be to find space to learn and grow without the pressure to fit into an existing market, prove yourself to institutions, or produce the 'next big play.' Opportunities like this are rare, especially for artists who experience barriers to access. The focus is creating a space that centres development, not output — where writers can find community, build confidence, and grow their craft on their own terms.

The final sessions will be developed in collaboration with the programme’s workshop leaders and facilitators and tailored to the needs of the group, but will include sessions that explore theatrical structure, developing your voice as a playwright, and decolonised dramaturgy.  

For more information and to apply, click here.

Deadline: 5pm, Wednesday 3rd December