St Andrews Playwriting Award
The St Andrews Playwriting Award is a playwriting competition to encourage and support the next generation of playwrights living in Scotland. This award provides a key opportunity for an emerging playwright’s career development.
The selected playwright receives a commission and a professional production. As well as a commission fee, the selected playwright is supported throughout the writing process with a residency, script development workshops and dramaturgy.
An additional two shortlisted writers receive a package of support, developed in collaboration with the writers, to meet their current needs.
2024/25
Byre Theatre in partnership with Playwrights’ Studio, Scotland and Pitlochry Festival Theatre. Supported by the University of St Andrews MLitt in Playwriting and Screenwriting
Shortlist: Jessica Brodie | Janette Foggo | Sophie Good | Michelle Hopewell | Jenny Knotts | Holly McFarlane | Samantha Robinson | Milly Sweeney | Joanne Thomson | Heloise Thual
The winner of the second St Andrews Playwriting Award was Milly Sweeney.
The two additional shortlisted writers to receive support were Michelle Hopewell and Samantha Robinson.
Milly’s winning submission Water Colour, a story about connection, mental illness, and opening yourself up to the world, opens at the Byre Theatre in May 2025 before transferring to Pitlochry Festival Theatre later that month.
2021-23
Byre Theatre in partnership with Playwrights' Studio, Scotland and Perth Theatre. Supported by the University of St Andrews MLitt in Playwriting and Screenwriting.
Shortlist: Leah Byrne | Isla Cowan | Cecile Durel | Eliza Gearty | Ese Ighorae | Jack McGregor | Laurie Motherwell | Ellen Ritchie | Heloise Thual
The winner of the inaugural St Andrews Playwriting Award was Laila Noble.
The two additional shortlisted writers to receive support were Cecile Durel and Laurie Motherwell.
Laila’s winning submission The Man in the Submarine [Y Dyn yn y Llong Danfor], a dark comedy about love and loss, premiered at the Byre Theatre in February 2023.
Eligibility
Applicants must be
Resident in Scotland
Playwrights who have not had their first professional commission of a full-length play
It is expected that the commissioned play will be for a maximum of four performers and between 60 - 90 minutes.
Submissions for the next St Andrews Playwriting Award will open later in the year.
Founder supporters: Francesca and Steven Molinari, Mike and Elisa Levy