Self-Led Projects
Applications Closed
Applications Closed
About
Deadline for applications: Currently Closed
Every year we support projects generated and led by playwrights themselves. This support is self-designed and delivered, and most suitable for playwrights who have had experience of professional practise.
We consider this to be artists who have had at least two professional productions paid at industry rates. Other opportunities are available for playwrights who have less experience and would benefit from more structured support.
We typically fund projects that:
advance a playwright’s professional development
support the development of a piece for live performance
create a new opportunity for collaboration (across artform, international boundaries or geographical distances)
further an artist's practice in a way that would be hard for them to otherwise resource.
What can you apply for
You can apply for a wide variety of projects tailored to your specific needs. Past projects have included skills development, travelling as part of research for a new play, spending time with a professional in another field, working with a dramaturg, or collaborating with a director and actors. We welcome diverse approaches, whether your project focuses on developing your craft, creative live performance or exploring new creative directions.
Playwrights and all collaborators should be paid £180 per day for their work. For UK travel, our per diem rate is £34.13 per day.
Up to £4000 is available per project. Any budget must include venue hire as spaces may not be available in-kind. For dramaturg sessions, budget £180 for a standard 2-hour session, including prep time.
All projects will receive organisational support from Playwrights’ Studio. This includes project management, contracting collaborators, budget management, scheduling, booking of spaces, travel arrangement, booking courses or events, facilitating introductions and advice.
If you need assistance with your budget or have any questions before applying, please contact Geri Lang at geri@playwrightsstudio.co.uk.
Playwrights’ Studio Scotland does not commission or produce work. Therefore, we cannot support:
funds to substitute commissioning, self-commissions or production fees
costs of producing a play
plays that have already been produced or received script development elsewhere
If you are applying solely for money to pay yourself to begin writing a play, you may find our Play Development Bursaries a better fit.
Key Dates
The deadline for applications has passed.
You will be able to set specific dates for your project and the rate at which your project progresses. We ask that writers apply only if they anticipate being able to complete the projects within 12 months.
Self-Led Project writers will be invited to the Playwright Introduction Day in January 2026 (though attendance is not mandatory).
Eligibility
To be eligible for a Self-led Project, you should be:
A mid-career or established playwright who has had at least two professional productions paid at industry rates.
or
A playwright who meets the criteria detailed here.
And:
Be resident in Scotland or from Scotland and living elsewhere.
We are unable to accept applications from playwrights who:
Are in full-time formal education (i.e. 16 hours total or more per week).
Have directly 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 any doubt regarding your eligibility, please contact us at info@playwrightsstudio.co.uk
Access and Equality
End of Project Reporting
Upon completion of the Self-led Project, you will be asked to write a short report. This could be written (no more than an A4 page) or a short video extract (no more than 5 minutes). This may be shared with our funders or used as part of future promotion with your permission.
How to Apply
As part of your application, you will be asked to:
Tell us about your project idea and why you would like to be considered. How will the support allow you to do something you wouldn't otherwise be able to. (Maximum 500 words)
What kind of collaborators would you like to work with on this project? If you have someone specific in mind, please tell us about them. If not, let us know the roles or types of collaborators you’d like us to help you find. (Maximum 500 words)
Proposed costs of your project.
Proposed timescale of your project.
Details of any support you may feel you need from Playwrights’ Studio.
Deadline for applications has passed for this round. Please submit using the Self-Led Project 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 different a different format, please email info@playwrightsstudio.co.uk
What happens next?
You will receive an email confirmation on JotForm once you have submitted. All applicants will be informed of the outcome by Friday 10th October.
Questions?
Our Frequently Asked Questions page may help with your query. If your question is not answered by this page, please email info@playwrightsstudio.co.uk and we will be happy to help.