As Scotland's only theatre wholly dedicated to new writing, we strive to discover, nurture and work with the brightest new talent across Scotland, the UK and Ireland.
Over the coming months, we've got a whole host of opportunities for you to get involved with the work that we do. Here are some of the ways that you be a part of it:
Open Submissions
Each year we open our submissions window seeking bold, brilliant and innovative new plays. The window for submissions is currently open and closes on Thursday 31 October.
Whether you’re an established playwright or a first-time writer with a brilliant story, we want to hear from you!
Open Submissions breaks down the boundaries, allowing your work to be read by the Traverse’s team of readers. Scripts are read anonymously allowing us to focus solely on the story you have to tell. Connecting us with new work and new writers; it is the first step of a creative and fruitful journey from page to stage.
We particularly encourage submissions from voices and communities which are under-represented in theatre.
This year we will also be selecting five of the most promising plays in order to develop them through in-house dramaturgy and round-table readings with professional actors. These development periods will happen throughout the year.
First Stages Festival
Following our open submissions window last year we selected 6 plays from over 400 submissions to receive dramaturgical support with the aim of helping the writers develop their plays.
This culminates in our first-ever First Stages Festival featuring script-in-hand readings of the selected plays, showcasing them to industry professionals and Traverse audiences alike. Each evening will be followed by a Q&A.
This festival is a celebration of the Traverse’s commitment to nurturing and supporting new voices. The festival programme also includes audition workshops, panel discussions and networking opportunities.
Community Storytelling Events
Interested in sharing Chinese and East Asian stories?
Come along to our Strange Tales community gatherings – exchange folktales, memories, family traditions and share food and drink.
The Traverse Theatre and Grid Iron Theatre Company are looking to connect with East Asian communities and individuals with an interest in traditional Chinese and East Asian storytelling to help develop a brand new theatre show based on Pu Songling’s Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio.
These gatherings are free to attend and will include tea and snacks. You don’t need to bring anything – just come along to share conversation and stories. Mandarin speakers will be at both gatherings.
我们等你来
走进蒲松龄的聊斋志异
Traverse 剧院 和 Grid Iron 戏剧公司目前致力于打造一部由聊斋志异改编的新剧。
无论你是聊斋志异的忠实读者，还是对它一无所知。
我们邀请你一起参与剧本创作，分享你的故事。分享内容可以是你儿时的记忆，家族的传统或是你听过的传统故事等等。
本次活动为免费活动，活动当天会提供免费的茶水点心。另外，活动现场会有中文工作人员。
Meet & Greets
Are you an established or aspiring artist or creative, and want to talk to us about your work, an idea or a project?
Each month members of our Artistic Team grab a table in the Traverse Bar Café to hold Meet & Greets with creatives and theatre-makers from different disciplines and backgrounds. Each day will have limited slots, each lasting approximately 30 minutes.
Come along for an informal chat – a chance to get to know us, and discuss ideas and opportunities. Tea, coffee and biscuits are on us.
To find out more about our engagement work visit our Get Involved page. If you have any questions please email our Creative Producer, Sunniva Ramsay – sunniva.ramsay@traverse.co.uk
