SEARCH
"Thinking is a dangerous pastime"
Paul Rothwell
Paul Rothwell
Eli Kent in his play, The Intricate Art of Actually Caring
How to Submit a an Unproduced Script
We accept unsolicited scripts but only via one of our many competitions - see under Opportunities on our main menu - or via our assessment service - see Script Assessment. The only exceptions to this are if your play is booked for a professional production, in which case please send us a copy with all details immediately! - or if you are a Playmarket client playwright.
How to submit a produced script:- If your script has been written and performed, we would love to have a copy to read, to keep on file, and (if you were willing) maybe to consider for circulation and publication, and - if you are not a client already - to consider that too.
While we accept applications for Script Development assistance from any New Zealand or resident playwright, we are more likely to support scripts that have a firm production date, or scripts from Clients, or those plays that do well in our competitions. However - an excellent first draft will always float to the top.
Format:-
When sending us a script we ask you to email them, preferably PDF or Word, to scripts@playmarket.org.nz. If several people have contributed to the script, make sure that all names are credited and that all those involved have agreed to this. Please also ensure that you have included a list of characters with brief descriptions, and a brief synopsis. While the formatting of your script is entirely up to you, pages should be numbered (it's amazing how many people forget).
Remember to identify your work by putting the title, your name, date and contacts, and, if you like, the copyright sign - (c) will do - on the cover of your script.
(While every reasonable care will be taken of hard copy scripts, Playmarket cannot take responsibility for any loss or damage of them. Please only send a copy, with an s.a.e. if you would like it returned.)
To access these services we ask you join as a Playwright Member (NB a Playmarket Member is not the same thing as a Playmarket Client). If you would like to receive our regular eBulletin with up to date details of events, just email us at info@playmarket.org.nz.
Our script assessment service gives plays a thorough written appraisal and assesses their professional potential. This is a good first step for playwrights seeking script advice and allows us to assess your potential.
Email (scripts@playmarket.org.nz) to receive monthly eBulletins keeping you in touch with news, competitions, articles and opportunities. Become a member and receive our magazine Playmarket News - the essential companion to new NZ theatre. Get on as many theatres' email lists as you can, and keep up with everything that's happening.
We offer competitions, playreadings, masterclasses and major events nationally every year for plays and playwrights in development. See Opportunities and the ebulletin for more details. And get involved with a theatre, if you aren't already. Help out, paint scenery, and above all, act - even if you aren't much good! A huge number of excellent playwrights are actors or ex-actors - you need to know how actors work, and what directors do!
Our work is assisting playwrights; playwrights first, not theatres, agents, producers, directors. Email (scripts@playmarket.org.nz), or phone Script Development Coordinator Jean Betts (04 382 8462 x3) with any queries.
Our bookshop , script copying service and library provide the most comprehensive database of local plays for reading and purchase. You can search on-line here. In some circumstances we can provide free copies - please enquire.