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Write A Play And Get It Performed: Submission

by Lesley Bown and Ann Gawthorpe

If you want to get your play performed then you will have to send it either to a theatre, an agent, a producer, a publisher or the BBC. This is called a submission and it pays to get it right, otherwise your masterpiece might end up being binned rather than read. Before posting or e-mailing your work, check that the recipient is happy to accept unsolicited scripts.

The most important part of the submission is the script, which must be typewritten or computer printed –- never handwritten. Make sure the pages are numbered and that the title plus your name and contact details are on the bottom of each sheet in case the pages get separated. There are different ways of laying out scripts for radio, television and the theatre. The BBC website has guidelines for submissions and it is worth checking out what individual theatres, publishers and agents want.

Include a covering letter, your c.v. and a stamped self-addressed envelope. There is some debate about whether enclosing an s.a.e. indicates that you lack confidence in the script, but some places won’t accept scripts unless you include one.

Finally, never send your only copy of the script – - always have either another paper copy or a computer backup.
 



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