“Working with Upstart, my work was taken beyond the stage of readings and development and into full production for paying audiences – an incredibly important opportunity for a fledgling writer, and one that has been invaluableto my development as a writer.” Joanna Pinto (An Upstart Christmas, Gardening Leave, Pebbles on the Beach)
“Seeing my plays rehearsed and produced by Upstart over the past two years has allowed me to explore my own writing, and had immense value to me as an artist…Because of Upstart, audiences and industry folk alike who might otherwise never have heard of me have seen my work and know my name.” Dawn King (Water Sculptures, ZOO, Chickpea Sickday Picasso Sabotage)
Upstart Theatre (“An unfairly talented ensemble” EdinburghGuide.com) are committed to discovering, commissioning and developing work which interrogates the world around us, provokes and entertains.
Our current policy is both to seek out the writers we wish to engage with, and also to read and select from submissions we receive. This plan began with An Upstart Christmas, where 5 writers (a combination of those who had written for us before and new writers we were keen to work with) each wrote a short seasonal piece, and were performed in a site-specific venue in December 2009.
We now have 3 writers writing exclusively for Upstart, including Writer-in-Residence Steven Lally (Oh Well Never Mind Bye), and plan to develop their work with readings, workshops and performances.
Alongside this, we are actively seeking submissions of new plays for development. If you share our vision and would like us to consider your play, post it to Upstart Theatre, c/o 51 The Cut, London SE1 8LF, or email us with any questions at info@upstart-theatre.co.uk.
All submissions should be made by post, including an SAE if you would like your script returned.
Please be aware that it may take some time for us to get back to you and we will only offer feedback where we feel it is appropriate.
