Aberdeen Performing Arts are looking for an early career writer aged 18 – 35 who is based in or has a meaningful connection to the North East of Scotland to create a new piece of theatre for adult audiences.
Supported by Creative Scotland through the Expanded Festivals Fund, this commission is part of Light the Blue 2027. The new production will open at the Lemon Tree in Aberdeen in June 2027 for a run of up to one week.
Light the Blue is their festival for and by young people, with an annual programme featuring over 1000 young and professional artists, school pupils and early career creatives from across Scotland. Through the Emerging Artist strand, the festival supports early career individuals to develop their practice, test out ideas and create new work for wide-ranging audiences.
What are they looking for?
They are looking to commission a new play that is original, relevant and engaging for our audiences. There is no set theme: they are simply looking for the most exciting idea which will, with their support, become a high-quality professional production.
The play must:
• Be an original story or one that shines a new light on a familiar story
• Be driven by text and may also include other artforms
• Be aimed at wide-ranging audiences
• Be able to be performed by a cast of 1 – 3 and be a maximum of 60 minutes
• Be able to be presented in the Lemon Tree Studio
Who are they looking for?
They are looking for early career playwrights who have a new story to tell and who are keen to develop their practice through a supportive commission process.
You must:
• Be aged 18 – 35
• Be based in North-East Scotland or be based in Scotland with a meaningful connection to the region
• Be actively pursuing a career in writing for the stage or making theatre
• Consider yourself an early career creative
• Be able to commit to the creation of the production for a June 2027 presentation
What are they offering?
They will support the commissioned artists to realise their work through hands-on producing, production and artistic development of the piece.
The writer will be offered a fee of £6,457.50 (SSP/FST Standard Play rate for a new play of up to 60 minutes) plus at least four days of rehearsal attendance at £140 per day and 10% royalties on box office takings.
How to Apply
Read the full call-out and find out how to apply here: www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/call-outs/new-play-commission-call-out-for-light-the-blue-2027. The deadline for submissions is Fri 1 September 2026 at 5pm.
For further information, please contact jordan.blackwood@aberdeenperformingarts.com (Jordan Blackwood) or visit https://www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/call-outs/new-play-commission-call-out-for-light-the-blue-2027.
