Do you have a new play or play idea that you’d like to spend time experimenting with? Are you from or based in the Highlands and Islands? Dogstar Theatre are currently welcoming submissions of new work for Scratch Sessions as part of SPARK Festival 2027.

Scratch Sessions are an opportunity for audiences to get a glimpse into the creation and development of new plays, with writers presenting extracts from work-in-development with an opportunity for feedback and discussion afterwards. These sessions will allow playwrights to develop new ideas and work on specific sections of their plays with a director and a group of actors.

Selected writers will be paired with a professional director and a group of actors to rehearse their piece over two days, with presentation on the second day. Extracts of each writer’s work will then be presented in front of an audience, alongside another writer’s work. After the sharing, there will be a facilitated session with the audience for writers to get feedback on their work.

For this opportunity, applicants must be from or based in the Highlands and Islands. We are looking to work with 8 writers for this opportunity. We welcome submissions in English, Gaelic, Scots or BSL.

Selected writers will be paid a fee of £360 (£180/day) for presenting at SPARK Festival, as well as reasonable expenses if based outside of Inverness.

Deadline for applications: Sun 22 November, 11pm

Access

They are also happy to receive proposals by video or audio recording of no more than eight minutes in length. If you require any additional support in submitting a proposal, such as receiving the call-out information in an alternative format, or you have any questions please contact us via info@playwrightsstudio.co.uk.

About SPARK Festival

SPARK – The Highland New Play Festival will uncover, support and celebrate playwrights primarily from the Highlands and Islands.

Dogstar Theatre, in partnership with Eden Court and Playwrights’ Studio, Scotland, are producing a festival of new plays from 21 – 24 January 2027 at Eden Court Inverness, bringing together a vibrant temporary community of playwrights, actors, directors and other theatre professionals. This follows the highly successful inaugural edition of the festival that took place in January 2024.

For further information, please contact info@playwrightsstudio.co.uk or visit https://playwrightsstudio.co.uk/opportunities-news/spark-the-highland-new-play-festival