The Women’s Prize for Playwriting showcases vivid, expansive and exquisitely crafted new plays by female and non-binary writers in the UK and Ireland at all levels of experience. The criteria of the Prize is designed to allow writers freedom to write the play they want, unhampered by restrictions and limitations.

The winner of the Women’s Prize for Playwriting is awarded:

• A cash pot of £12,000
• The script is optioned by the Women’s Prize for Playwriting, Ellie Keel Productions and Paines Plough
• The play is published by Concord Theatricals

You are eligible to apply if you are:

• female or non-binary
• aged sixteen or older
• resident in the UK, Republic of Ireland or in a British Overseas Territory, or have a British Forces Post Office address.

Your Scripts must:

• be written in English
• be written for stage
• be an original work (i.e. not an adaptation)
• last an hour or more in playing time
• not have been professionally produced (i.e. no more than five ticketed performances, and no professional reviews)
• not have received any other prizes or awards.

Submitted scripts may be:

• co-written
• any cast size
• any genre and style, except musicals (though plays which contain songs are eligible)

Writers must:

• own all copyright relating to the script
• submit only one script
• include their name(s) and contact details on the first page of the script.