Local Scriptwriting Competition – Call for Entries!

Entries are now closed.

Got a story that needs to be told? One rooted in the people, places, or pulse of our local area? We want to hear from you.

We’re launching a scriptwriting competition for local writers in and around Buxton to uncover and develop original plays that shine a light on our community — past, present, or imagined. Whether it’s set in your favourite local café, inspired by neighbourhood legends, or tackles environmental themes close to home, your script should celebrate what makes our area unique.

And the best part? One script will go from page to stage, and receive full production supported by a team of professional creatives by Buxton Opera House in early 2026!

What we're looking for:

• A brand new, unpublished, and unperformed play
• A clear connection to Buxton — through story, setting, or character
• A meaningful connection to the environment – this could be thematic, geographical, or woven into the narrative
• Content that is suitable for all ages
• Structured as two acts, each approximately 45 minutes long
• A maximum of 10 principal characters
• Writers must be 18 or over to apply
• You must be available on:
  • 13th September 2025 for a script development workshop
  • 28th January – 1st February 2026 for the final production

How to apply:

To enter, email us a single PDF containing:

• A 250-word synopsis of your play
• A character list
• The full first draft of your script

Important: Your name and contact details must not appear anywhere in the PDF. Include your name and email address only in the body of your email to ensure anonymous judging.

Submissions are now closed. Thank you for your interest.

What you could get:

Three writers will be shortlisted to take part in a professional script development workshop with an experienced scriptwriter. From there, one script will be selected for further development and mentoring, ready for a full production staged by Buxton Opera House in early 2026 in our Pavilion Arts Centre.

Please note: There is no cash prize. This is a development and staging opportunity to support emerging local voices.

Deadline for submissions: Thu 31 Jul 2025

Got something brewing? Time to get writing — and share your story with the stage!

Terms and Conditions

• This opportunity is open to writers aged 18 and over only.

• Scripts must be submitted as PDFs via email. Physical submissions will not be accepted.

• All entries must include a 250-word synopsis, a character list, and a full first draft of the script.

• Scripts must be original, unpublished, and unperformed.

• Content must be suitable for all ages and must feature no more than 10 principal characters.

• Submissions must be anonymous: your name and contact details must not appear anywhere in the PDF. Include this information only in the body of your email.

• Writers must be available on:

  • 13th September 2025 for the development workshop

  • 28th January – 1st February 2026 for the final production

• There is no cash prize. One winning script will be developed and staged as a full professional production.

• Writers retain full copyright of their work. By submitting, you grant Buxton Opera House a non-exclusive licence to workshop, adapt, and publicly perform the selected script.

• Submissions will be judged anonymously by a panel appointed by Buxton Opera House. The panel’s decision is final. We are unable to provide individual feedback for every submitted script.

• Submissions that do not meet the stated requirements may be disqualified.