From September 2025 until March 2026, the group meets in person on one Saturday per month, 10am to 4pm, at Oxford Playhouse. Sessions consist of practical writing exercises, discussion, feedback on scripts and peer group support, with guest playwrights and dramaturgs invited across the scheme to contribute a widened variety of styles and lived experiences to the process.

Our writers will be given the Spring to finalise a first draft, from which an extract will be chosen as part of a showcase for new-writing in June/July 2026.

• A small, focused group, with access to peer support
• Consistent timeline, with an expectation of kept deadlines
• Consistent dramaturgical support and feedback from Clare Bayley, with additional support from guest writers and dramaturgs
• Rehearsed-reading performance of an extract of the first draft
• Free to take part, with financial contribution towards travel to Oxford
• Breakfast and lunch provided at monthly sessions
• Access to the OP network of artists, including beyond the timeline of the scheme
• Invitation to events and performances at Oxford Playhouse
• Opportunity to share and publicise work on our seasonal Artists Newsletter

Our Playhouse Playmaker scheme is suitable for playwrights at any stage of their career, who have already completed at least one full play. You will benefit most from the scheme if you have had your work performed at least once.

This scheme is not suitable for beginners. Applicants must be aged 21+.

We particularly encourage applications from writers who are currently under-represented across the theatre industry, including those with protected characteristics. We would also value applications from writers based in, or with connections to, Oxfordshire.

Applications are now closed.