Since the 1989/90 season, the first year of Artistic Director Steven Schipper’s tenure, Royal MTC has programmed an average of one new play each year. Of course, world premieres of new plays don’t happen overnight. Playwrights and their work must be nurtured. We commission new work (five are currently in various stages of development) and provide dramaturgical support including readings and workshops.
It's not enough to write beautiful dialogue or to create memorable characters. Playwrights must give those characters clear goals, high stakes, formidable obstacles and a sense of urgency if they're to hold an audience’s interest. Story structure is an essential, but often underused, element in scriptwriting. Learn how to use it, in concert with great characters, insightful dialogue and important themes, and you'll be in the top 10% of the submissions we receive.
The Artistic Department is moving from an unsolicited script submission model to a formal playwright’s pitch session. The first session will take place in April 2022. Stay tuned for a Call for Submissions in early 2022.