Supported by the University of St Andrews MLitt in Playwriting and Screenwriting

The St Andrews Playwriting Award supports and develops exceptional emerging playwrights living in Scotland, helping bring ambitious new work from page to stage.

Created to encourage and support the next generation of playwrights, the award provides a unique opportunity for an emerging writer to develop a new play with professional support and see their work realised in a full-scale production.

The selected playwright receives a commission and a professional production, alongside a package of support that may include mentoring, dramaturgy, script development workshops and residency opportunities. Previous award recipients have gone on to achieve critical acclaim and national recognition, demonstrating the award’s growing impact on Scotland’s theatrical landscape. [byretheatre.com]

The St Andrews Playwriting Award is made possible through the generous support of lead donors Mark Bunyan and Andrew Craig, and Mike and Elisa Levy.

Plans for the next edition of the St Andrews Playwriting Award are in development.

The next call for applications will be announced soon, with the winning playwright’s work scheduled for professional production during the 2027/28 season.

Full details of eligibility, submission requirements and application deadlines will be published on this page when applications open.

To be among the first to hear about the next opportunity, keep an eye on the Byre Theatre website and social media channels.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the next call for applications open?

The next application round will be announced soon. Full details will be published on this page once applications open.

Who can apply?

Eligibility criteria for the next award will be confirmed when the call for applications is launched.

What does the award offer?

The award is designed to support the development of a new professional play through commissioning, mentoring, dramaturgical support, workshops, residency opportunities and a professional production.

When will the next winning play be produced?

The next winning play is expected to receive its professional production during the 2027/28 season.

Who delivers the award?

The award is delivered by the Byre Theatre in partnership with Playwrights’ Studio Scotland and Pitlochry Festival Theatre, with support from the University of St Andrews MLitt in Playwriting and Screenwriting programme. [byretheatre.com]

How will I find out when applications open?

Updates will be published on this page and shared through the Byre Theatre’s communications channels.

There was a huge number of imaginative, thoughtful and entertaining submissions for the second St Andrews Playwriting Award, demonstrating the breadth and quality of new writing being created across Scotland. We were delighted to announce Milly Sweeney as the winner with her play Water Colour.

Playwrights Michelle Hopewell and Samantha Robinson each received a bespoke package of script development support in recognition of the exceptional quality of their submitted plays.

Shortlist

Jessica Brodie • Janette Foggo • Sophie Good • Michelle Hopewell • Jenny Knotts • Holly McFarlane • Samantha Robinson • Milly Sweeney • Joanne Thomson • Heloise Thual.

Water Colour by Milly Sweeney

As winner of the award, Milly developed Water Colour with support from the creative teams at the Byre Theatre, Pitlochry Festival Theatre and Playwrights’ Studio Scotland, alongside mentoring from playwright Frances Poet and director Sally Reid.

The play received its world premiere at Pitlochry Festival Theatre before transferring to the Byre Theatre in spring 2025. A hopeful and deeply moving story about connection, mental health and the transformative impact of human kindness, Water Colour connected strongly with audiences and critics alike.

The success of Water Colour has become a powerful example of the impact of the St Andrews Playwriting Award, supporting a playwright from initial submission through development and into a nationally recognised professional production.

Recognition at The Stage Debut Awards

Following the production, Milly Sweeney won Best Writer at The Stage Debut Awards for Water Colour, becoming the only Scottish artist nominated across the award categories that year. The achievement marked an important milestone both for Milly and for the St Andrews Playwriting Award’s mission to support new Scottish voices.

“The St Andrews Playwriting Award was a life-changing experience for me and it has led to so many positive things.”
— Milly Sweeney

The quality of submissions for the inaugural St Andrews Playwriting Award was exceptional and we were delighted to announce Laila Noble as the first recipient of the award.

Shortlist

Leah Byrne • Isla Cowan • Cecile Durel • Eliza Gearty • Ese Ighorae • Jack McGregor • Laurie Motherwell • Ellen Ritchie • Heloise Thual.

In 2023, the play moved from script to stage through a professional commission and production partnership between the Byre Theatre and Perth Theatre, premiering at the Byre before transferring to sold-out performances at Perth Theatre’s Joan Knight Studio.

The production received strong critical acclaim and helped establish Laila as an exciting new voice in Scottish theatre. The success of The Man in the Submarine demonstrated the transformative potential of the St Andrews Playwriting Award and set the foundation for future editions of the programme.

Critical Response

“signals the arrival of another major talent on the Scottish playwriting scene” — The Scotsman

“A welcome addition to the growing number of superb emerging playwrights” — Corr Blimey

“Laila Noble is the worthy inaugural winner of the St Andrews Playwriting Award” — The Courier