The James Tait Black Prizes
The James Tait Black Prizes logo

Drama submissions

The James Tait Black Prize for Drama was suspended due to Covid 19, submissions may re-open in January 2024.

Please consult this website from November 2023 for more information on how to submit.

Currently no submissions are being accepted.

The £10,000 award is bestowed to a new play that displays an original voice in theatre and has made a significant and unique contribution to the art form. 

The winner is announced at an award ceremony held at the Traverse Theatre during the Edinburgh Fringe, where extracts of the shortlisted plays will be performed. 

Eligibility

Submissions must be made from agents or the original producing company, and the nominator must have permission from the playwright before making a submission. 

If the play is shortlisted, the playwright must agree to cooperate with the organisers of the award ceremony, and consent to give rights to Playwrights’ Studio, Scotland for a rehearsed reading of their work. 

Eligible plays are those over sixty minutes in playing time, originally written in English (including all standard and non-standard varieties) Scots or Gaelic, first produced between 1 January and 31 December and performed by a professional company for more than six performances. 

A typed copy of the script must be sent by post and email with details of the first production, which should include venue, company and date. Where possible, proof of production should be sent such as a flyer, review etc. 

The playwright must have been commissioned formally by a professional organisation using a contract recognised by an industry regulator within the country of production (e.g. in the UK, the Theatrical Management Association (TMA), Equity, Independent Theatre Council (ITC) or Federation of Scottish Theatre). 

The production must have had a full production by a professional company using professionally contracted personnel.