Leeds Playhouse is calling on local storytellers to help shape the future of theatre.

As the Playhouse embarks on a bold new chapter under Artistic Director Tom Wright, it has launched two exciting opportunities for local artists: an open script submission window for playwrights with a meaningful connection to West Yorkshire, and a chance for early career directors to observe rehearsals of its festive production, A Christmas Carol.

These initiatives are part of the theatre’s commitment to nurturing local creatives and amplifying the voices that reflect the heart and soul of the region.

Tom Wright, Artistic Director at Leeds Playhouse, said: “We’re delighted to be throwing our doors wide open, offering two opportunities that sit at the heart of our commitment to artists with strong ties to West Yorkshire. We want to hear the stories that matter most to this region, and we’re excited both to discover new voices and to reconnect with familiar ones. Our hope is that this open call will mark the beginning of many creative journeys with artists across the region – and that time spent in the rehearsal room will spark fresh ideas and inspiration for artists to further develop their craft.”

OPEN SCRIPT SUBMISSION

Are you a playwright with a meaningful connection to West Yorkshire? Leeds Playhouse wants to read your work!

Leeds Playhouse has launched a new open script submission window until 10am on Monday 6 October. This initiative is designed to connect with local writers, spark new conversations, and build lasting relationships across the region and beyond.

Whether you’re just starting out or already established, this is your invitation to help shape the future of theatre at Leeds Playhouse and beyond. It’s looking for fresh voices, bold ideas, and unforgettable stories that demand to be seen on its stages.

To submit your script, you must have a meaningful connection to West Yorkshire. This includes living or working in the region, being born and raised in West Yorkshire, studying at a local university, of having lived or worked in West Yorkshire for a significant period.

Scripts must be:

• written for the stage (plays or musicals only)
• original works (no adaptations)
• at least 60 minutes long
• unproduced (scratches or work-in-progress sharings are fine)

Every eligible script will be read by the Artistic Team and a panel of readers. Writers will receive short written feedback, and selected submissions may lead to further meetings, dramaturgical support, in-kind rehearsal space and invitations to development opportunities such as Furnace Network, masterclasses, or writing courses.

Some writers may be invited to join a new development scheme, become an Associate Artist, or even receive a commission to write a new play for our stages.

Click here to submit a script

REHEARSAL OBSERVER ON A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Calling all early career theatre directors or movement directors! If you are aged over 18 and are based in West Yorkshire, you could get the opportunity to observe a day in a professional rehearsal room.

Leeds Playhouse is producing a new production of A Christmas Carol adapted by Deborah McAndrew, directed by Amy Leach, designed by Hayley Grindle, with choreography and movement direction by EJ Boyle. This festive production with music, song and movement will be performed by a large company of actors in Leeds Playhouse’s epic Quarry Theatre.

The Playhouse will welcome 15 artists to observe for a day each of rehearsals. This is a free opportunity for early career theatre directors and/or movement directors who have had limited experience of a professional rehearsal room.

The days are available between 13 October and 7 November 2025.

Director Amy Leach specialises in creating inclusive work, working with deaf, disabled and non-disabled artists. This production will contain British Sign Language, and creative audio description will be available through headsets at all performances from 27 November.

Click here to apply

The script submission window and the observer call out is part of the Playhouse’s Furnace artist development programme. Through Furnace, the Playhouse supports writers, directors and theatre-makers at all stages of their careers, offering opportunities for collaboration, experimentation and growth. It’s a space for bold storytelling and innovative performance, rooted in the voices and experiences of West Yorkshire and beyond.

Locally-based designers and theatre-makers are also encouraged to join Furnace Artist Network, a free network for artists, which gives them access to career-enhancing workshops, rehearsal space, discounted tickets and regular newsletters filled with placement and development opportunities at the Playhouse and across the region.