What can I expect when I send a script?
We have attempted to include an estimated time by which the theatre should have responded to your submission. If they have not, you are perfectly within your rights to call and ask what's happening. If the theatre takes an inordinate amount of time, fails to respond at all despite reminders, or simply loses the script, you should contact writernet at info@writernet.org.uk.
When submitting unsolicited work, consider carefully a) to whom you are sending it and b) why. It is perfectly acceptable to send scripts to a number of different outlets. Only when there is a formal agreement in terms of a commission or an option does a producer have any rights over a script. However, targeting work at those companies you establish as being the most likely to respond can save much heartache, frustration and expense later on. This is why seeing productions and reading reviews is worthwhile.
Even when theatre managements ask their readers to write reports directly to the writer rather than just for in-house eyes only, the readers rarely have time to address a script's particular developmental needs in a report. In addition, theatres will rarely read the same script twice (unless it's something they are considering), so it's important that you submit a script at its best stage so far. Writernet's own script reading service is specifically designed to provide a full report on scripts at any stage in their devlopment, turning around work in two to six weeks and giving advice to the writer on where to send the work subsequently. Contact us for more details.
This list is not exhaustive. The statements contained have been provided by the theatre companies themselves. If the reality of what is on offer differs wildly from what is stated, we hope that this is owing largely to changes in personnel or funding, but it is helpful if writers keep us up to date with the changing picture and their experiences of the service provided by the organisations to which they have sent work. Please contact us if you have suggestions or advice.
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