At the Belgrade, we believe some of the most powerful stories begin as sparks, unfinished thoughts, feelings, questions, fragments, or provocations. Before the pitch decks, before the production meetings, before a single line is spoken aloud, there is an idea. That’s the moment we want to invest in.
Our Seed Commissions are an invitation for writers to bring us that moment of Spark. To show us the story that’s quietly brewing or boldly taking shape. We’re offering three £1,000 commissions, alongside creative support and feedback, to writers ready to explore something new whether you’re emerging, established, or somewhere in between.
We are not expecting or looking for finished plays or full drafts. We want to nurture new voices, backing new ideas, and create space for writers to explore freely without the pressure of production. Each commission includes light-touch dramaturgical support, and a direct line to our Associate Director and support from our Artistic Director, who will read and respond to your work.
Why are we doing this?
We’re committed to championing artists connected to Coventry, the Midlands, and those who are pushing new and unheard stories forward.
So if you have something to say, something to try, something you’re burning to write, we’d love to hear from you.
What’s On Offer
- 3 x £1,000 Seed Commissions
- Light-touch dramaturgical support (4 x 1-hour check-ins)
- Script sample and full treatment read and fed back on by the Belgrade’s Artistic Director and Associate Director
What You’ll Be Expected to Deliver
- A full treatment of your idea (roughly 15–20 pages of script or structured material)
- A clear artistic vision for the story’s world, characters, and theatrical form
This is not a production commission. It’s a chance to explore an idea, develop early material, and begin a relationship with the Belgrade Theatre team.
Who We’re Looking For
We’re looking for writers at any career stage who are excited by performance, theatre, and live storytelling. If you’ve got a story burning to be told and a reason why it needs to be told now we want to hear from you.
We especially encourage applications from writers based in or connected to Coventry, the Midlands, or those who are underrepresented in UK theatre.
Timeline
How to Apply
Fill in our online application form HERE (you will be prompted to sign in to Google) where we’ll ask for:
- A short outline of your idea – Why this story, and why now – Why you want to write it – A bit about you as an artist – Some personal info (access requirements, contact details, etc.)
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview where you’ll share a mini treatment or one-page pitch, and have a short interview with our team. You’ll be paid £50 for this stage.
Deadline for applications: Thu 4 Sep 2025, at 10am
Shortlisted interviews: w/c Mon 22 Sep 2025
Questions?
If you have access needs or want to talk through the process, please reach out to us at communityadmin@belgrade.co.uk (Subject line SEED COMMISSION) or call 024 7625 6431.
Have a question or would like to apply in a different way? Please email communityadmin@belgrade.co.uk or call 024 7625 6431.
Deadline for applications: Thu 4 Sep 2025, at 10am
Shortlisted interviews: w/c Mon 22 Sep 2025