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est - 1994

OFF THE GROUND THEATRE

OPEN AIR THEATRE

SUBMISSION INFORMATION

Got an idea?

Local to Merseyside?

Now's your time...

Off the Ground Theatre have partnered with Hope Street Theatre to take on the running of the acclaimed What Happens Next? new writing festival in January 2027.

What Happens Next? showcases exceptional work from local, emerging writers.

This unique event gives playwrights a platform to present their work, engage with audiences and industry experts, and compete for a fantastic prize...

What are we looking for?

- 20-Minute Excerpts -

- Studio Space Appropriate -

- New Writing -

- Creates Intrigue -

- Small Cast -

- Previously Unpublished/Unproduced -

If you think you've got an idea for a play that needs to be seen, then this is for you...

We're looking for 20-minute excerpts of new writing, suitable for small casts (no more than 5/6) and a black box/studio theatre, for submission to the 2027 What Happens Next? Festival.

Eight of the submissions will be chosen to compete at the semi-finals, held week commencing January 11th 2027.

Two pieces per semi-final will progress to the final. One selected by the audience, one selected by the judges.

At the final, the most popular piece with our audience will win a cash prize.

The judges' chosen winner is taken forward by OTG Theatre and Hope Street Theatre for a full professional run at the theatre in October 2027.

(Developmental deadlines, T&Cs apply).

To submit your piece for consideration, email it to connor@offtheground.co.uk

SUBMISSIONS CLOSE SUNDAY 25TH OCTOBER 2026.

All pieces should be submitted as a Word/PDF document, with writer's name and contact details clearly printed on the front page.

We want to see your authentic voice as a writer and we welcome submissions from writers of all backgrounds.

In order to be seriously considered for selection, the piece you submit should leave us and your audience asking one crucial question...

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?