As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting and championing new writing, Character 7 has entered a multi-year partnership to expand the Royal Court’s Open Submissions Festival. 

Every year, The Royal Court team read thousands of new plays.

The promise that every submission is considered and responded to is central to the theatre's mission. To re-energise this promise, Character 7 is partnering with the Royal Court on their new Open Submissions Festival, championing the best new plays their teams are reading – and offering audiences a first look at the future of their stages.

Twice a year, we’ll present a week-long festival of staged readings, powering our open submissions programme as a gateway to new opportunities – including those in contention for programming at the Court. With permission from (and payment for) submitted writers, we’ll bring together a professional team to give them the best platform possible.

The great news is, for writers, there’s no need for another application process. Just by submitting a play via our open submissions portal, it will immediately be considered for festivals, future programming and other opportunities.

Full details, dates and line-ups will be announced throughout the year.

Our support with doubles the initiative which is a vital gateway for the best work by new and unknown writers, and offers audiences a glimpse at the future of contemporary theatre.