Frequently asked questions for submissions to The Bill Cashmore Award: One Act Play Prize.
Q: What do I need to submit?
A: A complete script that is 30 minutes in length, as a PDF document. This script must be submitted in English.
Q: Why the age criteria and what are the details?
A: You must be aged 18-30 at the time of submission. The Bill Cashmore Award is part of our Young Lyric Programme, which is funded to support and provide opportunities for children and young people through programmes, workshops and activities.
Q: What does being underrepresented in theatre mean?
A: We are particularly interested in hearing from those who are a part of the Global Majority, neurodivergent, d/Deaf, disabled, part of the LGBTQ+ community, those from low-income households, those in care, are care leavers, or are carers.
Q: What does being situated in areas culturally underserved mean?
A: Please see here a list of locations. We appreciate this list is not exhaustive and will also use data from the ONS index of multiple deprivation to further define areas culturally underserved.
Q: Can the script be an adaptation?
A: The script must be a new piece of writing and not an adaptation or section of an existing story.
Q: Can I submit submissions for radio, television or film?
A: All submissions must be written for the stage.
Q: Can it be a musical or opera?
A: No, as the cast performing are not trained in musical theatre or as actor musicians.
Q: Are co-written or devised plays eligible?
A: No, submissions are only eligible for one author.
Q: When is the deadline for the application?
A: Midday on Tuesday 6th January, and we can not accept applications after this time.
Q: Can I submit my script if it’s incomplete?
A: We would ask for your script to be submitted as a full draft. This does not mean it will be the final draft or version of your play, but we ask for you to submit a full draft for us to read in the selection process.
Q: Can I re-submit a new draft after submitting?
A: No, we will only read your first submission. However, this does not mean it will be the final draft or version of your play – we will work with you to redraft your script throughout the producing process.
Q: How many characters should my script consist of?
A: The Lyric will provide a cast of five actors (aged 18 – 25) for your play, yet you can write for as many characters as you like, as the casting process can accommodate multi–rolling.
Q: How many characters should my script consist of?
A: The Lyric will provide a cast of five actors (aged 18 – 25) for your play, yet you can write for as many characters as you like, as the casting process can accommodate multi–rolling.
Q: Who will be reading my script?
A: Scripts will be read and shortlisted anonymously by the Young Lyric Team; the shortlist of 10 scripts will then be sent to a panel of freelance playwrights. The shortlist will be read and chosen by this panel in consultation with the Lyric and the award founder.
Q: My script has been performed before – can I submit it?
A: If your script has been in R&D, performed in sharings, or to a small invited audience, yes. However your script must not have been performed in front of a paid audience.
Q: When will the play be on?
A: The run of the play will take place in autumn 2026 in our Studio Theatre in the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre.
Q: Are there any design parameters?
A: The winning scripts will be presented as a double bill in our Studio theatre with a shared design in collaboration with a Wimbledon College of Arts, BA Theatre Design graduate. Due to the nature of our Studio, all plays will be staged with an ‘End on’ seating configuration.
Q: Can I submit multiple scripts?
A: No, you are limited to one entry.
If you have any further questions, please get in touch with us via talentdevelopment@lyric.co.uk
