Plays from ur notes app

Screenshots from notes apps aren’t just for celebrities apologising. The notes app is the home of imagination: stories you want to tell, shopping lists, things that made you smile, drafts of tricky texts so the other person can’t see you typing, passwords you never remember, things you wish you’d said in arguments… The list is endless. It’s a space just for you, to create, to play, to write.  

Plays from ur notes app is a call out for writers to submit writing that either currently lives, or could live in, the notes app on a phone. It is an invitation for ideas not yet fully formed, that writers are excited about.  

The writers selected to take part in this project will receive £250 to develop their notes app pages into a 5-minute piece for a public sharing in December 2023 with the support of the Royal Court. This sharing is an experimental space to hear work aloud and explore ideas with an audience.  

All of the writers will then be invited to join a writers group that focuses on developing a full length play for stage in the new year.  

You must be over 18 and live in the UK or Northern Ireland. Applications can be submitted in written or spoken English or BSL. You are welcome to send in multilingual work. This can include translated material, even if that translation is not intended for performance, or work that exists across multiple languages. Please be aware your application may be read by someone who does not speak the language included in your writing.

This opportunity is aimed at those who haven’t written a full length play.

You might not have written anything before, it doesn’t matter. If you’ve read this far then you probably have an idea and we really want to read it. 

How do I apply?  

To apply please complete the application form

The application is formed of two parts. Firstly, a short written or recorded statement about why you would like to participate in this project.  

Secondly a submission that is intended for live performance. You can submit in any of the methods below:

  • Screenshots of a notes page (approx. 4 screenshots)
  • Pictures of your notebook (about a page and a half of A4 text or equivalent)
  • A three-minute voice note
  • A three-minute video
  • A 500 word, word document or PDF

If you’d like to submit in a method not listed above, then please email us at: opencourt@royalcourttheatre.com  

Applications close Wednesday 20 September 2023 at 10am.

When will the project begin? 

All writers will hear about the outcome of their application by Monday 16th October. 

The first session will take place on Wednesday 18 October 2023 7 – 8:30pm. 

How is the project accessible?  

We’re committed to ensuring these groups are as accessible as possible. Those selected to take part in the project will be asked to fill out an access questionnaire in order to best support you during the project. For details on the support we provide please read our Access Guide.  

Support with your application?  

If you would like support with your application, we will be running two application writing workshops. These sessions are not compulsory in order to apply and we will cover the same information in both sessions.  

One in person on Tuesday 12 September, and one on zoom on Wednesday 13 September.  

This is an opportunity to talk through your application, come together and write with fellow writers and meet a member of the Royal Court team. For more information on how to sign up follow our Open Court account on Instagram.