Writers’ Lab

This is an entry-level programme, designed for people who want support to write their first full length play. Maybe you’re sitting on a story you’ve always wanted to share. Maybe you have a passion for creative writing and want to make something for the stage. Maybe you’re not seeing yourself represented in the theatre you’re reading/seeing. Perhaps you’ve tried some writing but it’s never seen the light of day and you’re keen to change that! If any of that sounds at all like you, please don’t be shy, and apply. 

If you have previously participated in other major playwriting programmes, have an MA which has included writing for the stage, have written multiple plays, have had a full production staged, have received playwriting commissions, or are represented by a writing agent, this course is probably not the right match for you. Equally, if you will be in full time education over the course period, we recommend you apply once you have completed your formal education, as we find play deadlines land at busy times of year for academic timetables. But if any of the above applies to you, don’t be discouraged! We have lots of other opportunities that aren’t Writers’ Lab, which you can check out here.

We actively welcome applicants who identify as LGBTQ+, D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent, people of the *global majority and people living in the London Borough of Waltham Forest.

*people who identify as Black Caribbean, Black African, South Asian, East Asian, Middle Eastern or Latinx.

The application is an online form which will be available on this page when applications are open, and the questions are listed below.

It’s really helpful for us to get to know people through their application answers, so we’d recommend using up your whole word count/video time limit and answer in as much detail as you can. We appreciate people just being themselves, there’s no need to try to impress us, just be open and honest in your answers about why you want to take part. Also don’t worry about trying to sound formal with your language – just write or speak in your own authentic voice. 

When applications are open, we offer Zoom Q&As and taster sessions, hosted by our Labs team, where people can find out more. These will be listed above once confirmed and usually take place in July.

The application form consists of 20 short answer or multiple choice questions (most of it basic things like name, email address, etc) and 4 long-form answer questions (about yourself as an artist and why you want to take part in the Lab). You will also be asked to attach a 1-2 page writing extract/sample in either a Word or PDF format.

It works best from a computer, but you can also complete it on a smartphone or tablet. For any long-form answer questions, you can type them up or submit your answer by video instead if you find that easier/preferable, by pasting your Youtube/Vimeo/Dropbox link in the answer box (please do NOT use WeTransfer or any service where the link expires). 

For other support regarding the application form, please email engagement@sohotheatre.com

Here are the list of questions on the application, in case you’d like to see them in advance:

1-What is your name?
2-What email address can we contact you on?
3- What’s the best phone number to reach you on?
4- Have you taken part in one of our Labs courses before?
5- If yes, which Labs have you taken part in and when?
6- Tell us a bit about your previous artistic and/or life experience – what have you written before? Or do you come from another making background, like acting or comedy? Or something else entirely? (200 words, for a text answer, or 2 minute video link) Don’t worry if you don’t have loads of experience in the arts – we just want to hear a bit more about you.
7- What kind of theatre and live performance do you enjoy watching? Have you seen anything at Soho Theatre? (100 words, for a text answer, or 1 minute video link)
8- What are you interested in writing about? (200 words, for a text answer, or 2 minute video link) This can be a specific story or idea that interests you, or general themes and topics. It also doesn’t have to be what you eventually write about if you take part in the Lab, we’re just getting to know you better.
9- What are you hoping to gain from taking part in Writers’ Lab? (200 words, for a text answer, or 2 minute video link)
10- Please attach 1-2 pages of script sample here, as a Word or PDF doc. If you submit a longer document we will only consider the first 2 pages. We recommend submitting something you have written for live performance, rather than a screenplay. This doesn’t need to be a piece you want to work on during the Lab, just an example of your writing. It also doesn’t have to be the first two pages – just whatever you think showcases your voice as a playwright best. If you are brand new to writing, feel free to write and submit two pages of something new.
11- Do you require a bursary in order to take part in the Lab(s) you are applying to? (Yes/No) We will follow up with you separately to discuss your needs.
12- If yes, please let us know which bursaries you are eligible for. (multiple choice)
13- If you require a bursary, please let us know a little bit about your circumstances.
14- Where did you hear about Soho Theatre Labs?
As we are a charity, the following questions are to do with equal opportunities data which our funders request.
15- Do you live in London? (Yes/No)
16- If you live in London please let us know which borough you live in. (multiple choice)
17- If you don’t live in London, please let us know which town/city you live in.
18- How do you describe your gender? (multiple choice)
19- How do you describe your sexual orientation? (multiple choice)
20- What will your age be on 1 October 2025?
21- Please describe your ethnic origin. (multiple choice)
22- What was the occupation of the main/highest income earner in your household when you were 14? (multiple choice)
23- Do you consider yourself to be disabled?
24- If yes- please let us know how you describe yourself. (multiple choice)

In the application form, we’ve indicated the four questions that help us learn a bit about you. You’re welcome to type these out, but also answer via video if more convenient. If you’d like to go for the video option, simply film yourself answering the questions, stopping between each one. The idea is you have a separate video for each answer.

Then upload this onto YouTube (there’s a ‘create’ or + button for web or the app, followed by an ‘upload video’ option). Be sure to set your privacy settings so only those with a link can watch the video and then copy and paste the link as your answer. You can also use other services like Vimeo, Dropbox or GDrive – however, please always ensure that the video is unlisted or that the privacy settings are set to enable people with the link to access the video without signing in, and without a password. Otherwise we won’t be able to see it, and we can’t consider your application! Please do NOT use any service where the link expires after a time period (like WeTransfer) – as the link is likely to expire before we get to it.

In previous years we have received 800-900 applications for writers’ lab, for 48 places. We know this sounds like a lot (and it is), but please don’t let it discourage you from applying. We love to read every single one. 

Once you have submitted an application through our online Typeform, you will see a page thanking you for your application and confirming that it’s been submitted. Congrats!

Please note – you will not automatically be sent a copy of your application. So if you want to keep your answers for future reference, we recommend you copy and paste them into a document for yourself.

We will be in touch with all applicants, whether or not we are able to offer a place on the programme. We will aim to get back to everyone by the end of September.

As we are a small team, managing a large volume of applications, unfortunately we are not able to offer feedback. Inevitably, there are brilliant writers we’re not able to offer places to each year, due to the high application volume and limited course spots available.

The course involves 48 writers who are placed into 3 groups of 16. Over the 9-months of the Lab, some months the workshops will involve all 48 writers meeting on a Saturday daytime. Other months, the workshops are in smaller groups (of 16) which take place over the first 3 Tuesday evenings of the month.

Writers are placed into either:

Writers’ Lab 1- meeting on the first Tuesdays of the month

Writers’ Lab 2- meeting on the second Tuesdays of the month

Writers’ Lab 3- meeting on the third Tuesdays of the month

Reading and writing homework is set at the end of each workshop and the course is designed for writers to connect with each other outside of the workshops as well, to get the most out of the programme. We have designed the course to be around 35-40 learning hours, including script feedback sessions, with significant reading and writing time required in addition.

Yep. We pair up writers for a 1-2-1 feedback process with the course leaders or people from our script reading freelance pool. Writers receive three pieces of script feedback, which are designed to be face-to-face sessions. Following the third and final draft, writers have the opportunity to submit the script to the Tony Craze Award.

The process usually looks like this:

January: scene submission for feedback

March: first draft submission for feedback

May: second draft submission for feedback

July: final draft submission to be read for Tony Craze Award

We receive a limited amount of funding to enable people to participate in the programme if they are unable to pay the full course fee (£200). The bursaries can cover the full cost, or half of the cost of the programme, depending on the circumstances of the person.

If you are unemployed, receiving Universal Credit or other benefits, receive a low income or would like to request a bursary for another reason, please complete the bursary section on the application form. As well as general bursaries which are available to all, we also have a number of sponsored bursaries available.

We will be hosting taster workshops in the run up to opening applications so keep an eye on the website and social media. These are open for people to hear more from our team and ask questions.

You can also email us at engagement@sohotheatre.com