Organizer Information
The Royal Court Theatre is Britain’s leading venue for cultivating new writing, famously known as "the writers' theatre." For its 70th anniversary in 2026, the Royal Court has partnered with the Jerwood Foundation to launch this inaugural commissioning scheme. Unlike the Royal Court’s typical internal programming, this scheme is a national initiative designed to share resources and underwrite the financial risk for theaters and producers across the United Kingdom, ensuring that adventurous new plays reach the stage.
Title & Description
Jerwood Royal Court Commissioning Scheme 2026
This is an open-access national fund created to unlock investment in original playwriting. The scheme provides grants to underwrite the "Signature" (first) payment of a new play commission. The goal is to encourage producers to take artistic risks on ambitious new works by lowering the initial financial barrier. This is a partnership-based award; the Royal Court does not own the resulting play, nor is it guaranteed to be produced at the Royal Court. Instead, the fund supports a direct professional relationship between a writer and a producing partner of their choice.
Categories
- Theatre / Playwriting: Focused on new, original theatrical works for the stage.
- Eligible Genres: Includes plays for adults, children, and young people.
- Note: Musicals are considered, but the grant only covers fees for the book and lyrics (not the composer). Translations and adaptations are not eligible.
Eligibility
- The Playwright: Must be UK-based, aged 18+, with a demonstrable track record (at any scale).
- The Producing Partner: Must be a UK-based registered company or charity (subsidised, independent, or commercial).
- Note: Individual freelance producers are not eligible. The Producing Partner must have the infrastructure to guarantee the second "delivery" fee.
- Diversity Focus: The scheme aims to make at least 50% of awards to writers who identify as Black/Global Majority, working class, and/or D/deaf or disabled.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Financial Grant: Six annual grants of £4,000–£6,000 each.
- Grant Tiers: The amount depends on the industry agreement used (e.g., £6,000 for ITC/UK Theatre MRSL1; £4,000 for MRSL3).
- Industry Standards: The grant covers the non-recoupable first payment based on Writers' Guild of Great Britain (WGGB) minimum rates.
- Professional Validation: Recognition from two of the UK’s most influential arts organizations.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Project Summary: An outline of the proposed play and artistic vision (Max 2,000 characters).
- Case for Support: Why this project needs the scheme and how it fits the "risk and ambition" criteria.
- CVs/Bios: For both the Playwright and the Producing Partner.
- Financial Proof: The Producing Partner’s most recent statutory accounts.
- Production Plan: Evidence of the capacity to move toward full future production.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 23 January 2026
- Shortlist Interviews: 23 February 2026
- Successful Notification: March 2026
- Agreement Finalized: 31 March 2026
Location
United Kingdom
Additional Details
A key requirement is that the Producing Partner must commit to paying the "delivery fee" (the second payment when the script is finished) independently of this grant. This ensures that the partnership is a serious commitment toward a full production.