Organizer Information

The Alpine Fellowship is a charitable foundation based in London that supports, commissions, and showcases artists, scholars, and playwrights. Founded in 2013, the organization is built on the belief that intellectual and creative exchange is vital for a healthy society. Their centerpiece is an annual symposium—an interdisciplinary gathering in picturesque international locations—where participants explore a central philosophical theme. Through its prestigious prize program, the Fellowship provides a global stage and financial support for emerging and established voices in the humanities and arts.

Title & Description

The Alpine Fellowship Theatre Prize 2026: "Joy" The Theatre Prize is awarded for the best playwriting response to the foundation's annual theme. For the 2026 cycle, the theme is "Joy." This call seeks scripts that offer a profound, original, and innovative dramatic exploration of joy—investigating its role in the human experience, its philosophical depth, or its sociopolitical implications. Playwrights are encouraged to look beyond superficial interpretations, using the stage to examine the complexities, paradoxes, and transformative power of bliss and contentment.

Categories

The primary category is Theatre and Playwriting. Submissions must be:

  • Stage Plays: Full-length or one-act scripts.

  • Performance Texts: Original dramatic works intended for live performance.

  • Note: Operas, musicals, and screenplays are typically directed toward the Music or Writing prizes, respectively.

Eligibility

  • International: Open to playwrights of all nationalities, regardless of residency.

  • Age: Applicants must be aged 18 or above at the time of entry.

  • Language: All entries must be written in English.

  • Production Status: Plays must not have been professionally produced (defined as a run of more than one week for which the audience purchased tickets). Rehearsed readings and workshops are permitted.

  • AI Policy: The use of generative writing programs or artificial intelligence (e.g., ChatGPT) is strictly prohibited.

Program Benefits & Awards

  • First Place: A cash grant of £3,000 to support the development of the play.

  • Second Place: A cash grant of £1,000.

  • Third Place: A cash grant of £1,000.

  • Symposium Invitation: The winner and runners-up are typically invited to the Annual Alpine Fellowship Symposium (previous locations include Sweden, Italy, and the UK). The Fellowship covers all food and accommodation during the event, and travel expenses are often reimbursed up to a specified limit.

Application Fee

There is a £10 entry fee per submission.

Application Requirements

Applications are judged anonymously. Applicants must submit:

  • The Script: A completed play longer than 30 minutes (approximately 30+ pages).

  • Themed Statement: A short text explaining how the play responds to the theme of "Joy."

  • Professional Summary: A brief CV or summary of your past work and writing experience.

  • Note: Your name or identifying information must not appear on the script file itself.

How to Apply?

Online Application

Key Dates

  • Application Deadline: 1 May 2026

  • Notification of Winners: Typically mid-to-late summer 2026.

  • Symposium Dates: Early July 2026 (Specific dates to be confirmed).

Location

United Kingdom

Additional Details

The Alpine Fellowship values works that engage deeply with the chosen theme. The response to "Joy" is entirely up to the writer's interpretation; if you believe your work addresses the concept, you are eligible to submit. The anonymous judging process ensures that the selection is based purely on the strength of the script and its thematic relevance.

Website Link: https://alpinefellowship.com/theatre-prize