top of page

New Writing Guidelines

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

 

Everything you need to know before submitting your work to Lantern Creates.

 

We welcome submissions from both new and experienced writers. While scripts may be submitted throughout the year, each Lantern Creates festival has an official submission period. Scripts received after the published closing date will automatically be considered for future festivals unless withdrawn by the writer.

 

Submissions are open to writers based in the United Kingdom.

 

Why UK-based writers?

 

Lantern Creates is a collaborative festival and we encourage selected writers to engage with the process wherever possible. Limiting submissions to writers based in the United Kingdom helps us support communication, participation and involvement throughout the development and production process.

CHOOSING A CATEGORY

 

New Writing: The Shorts
​

A collection of original short plays performed as part of Lantern Creates.

​

Your play should:
 

  • Be no longer than 15 minutes or six pages in length (one A4 page is roughly one to two minutes of stage time)

  • Have no more than eight performers (characters may be doubled where appropriate)

  • Require a single simple set

  • Use minimal props and costumes

  • Be written by a writer based in the United Kingdom

​

Themes

​

We're open to original work on any subject matter and aim to create a varied programme.

​

You may wish to consider one of the following themes:
 

  • Free Choice – any story, genre or setting

  • Our Planet, Their Future

  • Sheffield: Our City History

  • Under 18 Writers: Something Out There

 

New Writing: One Act

 

An opportunity for writers to submit an original one-act play for performance consideration as part of Lantern Creates.

​

Your play should:
 

  • Run between 45 and 60 minutes

  • Be written by a writer based in the United Kingdom

  • Require a single simple set

  • Use minimal props and costumes

  • Be suitable for performance in an intimate theatre space


Theme
 

  • Free Choice

CURRENT SUBMISSION PERIOD​

 

Submissions open: Now

 

Closing date: 11:59pm, 16 August 2026

​

Scripts received after this date will automatically be considered for future Lantern Creates festivals unless withdrawn by the writer.

​

Writers may withdraw a submission at any time by contacting the Creative Team.

SUBMIT YOUR SCRIPT​

​

Use the button below to submit your entry.

 

If you are unable to use the submission form, please email your script to: creative@lanterntheatre.org.uk

 

Please download, complete and attach the cover sheet below when submitting your script.

WRITING FOR THE LANTERN

 

The Lantern is an intimate theatre with a small black box stage.

 

When writing your play, please keep the practicalities of the venue in mind.

 

  • The acting area is approximately 4.9m square (16ft)

  • The proscenium opening is approximately 4.4m wide (14.4ft)

  • Wing space is limited

  • Set changes should be avoided

  • Props and costumes should be kept to a minimum

 

Please also remember:
 

  • Members of the Dilys Guite Players are aged 18 and over, although some performers may have a younger playing age

  • Strong language should only be used where it is integral to the piece

  • Nudity should not be included

  • Audience members may include younger or vulnerable people

SCRIPT FORMATTING

 

Please submit your script as a Word document using the following format:

 

  • 2cm marginsCalibri 12pt1.5 line spacing

  • Stage directions in italics with no indentation

  • Character names followed by a colon and a single tabSecond and subsequent lines of dialogue indented by 1.5cm

  • The first page must include the submission information table contained within the downloadable template
    ​

Download the submission template using the button below.

BEFORE YOU SUBMIT

 

Please ensure that:

 

  • Your work has not previously been published or performed

  • The script is your original work

  • You have read all submission requirements for your chosen category

​​

There is no submission fee.

​

All submissions receive an automated acknowledgement email.

​

Submitted scripts may be shared with members of the Creative Team and Board for review and production purposes and may be stored electronically for administration, archiving and project management.

IF YOUR SCRIPT IS SELECTED

 

Successful writers will be contacted directly by email.

 

The Dilys Guite Players will organise and produce the selected work. This includes casting, directing, technical production and crewing.

 

Writers are welcome to attend the initial read-through with the cast.

 

For live performances, writers will receive two complimentary tickets.

 

Travel expenses are not included.

 

Successful writers may also submit a biography and photograph for inclusion on The Lantern website, social media and promotional material.

 

For One Act submissions, shortlisted writers may be invited to present their work as part of the selection process.

 

Writers are welcome to bring a prospective director to the pitch if they wish, although this is not a requirement.

COPYRIGHT, RECORDING AND PERFORMANCE RIGHTS

 

Lantern Creates is a voluntary community theatre festival presented by the Dilys Guite Players charity. No royalties, licence fees, commissioning fees or performance payments are made for selected works. By submitting a script, authors agree that their work may be presented as part of the festival and related activities without payment, with all proceeds supporting the charitable activities of the Dilys Guite Players.

​

Copyright remains with the author.

 

By submitting a script, the author grants the Dilys Guite Players a non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to use the work as part of Lantern Creates, future Dilys Guite Players new writing events, The Lantern Online programme and associated promotional activities. No royalties, licence fees, commissioning fees or performance payments will be made in connection with such use.

 

Selected work may be:

 

  • Performed live at The Lantern Theatre

  • Streamed online

  • Recorded for later broadcast

  • Adapted for presentation as a filmed performance

  • Uploaded to social media platforms

  • Published on The Lantern website

  • Included within The Lantern Online programme

 

Rehearsals and performances may be photographed or filmed for promotional, archival and fundraising purposes.

 

All proceeds relating to these activities support the charitable work of the Dilys Guite Players.The Dilys Guite Players reserve the right to make reasonable edits to selected work where necessary for production purposes.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

  • Selection decisions are made by the Creative Team and are final. The Dilys Guite Players reserve the right not to select any submission if, in the opinion of the Creative Team, no suitable entry has been received.

    The Dilys Guite Players reserve the right not to select any submission if no suitable entry is identified

  • No correspondence regarding selection decisions will be entered into

  • Entries cannot be altered once accepted for performance

  • Paper submissions may only be accepted by prior arrangement

  • Any paper submissions accepted cannot be returned

  • Failure to meet these guidelines may affect eligibility for selection

  • Scripts received after the current submission period will automatically remain under consideration for future festivals unless withdrawn by the writer

We look forward to reading your work.

 

DGP Creative Team

bottom of page