A new playwriting competition has been launched allowing Scots, or those living in Scotland, the chance to have their theatre show produced at the Tron Theatre. As part of a new initiative applicants can apply online by providing a synopsis of their play and a sample scene. A judging panel – including actor and filmmaker Peter Mullan, NToS artistic director Vicky Featherstone, the playwrights David Greig and David Harrower, broadcaster Janice Forsyth, and the Tron’s artistic director Andy Arnold – will then select just three plays for consideration; each will receive £2000 of seed commission funding and will be developed with the support of an experienced mentor into first drafts. The finalists will film a trailer for their play and the public will vote for the piece with the most theatrical potential.

High profile names on hand to offer guidance include Zinnie Harris, Alison Peebles and Nicola McCartney.

The winner will then receive a full commission and dramaturgical support to develop a rehearsal script, culminating in a full production to be staged by the Tron Theatre Company as its flagship production in autumn 2010. The runners up will both receive rehearsed readings at the Tron.

Andy Arnold, artistic director of the Tron Theatre said of the project: ‘I’m very excited about this unique approach to finding a brilliant new play for the Tron. The internet provides new possibilities for us and this is a great way to get people in Scotland talking about theatre and new writing. What’s also very special about this competition is that there’s not just a financial reward for the script – three scripts altogether – but there is also the promise of a full production on the Tron stage at the end of it.’

Following the Tron Theatre performances of the winning play, the production will be made available to an audience of millions via the theatre’s website.

See www.tron.co.uk/openstage for full details.