Below outlines CastOff submission guidance and deadlines for writers, directors and actors, wishing to take part in our New Writing Weekender initiative. Please read in full before you submit - submission that do not meet our guidelines will not be included. Can't find an answer to your submission query here?... please email info@castfest.co.uk and we will endeavour to help.

​

Eligibility

​

• Writers must be aged 16 or over at the time of submission.

• Submissions are open to writers at all stages in their career, based in the North West of England or Yorkshire.

​

⸻

 

Deadline & Submission Address

​

• All submission should be made via email, no later than midnight on Wednesday 31st December 2025. Please email your submission to info@castfest.co.uk.

​

⸻

​

What to Submit

​​

• A complete 15-minute short play OR a 15-minute extract from a full-length play (un-produced work only).

• Please ensure your script is formatted clearly and easy to read (see guidance on formatting below).

• Title page should include: play title, writer’s name, and contact email.​​

​

⸻

 

Cast & Characters

​

• Minimum cast size: 2 characters.

• Maximum cast size: 5 characters.

• We particularly welcome plays that include cross-generational characters, though this isn't essential:

(by cross-generational we mean, both teenage and adult roles within the same story. We are not looking for stories that include characters under the age of 13 years).

• Balanced use of characters is encouraged — please avoid leaving actors on stage without meaningful involvement.

 

⸻

​

Formatting

​

• Scripts should be typed and submitted in PDF format. Please follow standard play formatting:

• Font - Arial or Times New Roman, 12pt

• Line spacing - 1.5

• Margins - standard A4 margins (2.5cm)

• Page numbers included

• Character names in CAPS and bold, dialogue left-aligned

• Stage directions in italics or brackets, indented where possible

• Title page should include:

-Play title

-Writer’s name

-Contact email

-Approximate running time

-Cast list (with brief character descriptions, though this isn't essential)

​

As a rough guide, 15 minutes of stage time equals around 12 to 15 pages of dialogue (but pacing may vary)

 

⸻

​

Stories We’re Looking For

​

• We are open to all stories and themes.

• Although not essential, we welcome and encourage submissions that explore:

- Cross-generational relationships and dynamics

- Scenes with characters aged 17 to 19 years

- Fresh perspectives and untold experiences

- Bold, original voices from underrepresented backgrounds​​

​

Please think of the above as inspiration rather than rules. We're excited to see any story, whatever the theme or cast. What matters most to us is great storytelling.

​

⸻

​

Selection & Next Steps

​

• Selection Panel

All submissions will be read by our programming panel, made up of theatre practitioners, directors, actors and writers. We will be looking for originality, clarity of voice, strong character work, and the potential to engage a live audience.

​

• Shortlisting

Eight plays will be chosen for staging.

 

We will endeavour to contact all writers who submit their work, regardless of the outcome, no later than Saturday 31st January 2026.

​

• If Your Play Is Selected:

-Your script will be assigned to a director and cast of actors for rehearsals.

-You will be invited to attend rehearsals and performances (though this is optional).

-Performances will take place in Sheffield and Cheshire across two weekends in March 2026 (exact dates TBC).

-Writers retain full copyright of their work. Scripts will not be altered without your permission.

 

• Feedback:

Unfortunately, due to the volume of submissions, we are unable to provide detailed feedback on every script. Writers whose work is shortlisted but not selected may receive a brief note from the panel where possible.

 

• Awards / Recognition:

-An Audience Award will be voted on during the festival.

-A Panel Award will be given for outstanding writing.

-Recipients of these awards will receive 12 months mentoring to support the completion of a full length script, based on their submitted short. Plus the possibility of seeing their finished play, staged at our next festival.