The theme for 2022 is ESCAPE.

Whether it’s finding sweet escape or clawing fingernails to avert imminent danger, what does it mean to break free from confinement or control? 

Circumstances, relationships, mask restrictions, jobs, judgement, relentless worry, fear - what do you want to escape from? We’re looking for characters with the pressure cooker turned up, actively making a change to their lives. 

From the minute to the immense, can you take on this theme and write an affecting 15-minute contemporary drama? 

Whether it’s the most ordinary or sublime situation or set of circumstances, we are excited to read creative interpretations of what escape can mean. While this year's theme is certainly a nod to our times, we welcome plays that look imaginatively at how characters can escape from all of life's challenges.

Taking place in Birr, Co Offaly from 14-17 July, Scripts creates unique opportunities for playwrights to have their work developed and produced. 

Three scripts most suited for development will be selected through a rigorous shortlisting process.

These selected playwrights then receive a week of mentoring and script development under the guidance of Playwright and Screenwriter Eugene O'Brien, where the whole process of writing and rewriting is explored in a collaborative supportive environment. 

The festival supports three playwrights with a team of artists to mentor, develop and produce the emerging scripts for a rehearsed reading, directed by Jim Culleton of Fishamble. Industry professionals then judge the final versions and a winner is selected. 

Previous judges have included Jesse Weaver of The Abbey Theatre, playwright and theatre director Phillip McMahon and playwright, director, and performer Gina Moxley. 

Scripts actor alumni includes; Aaron Monaghan, Catherine Walsh, Cathy Belton, Charlie Bonner, Clare Barrett, Clare Monnelly, Geraldine Plunkett, Jane McGrath, Pascal Scott, and Peter Campion to name but a handful.

Playwrights (both established and emerging) are invited to submit original 15-minute plays on the theme “ESCAPE.” 

Deadline for submissions is Monday 14 March 2022, 5pm.

For more details: visit www.scriptsireland.com