Open Works: Scratch | Sheffield Theatres

This Autumn, we throw open our doors for a bold celebration of artists. From world premieres to scratch nights, rehearsed readings, masterclasses and industry panels, Open Works is where stories are born and the future of theatre is shaped.

Taking place as part of Open Works 2026, there will be a pair of Scratch Nights. This is an opportunity for Theatremakers and Theatre Companies local to Sheffield Theatres to share up to 20 minutes of a new idea with audiences as part of the festival.

What are the Scratch Nights?

Our Scratch Nights are opportunities for artists and companies to share new projects and ideas with audiences. One will take place on Tuesday 29 September, the other will take place on Monday 05 October.

Shared work will be no more than 20-minutes long. We are happy to receive applications for full 20-minute ideas and for 20-minute excerpts of longer work.

What are we looking for?

We’re looking for exciting and innovative ideas from local theatremakers and theatre companies that would benefit from receiving a Scratch slot as part of Open Works 2026. This opportunity is suitable for makers and companies of any experience level. Companies are expected to engage their own performers and creatives, and provide any necessary props, set and costumes.

In partnership with New Earth Theatre, one Scratch slot is ring-fenced for a project from a BESEA artist or company. You can learn more about New Earth Theatre here.

Successful submissions will receive

A fee of £250 to support the work.
A maximum 20-minute Scratch slot as part of one of the Open Works 2026 Scratch Nights.
Up to two days of rehearsal space at Sheffield Theatres.
Invitations to workshops and events as part of Open Works 2026.

In addition to the above, BESEA artists will receive a bespoke networking and mentoring support package in partnership with New Earth Theatre.

What does BESEA mean?

We use the term BESEA to mean anyone from the following countries and their diasporas who live and work in Britain, regardless of their migration status.

These countries make up an area that is known as East and South East Asia; Brunei, Cambodia, China, East Timor, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, North Korea, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

How to Apply

To apply you must complete the Emerging Writers Group 2026 application form.

The form will ask for the below.

Your name, pronouns, and contact information.
The title of your project and which Scratch Night date you are applying for.

Written responses to the below prompts.

Please tell us about you and your team (in around 100 words per person)
Please summarise the project that you want to present as part of the Scratch Night (in around 300 words)

Additional materials.