Frequently Asked Questions

When can I enter the competition?

Entries for the 2021 Hope Playwriting Prize are now open.

When is the deadline?

Due to the current Coronavirus outbreak, the deadline for submissions has been postponed to 31 May 2021. Entries reain open through the Hope online store portal.

How do I enter?

Entry is via the Liverpool Hope Online Store. Click here to enter.

See the entry guidence below

How much does it cost to enter? Why is there a fee?

• The fee to enter is £20. This is non-refundable.
• The entry fee helps cover some of the Prize administration costs, such as reading fees.
• Our final judging panel generously donate their time and we greatly appreciate this.
• The Liverpool Hope Playwriting Prize is a not-for-profit initiative and the University does not make any direct financial profit from running the Prize.

Are there any special rules I need to follow?

Yes, by submitting your script to the competition, you are agreeing to be bound by the Liverpool Hope Playwriting Prize Terms and Conditions. 

One of the most important rules is around making sure that the identity (including names) of the writers remain unknown to the reading and judging panels. We think this makes or a fairer way of selecting the winners.

What do you mean by Anonymous Submission?

The Liverpool Hope Playwriting Prize is judged anonymously. This means that both the reading panel and final judging panel do not know the identities of the scriptwriters when they read and score the plays.

How do you keep the process anonymous?

Firstly, we ask all writers NOT to include their name or any other means of identification in the script document. This forms part of the Prize Terms and Conditions.

The Prize administration team allocate each submitted script a unique reference number, which is then used to identify the script throughout the reading and judging process.

The names of the shortlisted writers are only revealed after the final judging panel has taken place and the winners have been selected.

How do I enter my script?

• All entries must be made online, via the Liverpool Hope University Online Store.
• Prepare your cover sheet, elevator pitch and script documents before you start, so you have everything ready to upload.
• Have your payment card ready. The non-refundable entry fee is £20 and must be paid at the point of submission.
• Register your details and follow the instructions on the store.
• Upload your completed Cover Sheet
• Add your Elevator Pitch when prompted.
• Upload your script in PDF or Microsoft Word format (please note: it is your responsibility to ensure the script is in one of these formats).

What's an Elevator Pitch?

This is your chance to pitch your script in 75-100 words! Use the elevator pitch as a quick audience teaser, giving us a succinct summary of your play.

N.B. It is vital that play scripts do not contain any means of personal identification; there should be nothing in the header or footer sections apart from page numbers and the first page should contain the play's title and nothing else. For the avoidance of doubt: the title page must NOT include the name of the playwright. If the script is deemed to reveal the identity of the playwright, the play submission may be withdrawn from the competition at the discretion of the Prize administrators.

Please note: You should create your own cover letter and elevator pitch which is to be submitted alongside your script.