Write a show for Phoenix!

What are we looking for?

Phoenix is a friendly, fun, inclusive society that has been putting on shows in Dulwich and South Norwood since 1983. Find out more about us.

We are looking for scripts for a low-budget but full-hearted show to perform next year. It must be available at an extremely low cost or free.

Brand new writers are extremely welcome. You are also welcome to dig up scripts you’ve written in the past if you think they would still be suitable for Phoenix.

To submit a show in August, we do not yet need a complete polished script (although if you have a complete script, brilliant, please do share!). Please send us a minimum of 5 scenes and a script outline. If successful, you will have time to keep developing your show before auditions next year.

What makes a good script?

You can check our general guidance on what we think makes a good show for the Phoenix Players. in particular note that:

• Singing, dancing and acting are all fundamental - we are musical-lovers!

• There should be lots of stage time for the ensemble.

• The more named roles the better - and gender switchable small roles are ideal.

• It should target families and be inclusive to all ages - traditional pantomimes are welcome but we are open to any sort of family-friendly musical.

• The production budget will be very low!

You may want to avoid stories that are overly similar to our most recent family shows (Jack and the Beanstalk, Murder Most Gruesome, Alice in Wonderland).

This year we’d also love to consider slightly shorter shows - while it’s crucial to us that our performers get lots of opportunities to shine (and we absolutely won’t rule out longer shows if they’re a great fit), productions that are 1.5-2 hours can be more accessible for family audiences.

We discourage the use of generative AI for writing scripts - check our policy in full.

If you’re not sure if your idea is a good match for Phoenix, we’d be extremely happy to chat it through any time - please speak to a committee member or pop us an email: phoenixplayersamdram@gmail.com

Even if you’re not 100% sure, go ahead and submit - we promise we’re nice!

Will I get any feedback?

Members of the Phoenix Committee will read your submission in September. They may get in touch with you to clarify elements (e.g. “Could this character be played by anyone or must they cast someone 6 foot tall?”) or to flag if there are any issues you may need to address before pitches (e.g. “I’m afraid we can’t include this naked scene in a family friendly show, but perhaps it could be tweaked?”).

They may also let you know if they are concerned the show is just not right for Phoenix this year (e.g. “It relies on mostly casting pensioners and we just don’t have that many older members in our group right now”).

They will keep you up to date on next steps.