Tiny Plays for a Brighter Future

FAQs

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 5pm Irish Time, Monday 1 March, 2021.
​PLEASE read the FAQs carefully. If you have a query that has not been answered below, please email [email protected].

These FAQs will be updated regularly. 

Q: What is TINY PLAYS FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE?
ESB has joined forces with Fishamble: The New Play Company to set a challenge for the Irish public, and anyone who feels they have a 600-word play in them, to capture what a Brighter Future means for people living in communities across Ireland.

‘Tiny Plays for A Brighter Future’ is an opportunity to give creative expression to all points of view in the transition to a low carbon energy future: to look at the choices we all must make to meet our future climate goals, examine how those choices will impact communities across Ireland, and imagine what we want the Ireland of our future to be, through 600-word Tiny Plays. 

Q. What should the play be about?
The play should address a brighter future through a transition to a low carbon energy future. So it can for example discuss climate change, cleaner air, new technology, and the everyday reality of a greener future. We are sharing idea prompts throughout the following weeks to help inspire your Tiny Play, and a video from our Literary Manager Gavin Kostick that may help. 

Q. How many times can I enter?
You can submit up to two plays per person. Any additional applications will not be considered, so please think carefully about what projects you would like to submit if you have more than one. In the event of two projects by one writer being shortlisted, only one application will be selected.

Q. What is the criteria you are judging on?
Theatre can capture the hopes, fears, tensions and wonder of all aspects of life. Fishamble and the ESB are looking for you to use the medium of theatre to explore the world of energy, climate change and the environment. People are invited to write tiny plays for our shared future: the challenges and the possibilities, about making a difference, about a brighter future. 

Q: Who will make the selection?
A panel of readers, Fishamble, and members of the ESB team will make the selection.
 
Q. Who owns the rights to the finished plays?
The shortlisted writers with their plays only published on the website own the rights to their work. For the 3 plays that will be chosen for production, Fishamble and ESB have the rights to film and share the final work for 1 year online. These rights do not extend to including TV/ film broadcast at the time, if this becomes an option we will discuss this with our writers. 

Q. Will I get paid if shortlisted and if my play is chosen for production?
Yes. Our 10 shortlisted writers will receive €200 for publication of the play on our website. The writers of the 3 plays chosen for production will receive a further €800 (so €1000 in total) as a commissioning fee. 
 
Q. Will I get paid to submit?
No. Only writers of shortlisted entries will be paid a fee to have their plays published online, and three chosen writers will be paid a commissioning fee to have their play brought to life by Fishamble, which will produce and film multimedia pieces that will be shared on social channels.
 
Q. Will being involved with TINY PLAYS FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE cost me money?
No. It is free to submit an application.
 
 Q. Can I submit an idea for a musical?
Yes, we are open to all types and genres of play that you feel will best capture what you want to say.

Q: Can my play be critical of green initiatives or similar issues?
Yes. We encourage writers to discuss the everyday realities, challenges, and issues that come with a greener future, and not every part of it has to be positive!

Q. Where will the chosen plays be put on?
The chosen plays will be available to watch online, as filmed pieces.
 
Q. Who casts the actors for the final productions?
As producer, Fishamble reserves all rights to cast and produce the play.
 
Q. Who directs the plays in the final productions?
As producer, Fishamble reserves all rights to select directors, designers, cast, and all personnel for the final productions.

Q. How old do I have to be to apply?
Applicants can be of any age.
 
Q. Do I have to be a professional writer to apply?
No, we are seeking submissions from writers at all levels of experience.
 
Q: I am a professionally produced playwright – can I apply?
Yes.
 
Q: I have taken part in other Fishamble initiatives such as DUETS and/or the New Play Clinic - can I apply? 
Yes.

Q: I am a staff member of Fishamble/ESB, can I apply?
No, you are not eligible to apply. 

Q: I am a novelist - can I apply?
Yes.
 
Q. I am a writer with a disability - can I apply?
Of course. Please let us know if you will need any special assistance during the process by contacting [email protected].
 
Q. I am living in Direct Provision accommodation - can I apply?
Yes, we would love to hear from you.
 
Q. Is this callout only for Irish writers?
No. Tiny Plays for a Brighter Future is for all residents on the island of Ireland, and Irish people living abroad.

Q: English is not my first language, should I apply?
Yes, we welcome submissions from people of all cultural backgrounds, however the play should be in English or Irish. 

Q: Can I submit a play in different languages?
All plays submitted must be in either English or Irish. You are welcome to submit a translated version of your play originally written in another language.

Q. Can you co-write a play?
Yes. You can also submit a play with a writer, and/or a translator. 

Q. Does a co-written piece count as one of the two pieces?
Yes.
 
Q. Can I apply under a pseudonym?
Yes.
 
Q. Can I withdraw my application?
Yes. After applications close on 1 March 2021, you can email Fishamble to ask that one (or both, if applicable) of your submissions are withdrawn from consideration.

Q: What kind of file should my play be?
Please send your play as a Word document or a PDF.
 
Q: Do I need to adhere to the word-count?
Yes. The title is not included in the word count.

Q: Does the 600 words include stage directions?
Yes
 
Q. Is there a limit to how many characters the play can have?
No, but it is recommended to have a maximum of 3 characters. For more ideas about this, you can watch this video from our Literary Manager Gavin Kostick
 
Q. Does it have to be an original play?
Yes. Plays previously produced or published are not eligible.
 
Q. Does it have to be a brand new idea?
No, it can be a play that you have written before but it cannot have been produced, published, or workshopped previously.