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Artistic Programming Policy

OETC makes theatre about issues related to addiction, which often tells a story about characters who are from backgrounds with protected characteristics that have not been treated with equality or dignity. Storytelling about the lived experience encountering structural inequity is often grounded in pain and heartache; ignoring experiences of hope, joy, recovery and the power of community. This reductive style of storytelling can perpetuate stereotypes, and further harm individuals and communities experiencing structural inequity. We are dedicated to changing these structures and systems of oppression. This dismantling is currently, and always will be, a work in progress. 
OETC seeks to be led by those with lived experience to ensure any narratives around this lived experience is considered how to offer a full and nuanced picture to audiences and portrays the full array of human emotions. We will take a proactive approach to reach and reflect an audience with lived experience and from underrepresented communities who will be most impacted by our work.
When we partner with other organisations to make work, we will ensure the partner organisation shares our values and that the relationship can add value, learning and insight to both parties. We will consider how these relationships can be a gateway for artists and OETC’s service users from underrepresented backgrounds to access opportunities in spaces and on stages that they historically might not have found to be accessible.
When producing and commissioning work, OETC will centre underrepresented voices in our play selection and apply a critical Equality, Diversity and Inclusion lens to all scripts considered. We will build relationships with and hire artists from underrepresented backgrounds to support cross cultural exchanges. When required, we will hire cultural consultants for productions.

Outside Edge Theatre Company is the UK’s only theatre company and participatory arts charity focused on addiction. We develop, nurture and produce new writing and performances that are related to substance misuse.

Phil Fox Award 2020 – FAQs

What do you mean by ‘issues related to addiction’?

This is meant to be a provocation for playwrights to think creatively and outside of the box about what might be related to addictive behaviours. As the eligibility criteria mentions, the subject matter of the plays does not have to be about any particular type of addiction or directly about characters experiencing active addiction. We will accept scripts that explore a range of addictive behaviours, including substance misuse, gambling, social media addiction, etc.
We will also accept scripts that are about the social and structural determinants that lead to addictive behaviours, but the play should clearly articulate how these determinants as they relate to addiction. For example, although poverty is a well-known social determinant for substance misuse, a play that is merely about poverty in and of itself would struggle to meet the competition’s criteria unless some element of the story directly linked to addiction.

How will submitted plays be assessed?

Anonymous scripts undergo a rigorous assessment process. All scripts will be read by at least two readers in a first round that will determine if scripts meet the Award’s eligibility criteria. Scripts that meet the eligibility criteria will then be read by a different two readers and scored based on quality of dialogue, interest of plot, attention to audience experience and uniqueness of voice. The highest scoring scripts will then be read in a third round by five new readers and scored again on the same criteria. Based on the highest average scores, this third round will produce a shortlist of 5 plays that will be read and discussed by the judges panel to determine the winner of the Award.

Is this competition only for professional playwrights?

Absolutely not! Playwrights will all levels of experience are encouraged to apply. There is no limit to how many plays you may have written or have had produced. We expect people with a wide range of experience to submit scripts, from first-time playwrights to established and award-winning playwrights. Everyone is welcome to participate!

Do I need to have lived experience of addiction to submit a script?

No. Although we very much encourage playwrights and people with lived experience of addiction and recovery, or those who have been affected by addiction, to submit scripts, this is by no means a requirement. We are looking for plays and stories about issues related to addiction, therefore the playwright’s own experiences have no bearing on the eligibility of the scripts.
There is a question on the online application form that directly asks about your lived experience of addiction. Playwrights have the option to answer that they ‘prefer not to say’ and this is only for our own internal monitoring and will not be disclosed to either the readers or judges, so therefore will have no bearing whatsoever on the assessment of your script.

What do you mean when you say that eligible scripts must be ‘unproduced and unperformed’?

We are looking for scripts that have not previously been rehearsed and/or performed in a fully or semi-staged production, either in a professional or amateur context.
If an excerpt of your script has been performed (e.g., if your script was developed and expanded from a previously performed original short play) then this would still allow your script to be eligible for submission, as long as more than 50% of the script has yet to be performed in a full or semi-staged production.
If your script has been read in public as part of its development process, then it would still be considered ‘unproduced or unperformed’ and is therefore eligible for submission.

I don’t have a Google Account can I still apply?

To be able to submit your script you will need to be logged into a Google account, this does not need to be your own nor will it be used for any of your contact information. You are able to create an account specifically for the submission, we will not be verifying these accounts so you can use any details you choose.