For Schools and Groups

Do you know young people with something to say, a gift for writing, or a unique perspective on the world?

Do you want a completely free programme to support your creative learning offer and boost writing skills?

Way to get involved:

Teach playwriting in class

We’ve created a full pack for schools to support the teaching of playwriting in class.

Our adaptable PowerPoint lesson plans, with embedded videos from professional playwrights, can be used for an eight-lesson block.

Start here: Guidance For Teachers

PowerPoint – full version (Google Slides)

PowerPoint – lesson by lesson (Microsoft PowerPoint)

• • Lesson 1 – Finding Inspiration
  • Lesson 2 – Creating Characters
  • Lesson 3 – Building Structure
  • Lesson 4 – Writing Scenes
  • Lesson 5 – Dialogue
  • Lesson 6 – Breaking the Rules
  • Lesson 7 – Writing Time
  • Lesson 8 – Redrafting

Script extracts for PowerPoint Resource

Set up a playwriting club

Any school or group can run their own playwriting club, and teachers and facilitators don’t need any specialist knowledge in playwriting: our video series can effectively run the sessions for you.

All videos are also available in BSL versions.

New for 2026, we have a bonus episode on Dialogue from playwright Oli Forsyth.

Watch the video series here.

Encourage young people to take part 

We know that teachers and group leaders can be the most valuable connection to the young people who might benefit most from this programme.

You can share links to our website, or download and print our Young Playwrights Award poster here:

YPA Colour | YPA Black and White

Taking part in the Young Playwrights Award is completely free of charge. Schools do not need to register and any young person is welcome to submit their play when the submissions window opens in January 2026.

Sign up to our special newsletter here for teachers and group leader resources.

Participating in the Young Playwrights Award and seeing my first play staged at the Royal Court is something I will never forget. It was a pivotal moment for me and challenged me to create a piece of work I am incredibly proud of. The award has increased my confidence in my own writing – and has motivated me to continue!
– George McAree, 2025 Winner

With thanks to our Principal Supporter, Dominic Webber Trust, other supporters and Publishing Partner, Nick Hern Books.