Playwrights b4 25 (2026)

Offered in partnership with Auckland Live, Playmarket's Playwrights b4 25 competition has a proven track record of nurturing young writers to successful seasons of their work. We are looking for writers under 25 who take risks and throw care to the wind, as well as those who write strong, conventional plays. There are absolutely no restrictions on style or content. Whether it's a full-length monologue or an epic for a cast of thousands, a comedy, or a gritty urban tragedy, we're interested in what you have to say. Write about anything you like, in any way you like, for any kind of audience you like. Prizes & Judging: The winning play will receive a prize of $1,500 courtesy of Auckland Live. All submissions are read blind by a panel of judges. Submission Guidelines: You must be under the age of 25 to enter. You may enter a maximum of three scripts. Submissions can only be entered into this competition once. Plays entered under this competition may have been previously produced. Cultural Consultation: We strongly recommend that when playwrights are including stories or characters in their plays that are not of the playwright's own culture (e.g. te ao Māori or Pasifika), they consult with the relevant community at the earliest possible stage of writing.