OFFCUT FAQ's
During this period the Offcut team are incredibly busy. If you have a question, we'd be more than happy to answer it, BUT, before you ask, please read through the questions below. These are frequently asked questions, gathered from over a decade of events, and so, it's likely your query will be amongst them already!
If your question isn't below, then please feel free to drop us a line...
FAQ's for WRITERS:
- Can my script be longer than ten pages?
No. Any more and your submission will be taken out of consideration.
- Can I cram in as many words as possible into those ten pages?
Please don't. An easy-to-read font, no less than 12 point is good. With a double space between each character's lines.
- Does my script have to be ten pages long?
No. The running time for each play in the festival is a maximum 12 minutes. Shorter is fine. Also, if your play is chosen for the festival, you can always write a little more in rehearsal.
- Can my play have more than four characters?
Yes. But not more than four actors, so doubling must be easy to achieve. Please note that all characters must be satisfying to play: plays with incidental characters with no 'meat' for actors will be taken out of consideration.
- Can I submit a monologue?
No. Only plays for two, three or four actors will be considered. All characters must be satisfying to play. Therefore, plays which are essentially a monologue with a secondary character offering the occasional interjection will be taken out of consideration.
- What if my play has been performed elsewhere?
If it has been performed in front of an audience, either as a fully staged piece or a rehearsed reading, it will be taken out of consideration. Yes, we do check. If it has been read as part of a closed writers' group or similar for feedback and development purposes, that's OK.
- Can I submit an extract from a full-length play I've already written?
Yes. As long as that play has never been performed in front of an audience, either as a fully staged piece or a rehearsed reading. Make sure the extract makes sense outside the context of the full play. If necessary, rewrite the extract a little to give it its own dynamic as a short play. Submissions are likely to be taken out of consideration if they begin or end abruptly for no reason other than they fulfil the page count.
- Will I be able to direct my own play?
No. There are very exceptional circumstances when it may be considered in the best interests of the play to allow it, but, in the main, no.
- Will I be able to appear in my own play?
No. There are very exceptional circumstances when it may be considered in the best interests of the play to allow it, but, in the main, no.
- If my play is selected for Off Cut, can I choose my own cast and director?
No. In the spirit of collaboration and with the desire to spark new working relationships, directors and actors are carefully assigned by the Off Cut team.
- If I have submitted a play before, can I submit it again?
Unfortunately not. However, we always encourage you to submit with new work!
FAQ's for DIRECTORS:
- If a play I have written is chosen for the festival, can I direct it?
No. All participants can only take one role (as writer, director or actor) in one play across the festival.
- Can I act in another play?
No. All participants can only take one role (as writer, director or actor) in one play across the festival.
- Do I get to choose which play I direct?
Sort of. During the selection process for directors, we discuss the types of play you like to work on. You will then be given a selection of our shortlisted plays to read. Together we will work out which play will be best for you.
- Will I be in charge?
We ask our directors to arrange rehearsal dates and times with actors and writers, and to liaise with the tech team regarding lights, sound, set, etc. However, you will always be supported by the Off Cut team.
Do I need to provide rehearsal space?
- No. 53Two will provide ten hours worth of rehearsal space. However, if you have your own space, you are welcome to use it, though we cannot recompense any hire fees.
- Can I cast my pals?
They will have to audition, but yes, if they are right for the role.
- Is there a budget?
No. 53two will help as best they can to provide sound, costume, set needs, etc. But there is no money available.
FAQ's for ACTORS:
- Can I apply for more than one role?
Absolutely. But you will only be cast in one role.
- Can I request to be in a specific group?
No. You will need to be available for any dates across the two weeks of the festival.
- Can I be in the play my mate is in / is directing / has written?
If you are right for the role, yes.
- Can I audition if a play I have written is chosen for the festival?
No. All participants can only take one role (as writer, director or actor) in one play across the festival.
- Can I audition if I have been chosen as I director at Off Cut 2026?
No. All participants can only take one role (as writer, director or actor) in one play across the festival.