As well as producing our own shows, the Traverse presents a wide variety of new work from partner companies who come to us from Scotland, the UK and beyond. You can see the kinds of work we programme in the 'What's On' section of our website: traverse.co.uk/whats-on. 

All submissions go via a curatorial process with our programming team for consideration. This form is to help us with our programming, so please fill it out as best you can. Don't worry if you don't have all the details confirmed at this stage, but the more information you can provide the better. 

We are currently taking submissions for our Spring 27 season (January - July 2027). Deadline is end of day Sunday 18th October 2026.

We operate on a box office split with partner companies. If you have any questions, you can contact  the Programming team at admin@traverse.co.uk .

Traverse Digital Writers is a brand-new development programme designed for emerging, shifting-career, or mid-career theatre-makers who have an interest in writing for digitally immersive and/or digitally site-specific performance. The programme is split into two parts: In Autumn 2026, 12 writers will take part in a six week-long workshop programme. In Spring 2027, six writers will have the option to complete further R&D for a new digital work, with dramaturgical support provided by Artistic Director Gareth Nicholls and Traverse Associate Artist and PhD student, Emma Dorfman. Sessions will alternate between in-person and remote delivery, and applicants based anywhere in Scotland are welcome to apply.

As part of the programme, you may also be invited to participate in research led by Emma Dorfman, who, in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh and the Traverse, is researching theatre that is made for and staged in digital sites (i.e., social media, mobile apps, livestreaming platforms, video games, XR platforms and technologies). If you choose to participate in Emma's research, you will be helping the Traverse understand how best to support writers, theatre-makers, and live performance artists with an interest in creating new digital work.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM THE PROGRAMME

In the Autumn delivery, each week will be dedicated to exploring how to write and make performance in a particular digitally locatable site. The aim of these workshops will be to provide insight into previous practice as well as tailored skills-building and advice pertaining to digital theatrical production, dramaturgy, and more.

In the Spring, following a ‘light touch’ application process, up to six participants will have the opportunity to work toward the development of a concept for a brand-new theatrical work made for and staged in a digital site. These participants will benefit from 1-to-1 and group dramaturgical support, led by Gareth Nicholls and Emma Dorfman. In August 2027, these participants will also be invited to present an extract, proof of concept, prototype, etc. of the work they have developed over the course of three months.

WHO SHOULD APPLY TO TRAVERSE DIGITAL WRITERS?

If you a playwright or performance maker who isn't quite sure whether you are 'emerging' or 'mid-career’ then, you are exactly who we're looking for! This programme will bring together a cohort of writers that have previously either self-produced or staged at least one new performance work. You may be a maker who has worked only in 'analogue' or physical theatre but has always been curious about working with digital technology. You may have already dabbled with platforms, apps, video games, or XR technologies in performance and are looking to hone your skills further. 

You should also confirm your availability for the following dates/times (please note that mode of delivery may be subject to change; all in-person workshops will be held at the Traverse):

· Monday, 26th October 7-9:30pm (in-person)

· Monday, 2nd November 7-9pm (online)

· Monday, 9th November 7-9pm (in-person)

· Monday, 16th November 7-9pm (online)

· Monday, 23rd November 7-9pm (online)

· Tuesday, 1st December 7-9pm (in-person)

SUBMISSION DEADLINE

Applications will close at 12PM on Mon 5 Oct 2026. 

COURSE AND APPLICATION FAQS

How long are the workshops and when and where will they take place?

In both the Autumn and the Spring, sessions will be split equally between remote delivery and in-person delivery, taking place at the Traverse. In the Autumn, most workshops will be on Mondays, 7-9pm, from w/c 26th October 2026 to w/c 30th November 2026. Exceptions to this include an in-person briefing on Monday, 26th October 7-9:30pm and a final in-person workshop on Tuesday, 1 December 7-9pm. Timings for the Spring programme will be subject to participant availability, but you should be available for a final presentation in August 2027 with precise dates TBC.

How much does the programme cost?

This programme is entirely free. Limited travel bursaries are also available for those based outside of Edinburgh. You can indicate your interest in a travel bursary within the application itself.

I'm a bit sceptical of 'tech' and the digital. Is this programme still for me?

Yes! Techno-sceptics absolutely should apply. In addition to techno-optimists, we are also interested in approaches to this work through a techno-critical lens.

I have a question that isn't answered here. Who should I talk to?

For any other questions related to the programme, please get in touch with Emma Dorfman (emma.dorfman@traverse.co.uk).