Guidelines for Play Authors

We often receive unsolicited scripts for review. We are very happy to read these new scripts - maybe we'll even consider producing them if they are suitable for Semi-Circle.

Required Format:
We need to print the scripts in order to be able to read them off-line.  This means using a format which can be easily and economically printed (without half-empty pages). The required format is described below. This is the format normally used for published play-books.

Plays which are submitted to us in a different format will NOT be reviewed.
Thank you for your understanding.

The script should be in a standard editable software (e.g. MS-Word). We will not accept hardcopies because we need to be able to share the scripts between our play reviewers.

Each line should be left-justified with the name of the character followed (without carriage return) by the spoken text. There should not be unnecessary carriage returns.

The character names should be in a different font from the spoken text (e.g. bold).

Stage instructions should be in a different font from spoken text (e.g. italicised).

The page header/footer should not be in the text, but in the header/footer field.

Copyright:
Obviously, we will not breach the rights of the author.  However, by sending us a script, it is understood that the author allows us to share the play with any member of Semi-Circle for review purposes. This may include a play reading.  The play reading will not be open to the public and we will not ask an entrance charge.