Belfast Playwrights

Line drawing of a woman with flowers in her hair writing in a notebook, with abstract circles behind her, and the text 'Belfast Playwrights' beneath.

Belfast Playwrights, founded by Heather Martin, aims to be a central space for emerging theatre makers in Northern Ireland. We strive to connect those in the industry, create paid opportunities for artists, and support the growth of Belfast’s new work scene. Our core offerings were established through personal need and feedback from the community. 

We offer a range of programmes designed to support, develop, and celebrate local theatre makers, including workshops, rehearsed play readings, scratch nights, quarterly 10-Minute play festivals in both English and Irish, dramaturgy services, and the sharing of upcoming opportunities.

Our core aim is to create free to attend and paid opportunities for theatre makers. This is why we offer pay-what-you-can and why we always pay the artists involved in our offerings.

Our Services

  • Quarterly 10-Minute Play Festivals showcasing local playwrights, directors, and actors.

  • A monthly writing group where we explore different themes, discuss our creative practice, and connect with other writers. All writing styles and experience levels welcome!

  • Monthly rehearsed readings of plays by local writers, performed by professional actors.

  • Bi-monthly scratch nights where local playwrights can test their new work on audiences. (In partnership with Amadan Ensemble).

  • We offer dramaturgy services on play scripts, providing in-depth feedback, a written copy of notes, and a face-to-face meeting to discuss.

  • Theatre reviews of local new work! Email us if you’d like us to review your show.

Book cover titled 'Scratch!' by Belfast Playwrights, featuring a theatrical curtain illustration.

Scratch Nights

Illustration of a woman writing at a desk, with a large abstract shape and the text 'Scribe Writing Group' in black cursive font.

Scribe Writing Group

Line art drawing of a woman's face and shoulders with the words 'Play Club' written below.

Play Club

Book cover titled '10-Minute Plays by Belfast Playwrights' featuring illustration of two theatre masks, one white and one brown, with smiling and sad expressions.

10-Minute Plays

Dramaturgy Services

A hand holding a pen, writing the word 'Dramaatyng' on a beige background.

We offer dramaturgy services on play scripts, providing in-depth feedback, a written copy of notes, and a face-to-face meeting to discuss.