Slime and Pies and Pleasance Theatre present

SAPLINGS

A new writing programme.

What is saplings?

Slime and Pies has developed a six-month writing programme that platforms work-in-development and emerging creatives. Saplings combines our two passions; new writing and creative captioning, delivered within an accessible model. 

The programme is divided into four phases: 

Phase 1: The Seed

Phase 2: Development

Phase 3: Collaboration

Phase 4: The Sapling 


Phase 1 and 2 are all about the writers. Slime and Pies will dramaturgically support the development of the plays of three playwrights. The development phase includes sessions with some of the most exciting playwrights working in the UK. 

Phase 3 is for collaboration. We will team writers up with a cast and director to bring these plays to life. In this phase, artists will work closely with a caption designer, and trained on how to adopt the practice into future work. 

Saplings ends with Phase 4, a creatively captioned showcase at Pleasance Theatre. As Pleasance Associate Artists, we are very excited to be debuting a new generation of talent on the Main House stage. 

All opportunities will be accessible to deaf and hard of hearing communities who are frequently excluded from early-work processes and small-scale work, due to lack of support available. This is an opportunity to engage disabled artists and audiences at this crucial early stage of development.


Find out more about each phase below:

  • Dates: Submissions open from 12 Jan to 16 Feb 2026

    Who can apply: Playwrights

    Overview: In Phase 1, writers can apply to be a part of the Saplings programme. 

    To apply, we will ask you about your journey as a writer so far, about the idea you would like to develop and for a sample of your writing. 

    When thinking about the idea you would like to develop, this must be a play that has not been previously performed (even as a rehearsed reading or R&D). We are interested in developing something original with you. This might be the perfect chance to take a stab at that idea that’s been brewing for ages. Or to come up with something new that you think would be perfect for the Pleasance or working with creative captioning. 

    For the showcase, each play has been allotted three cast members. However, there is the potential for a play to have five actors, if another only needs one. We recommend that you come to us with your idea, and we will work with you on the feasibility or potential of multi-rolling. At this stage, we want to see your potential as a writer; we can figure out the logistics later.

    The sample must be no more than 10 pages and written for stage. This can be 10 pages of a previous script, extracts from multiple or the first draft of the idea you would like to develop on Saplings. We are interested in getting to know who you are as a playwright. Submit what you think represents your style best.

    The Slime and Pies team will read all submissions, and shortlist ten writers to meet with our co-Artistic Directors between 28 Feb - 2 Mar 2026. 

    Following the shortlist meetings, Slime and Pies will select three writers to take part in Saplings, and receive a £200 seed commission. 

    Writers do not need to be based in London to apply, however we cannot cover travel or accommodation expenses to attend the dramaturgy sessions, expert writer sessions, rehearsals or showcase. 

    This opportunity is open all. BSL interpreters can be provided throughout the process. We will ask each writer to submit an access rider to ensure we can accommodate your needs. 

    How to apply: Apply by 10am on 16 Feb 2026. Submission form is below.


    If you have any questions on the above, please get in touch at slimeandpiestheatre@gmail.com

  • Dates: 15 Mar - 29 May 2026

    Who’s involved: Playwrights 

    Overview: March to May will be spent developing your idea and writing the play. Each writer will have a monthly dramaturgy session with Slime and Pies.  

    Throughout this period, you will attend four sessions with visiting playwrights, who will offer insight into working in the industry, advice on how they create plays, and get the chance to speak with them about your practice. 

    By the end of the development phase, we will select 30-minute excerpts from each script that will be rehearsed with a professional cast and director. 

  • Dates: 19 Jun - 12 Jul 2026

    Overview: Over the course of a month, a professional team will have six rehearsals to develop the 30-minute extract of each play, for the showcase at Pleasance Theatre. 

    Artists will collaborate with a caption designer, who will creatively caption the entire showcase. Each play will develop a unique captioning language and all artists will be trained in how to implement creative captioning into their work. 

    We will be recruiting actors and directors from May. If you are interested in being involved in the Saplings showcase, please follow us on instagram @slimeandpies_ for updates. 

  • Date: Wed 15 July 2025

    Overview: The Saplings programme will end with a creatively captioned showcase at Pleasance Theatre. This will be a celebration of the work from the Saplings writers and the start of each play's life as a creatively captioned piece of theatre.

    Who can attend: Everyone! Come and watch the work of our fantastic Saplings artists. Tickets will be released closer to the date.