The Abbey Theatre’s Box of Tricks returns with an eight-week skills development programme for new playwrights in 2026,

This paid professional development opportunity invites 12 participating artists to explore essential tools for writing theatre, offering the chance to craft original plays.

Lead by the Literary & New Work team, over eight evenings in Spring 2026 the participating artists will:

Engage with the Abbey Theatre’s Literary & New Work team and Associate Artists and internationally recognised theatre makers.

Develop their craft in a community of peers.

Explore and discuss aspects of playwriting craft like character, language, space, building stakes and escalation.

Application Deadline: Friday, 6th February 2026.

Full details and apply here.