PLAYS FOR THE YOUNG: submissions close 1 August

By Playmarket New Zealand | Posted: Thursday Jul 23, 2026

Do you have an original and inventive play written to inspire and excite young audiences? Whether you are a young person or a senior writer, the age of the audience is what counts.

Your play might be written for adults to perform to children, or for young actors to perform themselves. It might be created specifically for the classroom by a teacher, or by students themselves.

There are three categories, and a winner will be awarded in each category.

These are:

- Plays written to be performed for 3-12 year-olds
- Plays written to be performed by 3-12 year-olds
- Plays written to be performed for and/or by teenagers

Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, there will be a prize of $500 awarded to the winner of each category in 2026.

CHECK IT OUT: https://www.playmarket.org.nz/competitions