Sky Comedy Rep FAQs
Eligibility
Do I need an agent in order to apply?
No. Sky Comedy Rep is open to all early-career writers, regardless of whether you have representation or not.
I have had more than 2 minutes of my own content aired digitally/as part of a TV episode. Am I eligible?
We are looking for early-career comedy writers. This means that you are not eligible if you have:
- Written a TV episode, which has been aired by any broadcaster in the UK either digitally or terrestrially
- Written a sketch longer than 2 minutes, within a TV episode, which has been aired by any broadcaster in the UK either digitally or terrestrially
- Written a ‘Blap’ or other standalone comedy sketch, which is longer than 2 minutes and which has been aired by any broadcaster in the UK either digitally or terrestrially/
If you have had writing commissioned, but your writing has not been aired at the time of the application deadline, then you are eligible.
I haven’t had any sole writing credits, but I have written additional material for comedy programmes / I have done uncredited work in writing teams. Am I eligible?
If you have written jokes/additional material for TV programmes, or done uncredited work in writing teams, you are eligible.
I have had a play performed for more than 3 performances by a youth or community group, in a theatre of more than 150 seats. Am I eligible?
If you have written for community or youth groups, it depends whether your script was professionally commissioned. If it was not (for example if you were not paid, or if it was not a professional theatre company), you are eligible for Sky Comedy Rep.
If it was a professional commission (i.e. you were contracted and paid by a professional theatre company), and had more than 3 consecutive performances in a theatre of more than 150 seats, you are not eligible for Sky Comedy Rep.
I have had a script performed in an R&D or showcase. Am I eligible? (For example, what if my script has been in more than 3 showcases.)
If your script was shared in a showcase, or as part of an R&D, then regardless of theatre size or number of showcases, this does not count as having had a play professionally produced, and you are eligible for Sky Comedy Rep.
Are writing partnerships eligible?
You can enter as a writing partnership of 2 people. Writing teams of 3 or more cannot enter. Please note that any successful writing partnerships will share the £3,000 fee and one mentor. It is one application per person per year, so if you submit as a writing partnership, you cannot submit individually.
Is Sky Comedy Rep open to people outside the UK?
No; applicants must be resident and eligible to work in the UK.
Script
Are there any restrictions on how I can respond to the prompt?
You can interpret, reimagine, and respond to the prompt however you want – as long as it features a proposal of some kind, in a park, and as long as it is funny.
Does the script extract that I submit need to be from the beginning of my play?
It can be, but it doesn’t have to; please submit the extract that you feel best shows off your writing and comedy style. This does not need to be from the beginning of the play, or necessarily the beginning of a scene. As long as there is enough context for us to understand what point of the story we’re at, it’s completely fine.
I have 4 characters, but I also need a voice/some voices offstage. Is this okay?
Yes, voices offstage are fine.
Do I have to have 4 characters? Can I submit a monologue, or a script with only 2 characters?
You do not have to have 4 characters, but you cannot exceed this number. You can absolutely submit a monologue or a script that has 2 or 3 characters.
I am a writer-performer. Can I submit a script with the aim of playing one of the characters myself?
No; this is a scheme to develop writing talent, so all Sky Comedy Rep writers will go through the process as writers only. We feel this gives you the greatest opportunity to learn from being in the rehearsal room as a writer, and from working with a director and actors.
Can I submit more than one script?
It is one application per person per year. The first application you submit will be accepted. Further applications will be disregarded.
How do I start? Any tips?
Come up with an idea that intrigues you as a writer. Think about something exciting and unexpected, that you want to explore and interrogate.
For the script – remember you are writing for stage, not screen. Consider how this affects your punchline delivery, and your ability to direct the audience’s eye.
Availability
I am not available for all of the workshop dates / I may not be able to attend in person. Can I still apply?
We require, insofar as is possible, for all writers to attend all workshop dates in person. If you are not available for some of the workshop dates, you can still apply. If you then reach interview stage, we will discuss your availability and your ability to participate in the scheme.
All Sky Comedy Rep writers will have their workshop travel expenses and accommodation paid for – so if you are concerned about affordability, please do not be put off applying.
Application form
How will I know if my application has been received?
After submitting your application, you will receive an automated email confirming that your application has been received. If you don’t receive an email straight away, please check your junk or spam folder. If you continue to have problems, please email skycomedyrep@birmingham-rep.co.uk.
Can I use a pen name for my application?
If you write under a pen name, there is an option for you to enter this on the application as well as your actual name.
How should a writing partnership complete the application form? There is only one field for writer email & phone number.
Nominate one person to provide their contact details. In the ‘writing partnership’ field, please put both of your names.
I have an agent for my work as an actor. Should I put them in my application?
We ask for agent details because, if you are accepted, we will arrange contracts via your agent. If your acting agent is happy to be across any contracts for your writing, then put their details down.
I am having technical difficulties with the application form.
We recommend using Adobe Reader (which is free) to fill in the form, as this best allows you to format your answers and script extract.
The form can also be filled in using any internet browser, although rich text formatting is less easy this way. (We recommend typing your answers into a separate document to make saving, formatting, and editing easier.)
My formatting keeps disappearing when I paste or type in the form fields. What do I do?
Not all internet browsers support rich text formatting (bold/italics/indent). Try using Adobe Reader or a similar application instead, as this will give you greater flexibility in editing and formatting.
My whole script extract isn’t visible in the form field. What do I do?
Please don’t worry if not all of your script extract is visible in the form field all at once. The field scrolls, and we will be able to read your whole extract when you submit it.
I am having accessibility issues with the application form.
We’re sorry to hear that. Please email skycomedyrep@birmingham-rep.co.uk with more information, putting ACCESS in the subject line.
The application form is also available in large print, and we also accept video applications.
If your question is still not answered, please email skycomedyrep@birmingham-rep.co.uk with QUESTION in the subject line. We will monitor this inbox regularly, but please be aware you may not get an immediate response.