Hermit wants out!

You shouldn't send it out willy-nilly, but you shouldn't be over-protective either. Do some research and learn where scripts are accepted, and where they aren't. But also remember that rejection is part of life, and that companies and producers are already swamped (swamped!) with scripts and submissions. Remember that if your play is produced, it could be changed, edited, or reworked without your knowledge or consent (which is why it is better to have your script only produced locally) - and figure out whether that's ok with you or not, and proceed accordingly. Send the script to local script centers/agents (you can find some handy links here, under 'scripts'), where they support writers. The Victorian Writers Centre is one such place (I checked your membership info to find out your location, and provide better advice). If you do send your script out, be sure to have your copyright plastered on every page; there are some dodgy people out there, who know nothing about copyrights. If you are unsure about what to do, visit the Copyright Council (also listed in my links above). You can also try the national playwrights organisations for courses, events, info, etc. I would also suggest submitting a play to Melbourne's 'Short and Sweet', which is practically one of the only play competitions around in our town. There are smaller playwrighting groups around that offer readings, and fringe companies often put out calls for playwrights and their plays. I believe Chapel off Chapel had one this month; La Mama also accept submissions, but they are extremely difficult to get accepted. You can also join local writing groups - I did at one point, and enjoyed hearing feedback about my scripts from people who only wrote poetry. The good thing is they are much more likely to have informal group readings; and will see your writing in a different light. One of the biggest things you may need to do is to have your play read and get advice from a dramaturg. This is usually costly, but it seems these days you can't submit your script to any award/competition, without some formal drafting process. However, the good news is that a lot of local amateur groups use plays from lesser known people. Camberwell Theatre Co. does (or used to... I'm not up to date on this) a short play competition. The best advice though - find some friends, colleagues, or actors, and produce it yourself. That's pretty much the only way you're going to see it on stage. You may want to do a search on this site for other forum threads which have some good advice for playwrights. I wouldn't worry to much about your syndrome; there are plenty of artists who have plenty of problems (hey, I know a deaf film director!). If you put in the effort, then you will succeed! I have a friend who has produced several of his own scripts, but has been lucky enough to win several awards at the Short and Sweet competitions. Now his short plays are being performed all over the world (granted, not really for any money or royalties, but it's a start!). Good luck! Sticky Apple Legs www.freewebs.com/stickyapplelegs Puppets in Melbourne www.thepromptcopy.com/pip