If you’re learning how to write a play—or refining one for submission—you’ve probably heard of the dreaded 10-page sift. It’s the moment your script either earns a full read—or gets quietly shelved.
Brutal? Yes. But it’s also an opportunity. Because if you know how to make those first ten pages explode off the page, you’re already halfway to the top of the stack.
That’s exactly what WriteForTheStage’s new course, Top of the Stack, is designed to help you do.
The 10-Page Sift: A Gatekeeper You Can Outsmart
Most competitions and theatres receive hundreds—sometimes thousands—of submissions. To manage the volume, readers often make their decisions based on the first ten pages. If your script doesn’t grab them immediately, it’s unlikely to survive the cut.
But here’s the good news: impactful openings can be learned. They’re not just flashes of genius—they’re crafted with intention, structure, and emotional precision. That’s where Top of the Stack comes in.
What Is “Top of the Stack”?
Top of the Stack is a 5-week online playwriting course that zeroes in on the most critical part of your script: the opening. Whether you’re starting a new play or refining an existing one for submission, this course gives you the tools to make your first ten pages unforgettable.
Led by Mike Heath, a professional playwright with over 20 years of experience and a track record of nurturing new voices, the course combines rigorous dramaturgical analysis with practical writing exercises. You’ll study the opening pages of classic and contemporary plays, dissect what makes them work, and apply those principles to your own writing.
Who Is It For?
This course is for:
- Emerging playwrights preparing submissions for competitions like the BBC Writers Open Call
- Experienced writers looking to sharpen their craft and increase their chances of a full read
- Anyone starting a new play and wanting to build a strong foundation from page one
Whether you’re writing a dark comedy, a psychological drama, or a surrealist piece, the course adapts to your voice and vision. You’ll leave with a draft that’s not just technically sound—but emotionally compelling.
Why the First Ten Pages Matter
The opening of a play isn’t just about setting the scene. It’s about establishing tone, character, and stakes—fast. Think about making the reader lean forward, intrigued, unsettled, moved. And prove, in ten pages, that your story deserves the stage.
In Top of the Stack, you’ll learn:
- How to hook your reader from the first line
- How to build dramatic tension without sacrificing clarity
- How to introduce characters with emotional depth and narrative purpose
- How to establish tone and genre with precision
- How to structure your opening for maximum impact
Course Structure and Dates
The course runs for five weeks, with live Zoom sessions every Wednesday from 7–9pm (UK time). The first term begins January 7th, 2026, and continues through February 4th. We record all sessions, so you can catch up if you miss one.
Each week includes:
- Close reading of exemplary play openings
- Group discussion and dramaturgical analysis
- Writing exercises tailored to your project
- Constructive feedback from Mike and fellow participants
Why WriteForTheStage?
Since 2013, WriteForTheStage has helped hundreds of playwrights bring their ideas to life. Alumni have gone on to:
- Win awards like the Bread & Roses Playwriting Award
- Develop work with professional theatre companies
- Stage productions at the Greater Manchester Fringe and Edinburgh Fringe
- Launch careers in theatre, TV, and radio
The teaching style is supportive, rigorous, and creatively liberating. As one participant put it:
“The tutoring style was relaxed, supportive and really allowed for creativity to flow… Particularly useful when writing such a far-fetched comedy!” — Richard Douglas
Another added:
“Most courses follow a novel-writing format. I needed something that tackled structure and dramatic impact… This was a great injection of writing insights, specific to the stage.” — Claire Hogan
What You’ll Leave With
By the end of the course, you’ll have:
- A polished opening that’s ready for submission
- A deeper understanding of dramatic structure and emotional architecture
- A toolkit of techniques you can apply to future scripts
- Confidence in your voice and vision
Whether you’re submitting to a competition or preparing for a staged reading, your script will stand out—not just because it’s well-written, but because it demands to be read.
Cost and Commitment
The course costs £100, offering exceptional value for five weeks of expert tuition, peer feedback, and script development. Spaces are limited to ensure a high-quality experience, so early booking is recommended.
The sessions are at 8-10pm UK time on Wednesday nights, for 5 weeks, starting from Wed 7th Jan.
The full term dates are: Wed 7th/14th/21st/28th Jan and 3rd Feb.
If the course doesn’t run due to low enrolment, you’ll receive a full refund or the option to defer. You can also cancel up to 72 hours in advance for a full refund (minus a small admin fee). After the course starts, partial refunds are available up to Week 2.
Ready to Rise to the Top?
If you’re serious about getting your play noticed, Top of the Stack is your next step. It’s not just a course—it’s a launchpad. Because when your first ten pages hit hard, everything else follows.
Join us this January and make your script unignorable.
👉 Enroll now and secure your spot.
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