Rules and Guidelines
Note: The script submission rules have changed slightly since last season, please read carefully before submitting your script
The aim of the Sitcom Trials is to find new situation comedy ideas and scripts, and also to discover professional quality comedy writing and performing talents. We do this through a show which also has to be consistently entertaining. To ensure that the show remains entertaining for the audience, we use a presviously established format which keeps the audience directly involved in the outcome of the show, and rewards their participation.
Script Format: 10 minute script with "cliffhanger" and payoff
So, every sitcom script has to be no more than 10 minutes long, culminating in a "cliffhanger" or ad-break moment, leaving the audience wondering what will happen next. The script must then include a 2-3 minute "payoff" ending scene, which will be performed only if that script wins the audience vote.
There are a number of benefits from this format. Firstly the audience is directly involved in the show through their votes. Secondly the writers are encouraged to present their most engaging comedy, building up to a ‘what will happen next’ moment. The audience are this never more than 10 minutes away from something they might prefer, and the future of sitcom is in their hands.
The other advantage of this format is that the writers entering the Trials have to rewrite and customise their scripts for the format. This tests them as professional and versatile writers, and prevents entrants simply digging out an old 30 minute sitcom script and entering that unchanged.
Casting
In the past The Sitcom Trials has had very script casting requirements, dictating that a script should have no more than 4 cast members. Although this remains good advice for many reasons, it is now a rule that can be broken. A writer should still consider very carefully whether a large cast is vital, or even a good idea, for a Sitcom Trials sitcom. If you have only 10 minutes time on the stage, you have to use that time to establish every character and to move the comedy drama on. To justify the time and effort of an actor reading a part, the script must make good use of them. To use 4 actors well in 10 minutes is challenge enough, to use more needs careful consideration.
We regularly refer back to an early entrant in the Bristol Sitcom Trials whose script revolved around seven nuns. When told we would have difficulty finding seven female actors to do such small parts, the writer replied "I would rather cut off my own arm than lose one of my nuns". Might we suggest that attitude will not get you far in having your script selected for The Sitcom Trials.
Stageability
Your sitcom script entry for The Sitcom Trials will be performed on a small theatre stage, with minimal props. This must be taken into consideration with the script you enter. If significant parts of your script require complex visuals, location filming, stunts etc, they will have to be rewritten to fit the format, or they will be rejected early
Writer-Performers
Sitcom Trials entries are welcomed from writer-performers or comedy teams. In these cases both the script and the performers will have to be judged by the script readers. So we will require both the script, as above, and video of the performers who will be presenting the piece, via YouTube or similar online clips.
Directors
All scripts will be directed by established and trained directors, from stage, TV and film. Writers may have particular directors with whom they have worked before, in which case we would strive to use those people for a selected script. Please make it known in advance if you have any such suggestions or requirements.
Casting
Decisions on casting will be made by the directors of each selected scripts. Suggestions are welcomed from writers, but directors' decisions on casting will be final.
Removal From Competition
Once a script has been selected for performance in competition, the writers will be asked to agree in writing to this going ahead. After this point they will be unable to remove their script from competition. This needs to be stipulated to avoid the production of any show being derailed.