You've written a play. Great! Now what are you going to do with it? There are hosts of theatres, theatre companies and groups, but which ones put on new work and are open to submissions? Which ones pay? Will you be expected to have input in the production, or be forbidden to 'interfere'? How are plays licensed for performance? How do you get them published?

A good place to start looking for answers is the BBC's Writers Room. It lists all kinds of openings and advice for TV, film, radio and stage dramas, as well as providing formatting templates and examples of scripts. Some of these are for contests, some are simply open reading periods. Many offer the chance to work with established professionals to develop your work for performance and/or training rather than a monetary reward.

There are companies who specialise in publishing plays and in handling licensing for which you receive royalties. These generally want you to have a record of having work performed, either professionally or for a minimum number of consecutive days/nights. 

One way to gain experience and performances is to approach am-dram groups in your area. This is a good idea generally, as you meet people with shared interests, can learn from their experience, gain a profile in your area and make helpful links. Many small groups don't have a big enough budget to perform established plays and are always on the look-out for work by local playwrights. However, if you want to enter your play in a contest, the chances are that it has to be unperformed and unpublished. (Do I hear you sighing?)

Perhaps the best idea if you have a new play is to ask a local drama group to read it and give you feedback. Tell them that you want to enter it in whichever contest you have chosen, but that if they wish, you would be delighted if they'd perform it afterwards. If you win, they will be able to use your success in their promotions. If not, you might at least gain extra feedback. I know I have found members of Theze Guyz, Duston Players and Northampton Playhouse friendly, helpful and encouraging.