Contributors & Correspondents
Write for Film & Stage Magazine
commissions original journalism, criticism and photography from contributors around the world. These guidelines explain what we publish, how we work, and what we expect from everyone who writes for us.
Ready to contribute? Apply through our contributor form, or send a completed pitch to the editors directly.
Editorial standards
The non-negotiable standards behind every piece
Accuracy
Every claim must be verifiable. Attribute sources, name interviewees, and flag anything that cannot be independently confirmed.
Independence
Accept no gifts, travel, accommodation or access that compromise your judgement. Disclose any real or perceived conflict of interest.
Fairness
Represent views honestly, allow right of reply where appropriate, and distinguish between reportage and opinion.
Inclusion
Seek diverse sources, avoid stereotypes, and treat global coverage as a default — not an afterthought.
Formats & word counts
Length and shape for every format we commission
News brief
Timely, factual, one or two sources.
Review
Film, theatre, concert, opera, ballet or live event.
Feature
Reported, structured, with a clear narrative arc.
Festival dispatch
On-the-ground reporting with original interviews.
Photo essay
Captions required; 300-word contextual intro optional.
Interview / profile
Original quotes; no press-release recycling.
Word counts are inclusive of body text, not captions or pull quotes. If your story needs more room, discuss it with your editor before filing.
Submission guidelines
How to submit work
We accept both completed drafts and pitches. The stronger your submission, the faster we can assess it. Unsolicited drafts are welcome, but pitches are preferred for features and interviews.
Send submissions to the editors inbox, with a clear subject line that includes the format and topic.
Attach your draft as a plain Word document or paste it into the email. Do not send PDFs.
Include a one-paragraph bio, your location, and links to three relevant published samples.
For pitches, include a headline, a 150-word summary, your angle, and your timeline.
Allow up to three weeks for a response. If the story is time-sensitive, note that in the subject line.
Review process
From submission to publication
Not every submission is accepted. Volume means we cannot respond personally to every pitch, but we read everything we receive and reply to those we wish to pursue.
Initial review
An editor assesses fit, originality, timeliness and quality against our current coverage priorities.
Fact-checking
Accepted drafts are checked for accuracy, attribution, spelling of names and consistency of style.
Edit & revision
We may suggest cuts, restructure ledes, or request additional context. Contributors are expected to respond promptly.
Publication
Published with a named byline, added to your contributor profile, and promoted across our editorial channels.
Contributor expectations
What we expect from everyone who writes for us
Meet deadlines
Agreed deadlines are firm. If a story is delayed, tell your editor as early as possible.
Respect word counts
Commissioned lengths are agreed in advance. Stay within 10% unless otherwise agreed with your editor.
Supply images when possible
Provide original photographs or clear, high-resolution assets with full caption and credit information.
Disclose conflicts
Personal relationships, prior employment, complimentary tickets or travel must be disclosed before filing.
Own your material
Only submit work you have the right to license. No plagiarism, AI-generated prose, or unattributed quotation.
Accept corrections
We correct errors openly and promptly. If you spot a mistake after publication, contact the editors immediately.
Areas of interest
The disciplines we cover
We are a single publication covering the entire performing arts ecosystem. We are especially interested in underreported regions, emerging voices and original criticism.
The full policy framework