We meet Wednesdays 7 - 10 PM at Chelsea Studios, 151 West 26th Street. Chelsea Studios web site here. We meet almost every week, but you can check the schedule here to confirm our meeting dates.


send your name and email address to nancy@nycplaywrights.org


@ Shetler Studio Annex, 939 8th Avenue, suite 204
More details here

more quotations here

Writers' opportunities, announcements, commentary, etc. from the last 30+ days.
DISCLAIMER: NYCPlaywrights does not vet the information posted here. Do the research and send your script at your own risk.
Looking for something older than 30 days? Check out the archives,

If you have a writers' opportunity, send to info@nycplaywrights.org. Please note: we will not post any opportunities that charge submission or reading fees.

NYCPlaywrights

Thursday, July 03, 2008

NLTR seeks one-act plays

NLTR Productions (www.nolaughtrackrequired.com) will be producing its first of many festivals of original one-acts at the end of July. Plays needed immediately! Selected plays' playwrights will be paid a $25 royalty for the set of 3 performances, and will of course get credit, exposure, etc., and their play will be produced free of charge! Industry will also be invited and comped to the performances. Please submit plays and contact information immediately to nolaughtrackrequired@gmail.com.

Wednesday, July 02, 2008

Playlab seeks plays

Playlab NYC is seeking creative short plays, and one-acts for © - an evening of theatrical mash-ups, fan-fiction, and parody.

All submissions must be postmarked no later than August 1, 2008 for consideration.

Final selections will be made by early September 2008.

Production will occur in early November. Exact dates and location to be announced.

Playlab NYC will accept ten-minute plays, monologues, and are open to musical submissions provided they can be performed with little or no accompaniment.

Maximum cast size: 6.

Length: 30 minutes maximum, no minimum.

Must be appropriate for a minimalist
production style.

Please visit playlabnyc.org for more details.

Thank you for submitting. We look forward to reading your work.

Thursday, June 26, 2008

The Lovely Rae on parade

Actor member Rae appeared in the Village Voice - she was in the Mermaid Parade - the one with the pink parasol on the left.

More Walter plays

Writer member Walter Thinnes's one-act play "Street Theater: A Chance Encounter" will be featured in Turtle Shell Productions' "Summer Shorties ... Summar Not" Festival in performances July 16 through August 4 in New York City. More information and performance schedule available at www.turtleshellproductions.com

His full length play "Retrospective" was a semi-finalist for the 2008 Mountain Playhouse International Comedy Playwriting Contest in Jennerstown, PA.

HIATUS

NYCPlaywrights is now on hiatus for the months of July and August. We will return in September. Have a good summer!

PS - there will still be new playwright opportunities posted here throughout the hiatus

Monday, June 23, 2008

Women at Play seeks one act plays

Women At Play(s) is currently looking for new original one act plays, unproduced and unpublished, from female playwrights, emerging or established, for its fourth festival. This annual event has had very successful runs in the last 3 years with sold out shows and great reviews from audience members and critics.

Women At Play(s) provides a creative outlet for female playwrights, directors and actresses. It was created to give women a voice. It is meant to inspire and showcase artistic achievements in theatrical performance for women.

Women At Play(s) 3 was proud to have all original plays by female playwrights who all happened to be from Vancouver. 6 short one acts were selected from 55 submissions from across Canada and the United States. The plays ranged from dramatic to comedic and had issues dealing with religion, reconcilliation, pregnancy, motherhood, death, & life.

All characters must be female and the plays no longer than 20 minutes in length. It is produced as an Equity Co-op. Women At Play(s) 4 will be performed in early to mid January 2009 in Vancouver, BC, CANADA.

Submissions may be emailed to mariannesawchuk@hotmail.com

Please submit before June 30, 2008.

Thank you,
Marianne Sawchuk
Creator/Artistic Director of Women At Play(s)

Please watch for our website coming soon at: www.womenatplays.com
or check out our Facebook page.

Little Fish Theatre submissions

One-Acts/Shorts:
Accepts unsolicited material for annual Pick of the Vine production in January/February. Plays should have minimal set requirements and 6 or fewer characters. Email scripts to melanie@littlefishtheatre.org. or mail hard copy with title and contact info to:

Melanie Jones
Little Fish Theatre
619 West 38th St
San Pedro CA 90731

Best Submission Time:
May/June.

Submission deadline is August 15. No more than 3 scripts will be accepted from any given playwright.

Response Time: One month - Letter/email response. Chosen playwrights are notified in early October.

web site

Variety Show Looking for Fresh Composer

Xander Theatricals is looking for a new Composer or Composing team. This individual or team will coordinate with our existing creative team to develop songs for a new type of variety show planning to tour the US beginning fall 2009. Songs will most likely be commissioned on a “song by song” basis. We are interested in hearing from experienced and new composers alike.

If interested please send resume and demo displaying versatility to: Xander Theatricals at CastingXtheatricals@gmail.com

NJ Playwrights Contest

The Performing Arts Theatre Series of William Paterson University in Wayne, NJ announces their annual NJ Playwrights Contest. This project helps bring new playwrights and their work into focus in the community, the region and the state of New Jersey. The competition has two phases. First, three plays or musicals will be selected for staged-readings in the fall of 2008 from all entries received by July 2, 2008. Each of these three finalists will receive a small honorarium. Second, one of these three finalists will be selected to receive a production as part of the university's spring 2009 season. This year the production will be performed in the Hunziker Black Box Theatre, a flexible space that can be transformed to accommodate almost any production concept. Compensation for the winner will be commensurate with the author's level of participation. This contest is open to New Jersey residents only. Initial submissions should include: a cover letter, stating availability of the author for fall 2008; a one-page synopsis of the play and the performance history of the play; and a resume of the playwright.

The submission should be emailed to TheatreSeries@WPUNJ.edu or mailed to Theatre Series, H 105-B, 300 Pompton Rd., William Paterson University, Wayne, NJ, 07470.
No plays should be submitted at this time. Requests for scripts and author interviews will be arranged later this summer.

Short play submissions wanted

A Manhattan-based Production company is looking for short play submissions for our annual Project Playwright slated for the fall. Scripts may be of any subject matter, preferably under 25 minutes in length and 5 characters or less. Please send scripts to:

MADAIR Productions
FDR Station
P.O. Box 1179
New York, NY 10150

Monday, June 16, 2008

New South Play Festival Script Submission Policy

NEW SOUTH FESTIVAL MISSION: The New South for the New Century Festival is dedicated to producing and developing work that gives voice to issues facing the contemporary South.

The festival's mission is to produce and/or workshop new material that addresses issues facing the contemporary South.

The submission guidelines are as follows:

If you have one full-length play you would like to submit for consideration, please send it to us at our mailing address.

If you have more than one full-length piece you would like considered, please send us samples of all the work you would like considered, as well as a SAS envelope or postcard so that we can let you know which, if any, plays we would like to see in their entirety.

Also, it is VERY important that you mark all materials being submitted for the festival as "NEW SOUTH SUBMISSION". Write this phrase in an obvious way on the front of the envelope, somewhere on the cover letter, and somewhere on the title page of the script or sample. (It's important to note that we do not accept submissions via e-mail) We will reply to you as soon as possible regarding your submission.

Expect at least a 6-month response period.

Our mailing address is
Horizon Theatre Company
PO Box 5376
Atlanta, GA 31107

web site

Impact Theatre submissions

Impact Theatre is always seeking new, unproduced scripts! Is your script:

a) cool-ass? (note: we also accept "kick-ass");

b) relevant, interesting, and appropriate for actors and audience members ranging in age from about 16 to 35?; and

c) unproduced and unpublished?

Then what are you waiting for? Please send a copy to Melissa Hillman, Impact Theatre, P.O. Box 12666, Berkeley, CA 94712-3666. Include a SASE if you want your work returned. Unfortunately, Impact can not accept submissions by email.

Impact Theatre absolutely, positively does not discriminate based upon gender, race, sexuality, age, height, favorite dessert topping, yadda yadda yadda. We discriminate based only on the relative ass-kickage, mad awesomeness or phat grooviness of scripts.

web site

BoarsHead submission guidelines

In its 41-year history, the BoarsHead Theater has been a leader in new play development, and has proudly presented numerous regional, national and world premieres.

Committed to the development of new works, BoarsHead gladly accepts script submissions from playwrights and agents. Frequently, the theater presents staged readings, workshops and full productions of the best new plays being written.

Due to the volume of submissions we receive, we are no longer able to accept new works by e-mail. All submissions should be sent by standard mail delivery.

We are happy to give consideration to your play, provided it is submitted according to these guidelines:

* 20 pages of sample dialogue
* A detailed synopsis and character breakdown
* The play’s production and workshop history (if applicable)
* Playwright & creative team biographies

All submissions should be addressed as follows:

George Orban
BoarsHead Theater
425 S. Grand Ave.
Lansing, MI 48933

Unfortunately, the above materials cannot be returned.

web site

Friday, June 13, 2008

Bruce Barton - SIX HUSBANDS OF ELIZABETH THE QUEEN

Actor member Bruce Barton performs in SIX HUSBANDS OF ELIZABETH THE QUEEN, at the Parker Theatre @ The Algonquin Theatre (the former Blue Heron Theater), located at 123 East 24th Street, between Park and Lexington. It'll be on sale thru Theatermania.com. It's an AEA showcase, tix are $18.
Performance schedule is below:
open sat 7/5, 8pm
7/6, 3pm and 7pm
tues 7/8 8pm
7/9 8pm
7/10 8pm
7/11 8pm
sat 7/12 6pm
7/13 3pm and 7pm
fri 7/18 8pm

Monday, June 09, 2008

The 7th Sign is dedicated to producing original works

More than welcome, original plays are a strong focus of The 7th Sign. Currently, each new season promises to bring (at least) one new play to the stage. The 7th Sign believes that new plays are essential for the future of progessive theatre, offering a direct insight to recent events.

While plays of the past can resonsate powerfully with our modern lives, original works have the opportunity to speak directly about today's world without any need to build bridges between 'then' and 'now'.

How to Submit a Play: It's simple. Send it in. You're sure to get a response, as we understand the need for such a precious commodity. The only real guideline in this: Send us something you're proud of!

Send us a Word-compatible document to: mail@7thsign.info

Keep in mind that the company focuses on recent events and important social matters. This doesn't mean we only accept political plays or dark brow-furrowing dramas (though we happen to produce those, as well). Comedies, love-stories, experimental pieces, one-acts (you name it!), there's a place for it. And while that 'place' may not be as a 7th Sign production, we cannot foretell the distant future of following seasons, so keep your heads up and fingers working...We Need You!

web site

Theatre Neo always seeks new plays

Plays can be any length. We prefer new material or pieces that do not require royalties, but we are also considering published plays that have not been produced recently in the LA area. If the author wishes feedback from the Reading Committee, he or she should request this in writing at the time of submission; consideration sometimes takes several months. You may submit plays with one attachment (plays will considered with one actor "attached" to a specific role or with a director already part of the project). If the playwright is available, this attachment must meet with the writer's approval. The play will then be read with the attached actor or director included as part of the consideration process.

Plays may be submitted for consideration by company members but we are looking for work from ANY source. We are currently looking for more short (10 min.) plays as well as longer one-acts (40 min. to an hour) and full length plays. Because we are an acting company, we tend to put an emphasis on productions that will utilize as many people as possible. Full length plays with larger casts, therefore, probably fit our needs better than a two or three character full-length.

Plays are initially read by our play reading committee. If the committee is interested in the material it will be given a formal staged reading by company members in front of the entire company. The company members who attend the readings then "rate" the work on a numeric (1-10) scale to give an overall idea of the company's interest. If a play has scored sufficiently high enough by the company, it will be considered for production.

Actors in the company are encouraged to find work they think is appropriate for the company and submit it themselves. An actor may be considered "attached" to a project but ONLY if that is worked out in advance with the playwright before submitting the play.

WHERE TO SUBMIT:
Theatre Neo
PO Box 48553
Los Angeles, CA 90048
PLEASE NOTE:
(a) Write "For Consideration" on the envelope.
(b) We do not consider full-length plays with casts smaller than 8 characters.
(c) If you wish the play returned, include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
(d) If you wish feedback or confirmation of receipt, include a self-addressed, stamped postcard.
(e) Feedback and response may take some time; we are an all-volunteer company.
(f) If you know anyone in the company, submit it through that person instead; this may speed up the process.

web site

Victory Theatre Center

The Victory Theatre Center has worked with emerging playwrights to dramaturge their work for the past 28 years. The process includes selecting materials based on submissions from literary agents and referrals - and polishing and refining the scripts with numerous staged readings and workshops. The theatre's work with playwrights is aimed at supporting their creative visions and creating an opportunity for their voices to be heard. By creating original works, the Victory Theatre Center has an opportunity to present audiences with current, relevant and thought-provoking ideas.

Script Submissions

The Victory Theatre Center invites you to submit your original works. Our play reading process is as follows:

Each script is read by 2 readers, then evaluated and passed on to the Artistic Directors for a final decision. Because The VTC is one of only a few venues that produces original material, the volume of scripts submitted is high. It will take time for your material to be processed. Please be assured your work will be read. You may send your script and SASE to:

LITERARY SUBMISSIONS
The Victory Theatre Center
3326 West Victory Blvd, Burbank, CA 91505

web site

Saturday, June 07, 2008

Valerie David is busy

Actor member Valerie David performs in:

EMERGING ARTISTS THEATRE COMPANY'S NOTES ON A PAGE SERIES
3 Messiahs Walk into a Bar
"Three Messiahs Walk into a Bar is the story of the courtship of Mary by Joseph — if Groucho Marx had told it."
(Saturday, June 14, 7:30 PM)

Tickets $10 available by visitingwww.eatheatre.org or by phoning (866) 811-4111.
At the The Roy Arias Theatre Center is located at 300 West 43rd Street (5th floor) in Manhattan.

AND Val will be in a Honda commercial airing this month. She plays a woman talking about upgrading to a better "relationship" (An Acura) in a psychiatrist's office.

Tuesday, June 03, 2008

Pat Angelin in Bardalotry...

Actor member Pat Angelin appears in Ten Grand Production's Bardolatry:

Central Park: Mineral Springs (enter on 67th Street and Central Park West
Battery Park: Castle Clinton National Monument Plaza
Madison Square Park: Reflecting Pool area

Opening Weekend
Saturday May 24th.
Madison Square Park
shows at 12pm, and 2pm
Monday May 26th
Central Park - Mineral Springs
Shows at 12pm, and 2pm

Ten Grand web site

The 20% Theatre Company, Twin Cities, is always accepting submissions

The 20% Theatre Company, Twin Cities, is always accepting submissions to be considered for our New Works Playreading Series, the main-stage production season, or other performance event. If you are a playwright, director, actor, designer, or performance artist, and would like to propose a project/play, or submit an original idea or script, please fill out the appropriate submission form (left) and mail it to us with the script or idea.

Guidelines:

The work must have been written or developed within the past 20 years. Typically, main-stage productions are no older than 20 years and staged readings are no older than 5 years.

If you are submitting this work and have either written/created it or are requesting to be directly involved with it, you must be female* (biologically, female-identified, transsexual, transgender, or gender-queer).

There is no minimum or maximum length requirement for the work.

Script submissions will not be returned. We will only contact you if we are considering your play for production or reading. Please send script submissions (hard copies only) to:

20% Theatre Company Twin Cities
5152 Aldrich Avenue North
Minneapolis, MN 55430

Please send all director proposals electronically to:
Claire Avitabile at claire@tctwentypercent.org

Thanks for your interest!

web site

Hypatia Theatre Company accepts unsolicited scripts...

All playwrights interested in submitting material should be familiar with the company’s mission statement. Materials can be sent by mail (attn: Literary Manager Caitlin Parrish)or e-mail to newplays@hypatiatheatre.org

web site

Turtle Shell Productions Teen Festival

TURTLE SHELL PRODUCTIONS

Turtle Shell Productions is looking for one-act plays for kids 15 - 40 minutes in length for a month-long production of plays themed around issues of the 21st century.

Deadline is June 2, 2008. Turtle Shell Productions aspires to create theatre with a focus on current issues, ethics, culture and history, while collaborating on productions that celebrate the universal truths of human experience and inspire the community.

1.) Please add a cover letter that gives Turtle Shell Productions permission to produce your plays if chosen and sign at the bottom.
2.) Please add a 60 word bio of Playwright
3.) Each Playwright may submit up to three (3) Plays.
4.) Please send only hard copies of your script. Scripts will not be accepted via email and scripts will not be returned. NO EMAIL SUBMISSIONS.
5.) There is no submission fee.
Requirements: Plays must be 15 - 40 Minutes in length. No exceptions.
Submission deadline is Wednesday June 2nd, 2008 (Scripts must be in hand on this date)


Send or drop off a hard copy of your play along with the cover letter
300 W 43rd Street, #403
New York, NY 10036
Attention: Turtle Shell Productions Teen Festival
If you have any questions, please contact us at
jcooper@turtleshellproductions.com

Monday, May 26, 2008

One-act plays wanted

Shunya, a Houston-based non-profit theatre troupe is currently accepting one-act play submissions for our Summer production scheduled to open August 22nd 2008 in Houston, Texas. Shunya aims to provide a voice to the South Asian American experience through the visual and performing arts.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES FOR THE SCRIPTS:-

1) Location: MOTEL (The Story must take place in a motel)

2) Number of characters: No more than 5

( Although we are not restricting characters based on ethnicity or age, please note that the majority of actors who audition are of South Asian origin between the ages of 20-30).

3) Script Length: Between 20-45 pages long.

4) Deadline for script submissions is May 31st 2008. Submit the script to shunyamotel3@gmail.com

5) Please include a short bio of the playwright(s).

6) Shunya Theatre will select three scripts for this summer production. Selected scripts will be announced two weeks after the deadline.

Please send any questions to shunyamotel3@gmail.com

Regards,
Karthik Chander
Producer
Motel 3
Shunya Theatre

Bardolatry - Alan Gary

Actor member Alan Gary appears in Ten Grand Production's Bardolatry:

Central Park: Mineral Springs (enter on 67th Street and Central Park West
Battery Park: Castle Clinton National Monument Plaza
Madison Square Park: Reflecting Pool area

Opening Weekend
Saturday May 24th.
Madison Square Park
shows at 12pm, and 2pm
Monday May 26th
Central Park - Mineral Springs
Shows at 12pm, and 2pm

Ten Grand web site

First Annual One-Act Festival

Algonquin Theater Production's First Annual One-Act Festival: July 7-July 13 at the beautifully renovated Algonquin Theater. Email us your best One-Acts. Maximum length: 20 minutes. Deadline to receive submissions is June 9. The winning selection from each night will be published in Algonquin's Book of One Acts which will be sent to Regional Theaters Nationwide.

Algonquin Theater Productions
Address New York, NY 10010
Contact Tony Sportiello
algonquinprod@aol.com

Algonquin Productions web site

Newborn Festival

WE ARE NOW ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS
TO THE 2009 NEWBORN FESTIVAL

MTWorks is relentless in its search for new playwrights with plays that have the power and potential to actualize our goals. Because of this continuous pursuit, we have created The NewBorn Festival, with the hope that we will be able to discover theatre’s untapped talents and possibly the future voices of the stage.

Whether the play is a drama or comedy, it must raise questions about the ideas and philosophies behind human nature and the extent of our own potential.


Full-Length submissions only and those that have not yet had a full production of the play produced in New York City.


HOW TO APPLY

Playwrights
Send us a resume, a one (1) page synopsis of your play, and a five (5) page excerpt to:

David Stallings
Artistic Director
Playwright in Residence
stallings@mtworks.org

MTW web site

Walter Thinnes's play

Walter Thinnes's one-act play THE BONGO BOUNCE has been selected for the 2008 Summer Strawberry One-Act Play Festival in New York City and will receive initial performances July 24 & 25.

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Mike Giorgio

NYCPlaywrights member Mike Giorgio appears in DARKNESS TO LIGHT
May 15 - June 8
by Andy Shapiro
World Premiere
Produced in Association with Marci Shapiro
Thursdays thru Saturdays @ 8pm
Sundays @ 3pm
Tickets are $26 General Admission / $21 Students & Seniors

The Sky Cooper/Marin Theatre Company New American Play Prize

Norton J. "Sky" Cooper established the New American Play Prize at Marin Theatre Company in 2007 to celebrate the work of the American playwright and to encourage the creation of bold, powerful new voices and plays for the American stage. The Sky Cooper Prize will be awarded annually to either an established or emerging playwright for an outstanding new work. The play selected as the Sky Cooper winner will receive a full production at Marin Theatre Company as part of the theatre’s annual season and will be given regional and national promotion. In addition, the playwright receives a $10,000 award, as well as travel and accommodations for the MTC rehearsal period.

Guidelines
Plays must be full-length in any genre: comedy, drama, musical, etc. Translations, individual one-acts and any play previously submitted for the Sky Cooper Prize are not eligible. Collaborations are welcomed, in which case prize benefits are shared. Plays may not have received a full-scale, professional production prior to submission. Plays that have had a workshop, reading or non-professional production are still eligible. Playwrights must be citizens of the United States. Playwrights with past production experience are especially encouraged to submit new work. Only one submission per playwright is allowed each year. If you are eligible for the David Calicchio Award you may submit your play to each prize, but please only one play per playwright.

Submission is a two-phase process:

Phase I: Submit a two-page maximum abstract of the play including title, character breakdown, brief story synopsis and playwright bio or resume. Also include 10 pages of consecutive sample dialogue. If submitting a musical, please include a tape or CD of selections from the score. Do not send sheet music or videos. Literary agents may submit full scripts of their client’s work. All abstracts and dialogue samples will be read. From these, selected manuscripts will be solicited for Phase II. Do not send a manuscript with or instead of the abstract. Unsolicited manuscripts will not be read. Submitted materials, including tapes and CDs, will be returned only if a self-addressed, stamped envelope with adequate postage is provided. If you would like notification that your submission was received, please send it with Delivery Confirmation, Certified Mail or Return Receipt through the U.S. Postal Service. Electronic submissions are accepted in Word or PDF format only and paper copies must also be sent to MTC if requested. Please no inquiries.

Phase II: All manuscripts that have been solicited after Phase I will be read. Manuscripts should be neatly typed, securely bound and have the playwright’s name, contact address and phone number clearly visible on the front page. No solicited manuscript will be returned without a self-addressed, stamped envelope with adequate postage.

All final selections are made by Jasson Minadakis, MTC Artistic Director.

Submissions are accepted between April 1 abd August 31, 2008 (postmarked).

Address all submissions to:
The Sky Cooper New American Play Prize
Marin Theatre Company
397 Miller Ave
Mill Valley, CA 94941
or electronically to skycooper@marintheatre.org

web site

Submissions for Greasy Joan & Co.

Greasy Joan & Co. accepts submissions from actors, designers, playwrights and directors throughout the year.

Playwrights
Greasy Joan invites playwrights to participate in their Contemporary Classics Series, a program aimed at creating new adaptations of classic plays or stories. The program will culminate in a staged reading series for the public in August of 2008. Interested writers should contact Patrick King, Literary Manager, c/o Greasy Joan & Co., 2936 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL 60657, or at literary@greasyjoan.org by Nov. 15 with a resume, a two page project proposal, and a ten-page sample of your work. Playwrights will receive a commissioning fee.

web site

Jewish Ensemble Theatre's Festival of New Plays

Overview: Part of JET’s mission is a commitment to new plays and their development. For this reason, we include a festival of four new plays each season, selected from over 150 manuscript submissions. These plays are performed as staged readings, using professional actors and directors. Over the years, a number of these new plays have graduated from our festival to full production on our main stage, other stages in Michigan and beyond.

Program: The Festival of New Plays is our entree point for new plays. We will rarely produce a new play on our main stage unless we have performed it or seen it performed as a staged reading. Each play will have two staged reading performances on consecutive evenings. These readings are performed and directed by theatre professionals and are followed by open discussion between the audience, actors, director and playwright, when in attendance. Playwrights whose work is presented receive a small honorarium.

Feedback: We believe feedback is an important part of the creative process and the audience plays a crucial role. After each staged reading, the audience is invited to participate in an open discussion with the actors, director and the playwright, if available. JET’s artistic director or other qualified theatre professional moderates these discussions in order to ensure meaningful and constructive feedback.

Submission Criteria: We accept unsolicited scripts not previously produced in a professional theatre. Full-length plays are preferred, though we will consider one act plays. No musicals, please. Due to financial constraints, we normally limit the number of actors to eight, though fewer are preferred.

Special Interests: While fine theatre is our first interest, theatre that is entertaining, refreshing, and provocative, we are particularly interested in plays of social conscience and in keeping with our Mission Statement provided below.

Facilities: Our main stage is the Aaron DeRoy Theatre of the Jewish Community Center at Maple Drake: 193 seats, with a semi-thrust stage. The second performance of each staged reading will take place at the Jimmy Prentiss Morris Jewish Community Center in Oak Park.

Submit To: Festival of New Plays
The Jewish Ensemble Theatre
6600 West Maple Road
West Bloomfield, MI 48322-3002

Website: Jettheatre.org

Email Contact: e.orbach@jettheatre.org

Artistic Director: Evelyn Orbach

Mission Statement: The Jewish Ensemble Theatre is a professional Equity company whose mission is to produce plays on the highest possible level; to deal with issues of community and humanity from a Jewish perspective; to provide a platform for new voices and a bridge to the larger community.

web site

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Johnny Culver's play

NYC Playwright member Johnny Culver is presenting "55th and Bleecker", which will be presented on May 29th at 6:30pm at the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church on West 55th Street in Manhattan. Visit them at www.fapc.org.

Works by fresh writers from the Center for Christian Studies' Creative Writing program will be read, including Johnny's one act comedy "The House on the Hill", which began at NYC Playwrights last fall, as well as a new short monologue, "Donna's Florida Sunrise".

Visit www.55thandbleecker.org for more information. Admission is free, and donations are accepted.

Monday, May 12, 2008

Hand-to-Mouth Players seek one-act plays

ATTENTION ALL PLAYWRIGHTS
The Hand-to-Mouth Players announces
WE NEED MANUSCRIPTS !!!
One-Act plays - no more than 45 min. in length
Minimal staging
Casts of 5 or less preferred
Go to http://www.htmplayers.com/
for more information

Slash Fiction contest

If you have a spare couple of hours in your day, you should roll up your sleeves and contribute to an historic event: the Fiction Circus' first ever slash fiction contest!

Here are the rules and guidelines:

http://fictioncircus.com/news.php?id=103&mode=one

Maybe you will win!

This month = Beatrix Potter/C.S. Lewis

More about 'Slash' fiction

Shunya Theatre, a South Asian-American Theater Troupe, is seeking original one-act scripts

Shunya Theatre, a South Asian-American Theater Troupe, is seeking original scripts for a one-act play. Opening night is scheduled for August 22nd this summer in Houston, Texas.

Shunya is a successful Texas based non-profit theater company. Our focus is on the unique South Asian American experience, and we've produced and run fifteen shows at various venues in Houston. The playwright can expect significanexposure – our plays are well attended with over 1,000 patrons per show - many of whomare involved in the performing arts.

Please review the following guidelines for submission of your play:

1) The setting of the play must be inside a motel

2) There is a five character maximum. –Note – our pool of actors are between 20 and 30 years of age. Please keep this in mind when you are creating characters

3) Script minimum – 20 pages, 45 page maximum.

4) Send the script to shunyamotel3@gmail.com before May 31st.

5) Include a brief bio about yourself.

7) We will choose 3 scripts to produce for the summer season. We'll notify all playwrights around mid-June.

If you have any questions please email us shunyamotel3@gmail.com

Best Regards,

K. Chandar
Producer
Motel3
Shunya Theatre Houston

NATIONAL TEN-MINUTE PLAY CONTEST

Actors Theatre of Louisville and Miami's City Theatre have joined forces to co-sponsor the National Ten-Minute Play Contest.
GUIDELINES

Each playwright may submit only one script -- send us your best!

No scripts will be returned - save postage. No SASE required.

Entries will be acknowledged by postcard in January and all playwrights will be notified when or before the winner is announced in the fall.

Each script must be no more than ten pages long.

Previously submitted plays, plays that have received an Equity production, musicals, children's shows, and any unsolicited longer one-act or full-length plays are not accepted and will be returned.

Each manuscript must be typed and individually bound or stapled.
Title page must include name, address and phone number.

The volume of scripts submitted hampers our ability to comment individually on each work, so we do not offer criticism.

All ten-minute plays will be considered for the Heideman Award ($1000), the Humana Festival of New American Plays, City Theatre’s Summer Shorts Festival and the Short Cuts Tour. Plays that meet the following criteria will also be considered for the annual Actors Theatre Apprentice Showcase: age range 18-28, minimal sets, minimal props, minimal costume requirements.

Playwrights must be citizens or permanent residents of the USA.

DEADLINE
Submission Postmark November 1, 2008

Address Submissions to:
NATIONAL TEN-MINUTE PLAY CONTEST
Actors Theatre of Louisville
316 West Main Street
Louisville, KY 40202-4218

web site

Monday, May 05, 2008

On Broadway Thespians

To have a play or script considered for production on our stage, please email the following to us at obthespian@yahoo.com

* A brief overview of the play's plot, sets and special needs
* Will you be Directing this play? Or are you open to having your play directed by someone else?
* For first time Directors, who will be mentoring or co-directing with you? Or do you require help in finding someone?
* If Directing, an estimated budget (including royalties, sets, props, etc.)
* For Playwright submissions, an estimate of Royalties, or your terms of compensation?
* Selected scene(s) for reading that best depict(s) the story and action of the play (15 minute max)
* A list of (and brief description of) the primary lead and supporting characters, their genders and ages (if a musical, their vocal parts). The total number of cast members will also be helpful.
* Will this play be precast? If so, how many characters? Do you have the cast in place already?
* An estimate of how many stage and tech crew members you will require.
* Any notable facts about the play that might be of concern to the theater, the players or the community at large (e.g. nudity, adult language and or physical contact, or controversial material). This is not to say that any of these items would automatically preclude the play from being produced at OBT, only that all of these factors will need to be disclosed and considered by the selection committee and board of directors before a decision is made.
* Performance dates preferances? Are there any date ranges that you are absolutely not available?

Playwrights, please note, material submitted WILL NOT be returned, so please do NOT send us your only copy. Simultaneous submissions are fine, as long as it does not interfere with OBT in the event the group decides to stage your play. Again, you will be notified by December 1st, if your script is chosen or not for staging in the following year.

Final notifications will be done either by email (please supply us with an email address in which you can be reached) or by snail mail (supply an mailing address recognized by the US Postal Service).

web site

Shotgun Productions Inc.

Shotgun offers emerging artists a three step development program that includes the annual New Playwrights Reading Series (NPRS), workshops and full-productions. The goal of the program is to take a play from a reading to a full-production providing a unified artistic vision along the way. Each year plays are selected from 200+ submissions for the series. Shotgun offers these writers a secure environment where they may receive feedback from their peers, theater professionals and an audience. Scripts that show promise are developed in a workshop setting, culminating in full productions. The workshop offers writers the opportunity to further explore the text and other art forms which may be incorporated, to collaborate with fellow artists in the development process, and to receive feedback from the audience. Main Stage productions are selected in one of three ways:

1. Plays that continue through the development program,
2. Plays that are conceived and developed independently by Shotgun, or
3. Plays that have been under-produced in the New York metropolitan area.

web site

THEATRE THREE, Port Jefferson, New York, is now accepting submissions for its . . .

12th ANNUAL
Festival of One-Act Plays

. . . to be held on its Second Stage, the Ronald F. Peierls Theatre, during March 2009.

Submission Guidelines

* Only unproduced works will be accepted.
* Plays that have had staged readings are eligible.
* No adaptations, musicals, or children's plays.
* Cast size maximum: 8.
* Length: 40 minutes maximum, no minimum.
* Settings should be simple or suggested.
* Playwrights may make multiple submissions. They need not be made under separate cover.
* Please do not submit works that have been previously submitted.
* Scripts must be postmarked by September 30, 2008.

Please submit a cover letter, a synopsis, and a resume along with one copy of the play. Cover sheet of play should have title, author, author's address, author's telephone number, and author's email address (if available). Plays should be neatly bound or stapled on the left-hand corner. (No loose pages and no binders, please.) All submissions must include a standard SASE for correspondence. Or, if playwrights wish to have their works returned, an appropriate SASE must also be included.

Selected plays will be presented for 10 performances. Playwrights will receive a small stipend.

Plays should be submitted to The 12th Annual Festival of One-Act Plays, Attn: Jeffrey Sanzel, Artistic Director, THEATRE THREE, P.O. Box 512, Port Jefferson, NY 11777-0512. We do not accept electronic (email) submissions. Please do not call or stop by the theatre.

Final selection of plays will be in late 2008.

web site

Nick in BORDERTOWN

Actor member Nick Fondulis appears in the (re:)Directions Theatre Company production of BORDERTOWN by Steve Ives

Remaining shows
MAY 8, 9 & 10 at 8:00 p.m., MAY 11 at 2:00 p.m.
14th St. Theater
344 E 14th St. (bt 1st & 2nd)
Tickets Available at www.smarttix.com

Thursday, May 01, 2008

GAP / Aurora Theatre Company

The GAP is Aurora Theatre Company's annual new play development program to nurture and explore forward-looking visions of global import. Potential topics include the environment, childcare, automation, cloning, life-span, family, currency, communications, business, politics, spirituality, warfare and entertainment to name a few. Comedic or serious, experimentation with innovative forms of theatrical storytelling is also encouraged.

Submissions will culminate in a four-week festival of staged readings in the spring of 2009. Four scripts will be selected with the potential of a full production the following season.

Remuneration: $1,000, reading, travel and housing for playwrights outside the Bay Area, possible production.

Submission: ONE unproduced play per playwright, per year. We will accept the first submission only - anything submitted afterwards will be discarded without consideration.

Length: any length.

Styles: all styles.

Origin: Currently accepting scripts from USA, Canada and Mexico

Language: Must be written in English, and submitted by the original author - no translations, please.

Subjects: Pertaining to the future state of the global community.

Deadline: August 15th, 2008

Response: January, 2009

web site

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Janice goes to Ireland

Actor member Janice Mann will reprise the role of Anna in Kathleen Warnock's SOME ARE PEOPLE, which was part of the Spring EATfest last year. It will be one of 40 play presented as part of the Fifth International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival. Performances May 12-17.

Walter Thinnes's plays

Walter Thinnes's play YOUR TURN TO WATCH DAD has won another competition and will one of the featured performances over four weekends from May 29 - June 21 at The Heartland Theatre in Normal, IL. More details at www.heartlandtheatre.org

The 6th Annual Lavender Footlights Festival in Miami, FL will include Walter's script BLOOD in their readings of short works on Saturday, May 31. More details coming soon at www.lavenderfootlights.org

Monday, April 28, 2008

Santa Fe Performing Arts Playwright's Competition

PLAYWRIGHT'S COMPETITION

Santa Fe Performing Arts Playwright's Competition was developed to support American Playwrights. The competition is not merely a competition of words, but a venue for recognition and a demonstration of appreciation - truly a celebration of the writer's contribution. SFPA and many other theatre companies around the country with similar programs, support playwrights and ensure the future of American Theatre. Without the writers, the actors would have nothing to say. Submissions are limited to unproduced new American plays and must be postmarked by the first of September of each year. Send play synopsis and character break-down. Full scripts upon request only.

THE BILINGUAL WORKS

To better serve the diversity of our community, SFPA furthers its commitment to providing bilingual productions for the community at large. This program combines theatre education with bilingual performances by our adult and children's companies. The program provides access for our diverse community to theatre that is culturally relevant, yet still enjoyable to non-Spanish speakers. Bilingual productions preserve the beauty of the original language, foster intercultural understanding and improve the quality of life in our community.


Santa Fe Performing Arts
Post Office Box 22372. Santa Fe, New Mexico 87502
Box Office: (505) 984-1370, Administration: 505-982-7992. Fax: 505-982-7993
E-mail: office@sfperformingarts.org

web site

Portland Stage Company

New Works at Portland Stage Company

General Script Submission Guidelines

Literary agents may submit complete scripts at any time.

Playwrights who do not have agents may submit 10-page dialogue samples for consideration for The Little Festival of the Unexpected. See below for more details.
• Submissions are accepted year round on a rolling basis for the Little Festival of the Unexpected. All submissions received at this time will be considered for the 2009 festival.

New England-based Playwrights may submit complete scripts to the Clauder Competition during competition years. See below for more details.
o The 2008-2009 Clauder Competition will be open for submissions later this spring. Interested playwrights can send an e-mail with their name, e-mail, and mailing address to dburson@portlandstage.com to be added to our Competition mailing list.

Submission Guidelines:
Full details on eligibility and submission guidelines for both the Clauder Competition and the Little Festival of the Unexpected can be found below. For questions about script submissions or eligibility, please contact Literary Manager Dan Burson at dburson@portlandstage.com.

Portland Stage Company has a policy of not accepting any unsolicited scripts that do not meet the above guidelines.

Submit by mail to:
Portland Stage Company
Attn: Literary Manager
P.O. Box 1458
Portland, ME 04104

web site

Global Age Project

The GAP is Aurora Theatre Company's annual new play development program to nurture and explore forward-looking visions of global import. Potential topics include the environment, childcare, automation, cloning, life-span, family, currency, communications, business, politics, spirituality, warfare and entertainment to name a few. Comedic or serious, experimentation with innovative forms of theatrical storytelling is also encouraged.

Submissions will culminate in a four-week festival of staged readings in the spring of 2009. Four scripts will be selected with the potential of a full production the following season.

Remuneration: $1,000, reading, travel and housing for playwrights outside the Bay Area, possible production.

Submission: ONE unproduced play per playwright, per year. We will accept the first submission only - anything submitted afterwards will be discarded without consideration.

Length: any length.

Styles: all styles.

Origin: Currently accepting scripts from USA, Canada and Mexico

Language: Must be written in English, and submitted by the original author - no translations, please.

Subjects: Pertaining to the future state of the global community.

Deadline: August 15th, 2008

Response: January, 2009

web site

Monday, April 21, 2008

2008/2009 The Pen is a Mighty Sword International Playwriting Competition

2008/2009 The Pen is a Mighty Sword International Playwriting Competition

Beginning March 1, 2008 VTP is accepting bold, passionate, innovative and compelling new work for the stage. We impose no restrictions as to theme, style or subject matter, but do want plays written specifically for the stage.

• Winner receives a $2,000.00 cash award.

• First and second runners-up receive cash awards of $1,000.00 and $500.00 respectively.

• Up to seven honorable mentions will receive cash awards of $100.00 each.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

All entries must be unpublished and un-produced full-length plays written in English. (Labs, workshops and readings exempted). No musicals, one-acts or children’s plays.

* For mailed entries submit one (1) legibly typed and firmly bound manuscript.
* For emailed entries submit one manuscript file in Word, pdf or Final Draft format.
* All entries must include the author’s name, address, telephone number and email address.
* Please...only one (1) submission per playwright.
* All mailed submissions should be sent to:

Whit Andrews
The Virtual Theatre Project
130 Cook Street
Rural Hall, NC 27045

*All emailed scripts should be sent to pen_sword2008@yahoo.com
* SASE required for script return. No loose stamps, cash, checks or money orders for postage, please.
* Postmark deadline for submission of entries: February 28, 2009

Winners announced June 30, 2009

web site

Theatre Aquarius Brave New Works Festival

November 17 - 21, 2008

We are currently accepting script submissions for the 2008 Brave New Works Festival
The deadline for the submitting a script for consideration is August 8, 2008 at 4:00pm

What is Brave New Works?

The Brave New Works Festival is a free and inter-active week-long series of play readings from new and emerging Canadian artists that celebrate the development of playwrights and new audiences for new work.

The festival provides a professional forum for Canadian playwrights and provides an invaluable means of assessing the strengths and weaknesses of their script and suitability for an audience.

Come and be apart of the audience that helps shape a script from page to stage and join Theatre Aquarius’ Artistic Director, Max Reimer in the post reading discussions.

Want to submit a script for consideration?
The deadline for the 2008 festival is August 8, 2008 at 4:00pm.

If you are interested in submitting a script for consideration, you can mail, email or drop off in person a copy of your script to:

Theatre Aquarius
190 King William Street
Hamilton, Ontario L8R 1A8

Attention: Carolyn Drost

If sending via Email: cdrost@theatreaquarius.org

*Please include a covering letter with full contact information and a brief play synopsis. Once scripts have been submitted, they will not be returned to the playwright. Due to the volume of scripts received, we cannot respond to all. Only those playwrights under consideration will be contacted.

web site

Walter Thinnes's plays

Walter Thinnes's STREET THEATER: A CHANCE ENCOUNTER was selected as one of twelve plays in The Eclectic Company Theatre's Annual Hurricane Season One-Act Playwriting Competition in North Hollywood, California. Performance dates will be announced for late July and early August when the field will be narrowed to a single winner through audience voting. More information at www.eclecticcompanytheatre.org

His ten-minute play YOUR TURN TO WATCH DAD was a finalist in two competitions - Theatre Oxford's Ninth Annual 10-Minute Play Competition in Oxford, Mississippi and The Heartland Theatre Company's 7th Annual 10-Minute Play Competition in Normal, Illinois.

2008 Rogue Valley 10-Minute Plays Festival

Playwrights for 10-Minute Plays Festival

The 2008 Rogue Valley 10-Minute Plays Festival (TMPF) has a submission new deadline of July 15 (received) and a new performance window of late August—early September.

The 2008 event will be held in the latter half of August or early September and will be a benefit for Friends of the Animal Shelter (FOTAS), a group that provides support services to the Jackson Country Animal Shelter. We are very proud to have this opportunity to work with FOTAS. Pairing the emotional impact of good theatre with the emotional ties that develop between people and pets or animals in the wild will create a powerful experience for both audience members and the participants.

FOTAS meets the special dietary and medication requirements of animals that come into the
Jackson County Animal Shelter. They also help with administrative tasks at the shelter and they hold adoption clinics, spay/neuter clinics, and efforts in conjunction with other organizations. Their mission is to increase pet adoption, to improve the quality of life for animals kept in the county shelter, and to promote spay/neuter. The group also recruits foster parents who provide a temporary sanctuary and help find the perfect permanent home for a cat, kitten, dog or puppy.

Note that all scripts received will be considered, no matter the theme. We're changing horses for this event and will not punish any playwrights in the process.“Because of this partnership, AWE is now seeking plays that fit the theme of the event.”

If we are fortunate enough to have more great scripts than can fit in an evening, those scripts that fit the nature of the program will receive preferrential treatment.
The Process

Working with leaders from the AWE Readers Committee and directors from the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, all submissions will be read. Six to nine plays will be selected and then cast. Rehearsals will be held during the week before the event opens. Each play is given at least three rehearsals and four hours rehearsal time.

Selected plays will appear on our website and playwrights will be contacted at the e-mail address listed on the script cover page.
The Reward

Beginning in 2008 the event is moving to a larger venue. The Saturday night opening will be preceded by a gala. At present we also plan to hold a Sunday matinée. Winning playwrights will receive two tickets to the opening event and will be likewise welcome to attend any other related event.
Submissions

We are accepting plays from playwrights until July 15, 2008 (received). As this event is for the benefit of FOTAS, we are looking for plays that express the ties between humans and animals. No live animals will be allowed onstage, so please don't write a Siegried and Roy treatment that involves caged critters. Instead, focus on emotion, story, and character expression. Though the plays are short, we expect a big impact. It's not necessary to pen the next Seinfeld replacement. While we will look for a few comedies to fill the bill, we're also looking for solid drama, irony, and other dramatic attributes. Go wild!

Your script should be 8-12 pages in length with a cast size of 1-5 characters.

Previously produced scripts are accepted. Please give us the production history so that we can sing your praises in the playbill.

Send your script and your contact information via e-mail with a subject line of “TMPF Submission” to:

info@AshlandNewPlays.org

Again, please keep the piece to 12 pages or fewer. The script, however, must be a complete one-act play.

Acceptable file formats are limited to:

* Adobe Acrobat (.PDF)
* rich-format text (.RTF)
* plain text (.TXT)
* Microsoft Word (.DOC)

Note that MS Word and plain text scripts that arrive with an embedded virus will be deleted and not submitted to the selection process. Please make sure to keep your virus-checking software current and active.
Returns

Submissions are via the Internet, and thus there are no script returns necessary. Because you are subimitting your script as a file, we strongly recommend that you use the PDF format instead of one of the more easily editable text-based formats listed above.
Notification

AWE acknowledges each script received with a corresponding e-mail. If you don't hear back from us, please check your junkmail filter and then resubmit the script.

Beginning in late-July, the selected playwrights will receive notification via e-mail.
Playwright Requirements

Playwrights may be of any nationality and currently reside anywhere in the world. The plays, however, must speak to North American audiences.

Winners are encouraged to attend. You may meet with your director and cast and attend a rehearsal if you choose.

Winning playwrights are responsible for their own transportation to and from the area as well as their own lodging and meals. We will, however, give you a nifty AWE t-shirt and make you part of the event.
About the Fee

Fee? What fee? This event has no fees for submission or participation.

web site

Monday, April 14, 2008

Turtle Shell Productions one-act plays

Special Notice: Deadline extended till April 23rd

Theme: Issues of the 21st century

Turtle Shell Productions is looking for one-act plays 15 - 40 minutes in length for a month-long production of plays themed around issues of the 21st century. Deadline is April 9th 2008. Turtle Shell Productions aspires to create theater with a focus on current issues, ethics, culture and history, while collaborating on productions that celebrate the universal truths of human experience and inspire the community.

1.) Please add a cover letter that gives Turtle Shell Productions permission to produce your plays if chosen and sign at the bottom.

2.) Please add a 60 word bio of Playwright

3.) Each Playwright may submit up to three (3) Plays.

4.) Please send only hard copies of your script. Scripts will not be accepted via email and scripts will not be returned. NO EMAIL SUBMISSIONS EXCEPTED

5.) There is no submission fee.

Requirements: Plays must be 15 - 40 Minutes in length. No exceptions.

Submission deadline is Wednesday April 23rd, 2008

Send or drop off a hard copy of your play along with the cover letter

300 W 43rd Street, #403
New York, NY 10036
Attention: Turtle Shell Productions.

If you have any questions, please contact us at
jcooper@turtleshellproductions.com

Drama Ministry script guidelines

Writer's Guidelines
Drama Ministry Scripts

What you need to know before you submit a script.

Please be sure to have your script formatted according to our script style sheet.

In general, we're looking for scripts that can be used in worship services to focus the attention of worshipers on specific themes or life issues that the pastor can then address in the sermon or message that follows. Thus, the best scripts dramatize and heighten the issues without always resolving them; resolution is left to the sermon or is subtle enough that the sermon can tie it in. Our scripts are intended to be supplementary to the message of the day, and not be the main event themselves.
Writer's Guidelines:

1. Sketches should be from 4 to 7 minutes long and use 1 to 6 characters.

2. Include a statement of purpose, time requirements, list of characters, prop list and any unusual sound or light requirements.

3. Scripts should be sensitive to the unchurched. Avoid Christian-club jargon and insider church terminology.

4. Must have broad appeal to both evangelical and mainline audiences.

5. Most of our scripts are not obviously religious in nature. Rather they pose human situations that can be addressed from the pulpit following the sketch.

6. No elaborate staging or costumes.

7. Problems should be identified without sarcasm or overly critical tones (hope-based vs. critique-based). We do not want scripts that scold the audience or try to shame the viewers. Scripts that ridicule the hypocrisy of Christians are not for us.

8. Avoid didactic lines. Specifically, avoid making "less spiritual" characters mere foils who present questions and/or problems for "more spiritual" characters to resolve as "teachers."

9. Prefer everyday situations to extreme situations. Remember that there is enough drama, whether painful or humorous, in most people?s daily lives. For example, the temptation to tell a lie is much more common than the temptation to kill someone. Build your scripts around situations most people encounter in the normal course of living.


10. Avoid predictable endings. Prefer instead a conclusion that is unexpected but still a reasonable extension of the theme of the sketch.

Please be sure to have your script formatted according to our script style sheet.

Send Scripts to:
Regi Stone
Drama Ministry
P.O. Box 40387
Nashville, TN 37204

PLEASE PUT YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS ON YOUR SCRIPT.

Please note that your submission will not be returned.

Web site

3S Theatre Collective seeks new plays

3S Theatre Collective, a new theatre company dedicated to promoting talent from the tri-state area, is seeking creative and original one-acts, full-length plays and musicals from both emerging and professional playwrights.

Our desire is to capture work that embraces a variety of themes and issues. All cast sizes are welcome.

To submit, please send cover letter, resume, and script to Mariah MacCarthy, Literary Manager, at mariah@3stheatrecollective.org

While email submissions are greatly preferred, hard copy submissions will be accepted at:
491 Palisade Ave
Jersey City 07307

Sunday, April 06, 2008

PlayFest 2009 Playwright Submission Guidelines

PlayFest is seeking new full-length plays based on, or inspired by works of classic literature, OR historic events or persons. These events and persons need not be limited to prior to the 21st Century nor need they be completely based in reality. We prefer plays that require six actors or less, and have a particular interest in one-person shows. However, even in the case of one-person shows, we are not looking for history lectures, or museum piece adaptations that are faithful to a fault, but rather dynamic new theatrical versions of classic stories that speak to the contemporary mindset.

We are also seeking new Musicals and Musical adaptations. We will be a little less strict about the cast size, but are only interested in musicals based on or inspired by works of classic literature or historic events and persons.

We are also actively soliciting works by Hispanic authors (or subject matter) for our Hispanic Initiative. Works submitted must be written in English. These works too should be inspired by works of classic literature or historic events and persons.

In order to qualify for PlayFest a play must:

1. NOT have received more than two professional AEA productions

2. NOT have received a Broadway of Off-Broadway production

3. NOT have received Orlando production in current form

4. NOT be published for general distribution

Each year we select around ten new plays to be presented as readings. Two or three of those plays will go on to be developed in workshops during the Harriett Lake Festival of New Plays. Playwrights will receive a stipend, and travel and housing expenses. Some plays may go on to be fully produced as part of a subsequent Orlando Shakespeare Theater season.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES - PLEASE DO NOT IGNORE THESE GUIDELINES!

Submissions MUST include:

1. A title page containing YOUR snail-mail address, email address, and phone number - agent contact in ADDITION is fine, but there will be no negotiations unless the play is selected for final inclusion in PlayFest 2009
2. A playwright bio/resume
3. A one paragraph synopsis of your piece - NOT to exceed 250 words
4. Five pages of sample dialogue
5. A character breakdown (including doubling)
6. Deadline to submit is June 30, 2008
7. You will be notified by August 1, 2008 if you are to send a full script
8. PLEASE DO NOT SEND FULL SCRIPTS WITHOUT BEING DIRECTED TO DO SO
9. PLEASE DO NOT SEND ANY MATERIALS VIA EMAIL

Mail submissions to:

Patrick Flick
Director of New Play Development
The Harriett Lake Festival of New Plays - PlayFest
Orlando Shakespeare Theater
812 East Rollins Street, Suite 100
Orlando, FL 32803

web site

The Susan Glaspell Women In Theatre Conference

The Women In Theatre Conference is accepting unpublished works from Playwrights, Choreographers, and Composers to be presented during the Conference.

PLAYWRIGHTS:

We are seeking:

6 10 Minute Plays presented Thursday October 2nd

3 Solo Works up to 20 minutes presented Friday Oct 3rd

1 Full Length Work presented Sat Oct 4th with a possible extended run

Please send:

- A brief synopsis of the work
- Draft of play

Playwrights are welcome to provide their director and cast. The inclusion of a company, however, in no way advises the choice of works accepted. If you do not have a director attached to your project, the Conference will match you up with a director once your play is selected for performance.

SOLO ARTISTS and COMPOSERS:

Please supply CD/DVD of work and technical requirements.

CHOREOGRAPHERS:

We truly value your work and want you to participate! However, submit only works which allow you to bring your own company.

Please supply a DVD of work and technical requirements

--WORKS--

WORKS ARE JURIED BY A PANEL OF PUBLISHED PLAYWRIGHTS, PRODUCERS, COMPOSERS, CHOREOGRAPHERS AND THEATRE PROFESSIONALS

*All submissions should include a cover letter with name address, phone and email.

*Submissions may only be returned at the Conference upon prior request in writing.

--SUBMISSIONS--

SUBMISSIONS MUST BE MAILED IN HARD COPY TO:

COUNTER PRODUCTIONS

PO Box 1925

Provincetown, Ma 02657

NO EMAIL SUBMISSIONS ACCEPTED!

--DEADLINE--

ALL ENTRIES MUST BE POSTMARKED NO LATER THAN JUNE 1, 2008

SELECTED ARTISTS WILL BE NOTIFIED BY EMAIL BY JULY 15th. 2008

THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING YOU!

web site

Fall Festival of One Act Plays 2008

Circus Theatricals is seeking one act / short plays for our Fall 2008 One Act Play Festival. Winners will have their plays produced in our one act play festival in Los Angeles.

Guidelines:

* Plays must be no longer than 15 pages or less (20 minutes).
* Play may have been previously produced, but not in Los Angeles or Southern California.
* Plays with simple production value are preferred.
* Previous production history is required for all submitted plays.
* Playwrights may submit more than one play.
* All styles (comedies, dramas, etc) considered.
* Deadline: postmarked June 30, 2008 or earlier.

Please Submit:

* Three copies of full script, typed and securely bound
* No contact info on script/separate title page with contact info
* Short bio.
* Please do not include SASE, scripts will NOT be returned.
* We will notify only accepted scripts.
* NO electronic submissions.

Submit to:

Circus Theatricals
Attn: One Act Plays Festival 2008
PO Box 586
Culver City , CA 90232
info@circustheatricals.com
310 226-6144 ext. 1

Tuesday, April 01, 2008

Another article by Marsha Norman

I have had great reviews in my career, and I’ve had some that were so bad I stopped writing for years. That is more or less what all writers can expect. So this is not about me, or playwrights even. This is about the audience, the people the critics are writing for, I guess. But that’s the question: what are the critics doing? In the case of “August,” critics are encouraging people to go ahead and enjoy a play that people like. And that’s the answer to Frank’s question — that’s why “August” has been such a success. But that’s not always what critics tell the audience.

We in the theater community routinely blame critics for closing plays, chasing away playwrights and telling the audience in so many sarcastic words that shows in general are just not worth going to. Critics themselves say that they are, after all, only expressing their personal viewpoints — and so are themselves exempt from criticism of any kind. Generally they deny they have any real power. Newspapers, magazines and TV outlets also deny the power of the critics they employ. They operate as if people read ten or eleven papers a day, watch all the networks and can easily see what the other reviewers think and so come to a conclusion of their own.

Big media companies resist all complaints that any single critic has undue power. But if they are not interested in wielding critical power, why do newspapers and magazines continue to remind audiences of their critics’ opinions long after the original review has run? The practice of putting checks or stars in the listing of long-running shows is offensive in so many ways. It doesn’t inform the audience. But it does have the effect of shaming the audience into staying away. Many prominent critics seem to write one negative review after another. And even though the effect is generally to depress the theater and keep audiences away, theater producers continue to use critics’ quotes in newspaper ads, and wait to set a marketing strategy until the reviews come in. Producers continue to place ads in the same newspapers that are warning the audience not to see their shows. It’s a situation that’s gotten completely out of whack. Critics are no longer the advocates they once were, and audiences are drifting off to television, where so many playwrights are making a living now. And that is where we get back to Frank’s question.

Audiences love “August.” The critics love it too. And that doesn’t happen very often. Usually, when the audience likes something, the critics tell them they’re stupid for liking it, so fewer and fewer brave souls venture out until the show ultimately closes. Sometimes, critics like a play that leaves the audience cold. And as Frank notes, there is nothing a critic can do for a play if the audience doesn’t like it.

So how can critics serve their readers - and the theater - better? They need to accept their responsibility to report how the audience responded. And not in a dismissive way, but in a way that reflects the standards of ordinary journalism. I’d like to see sentences like “On the night I was there hating it, the other 1,600 people were cheering in the aisles. Go figure.” Or “On the night I loved it, half of the audience was asleep. Check it out.” If the critics are writing for the audience, then the reader needs to know what else was going on besides what was in the critic’s mind.

More at the Times

The Fourth Annual Chester Horn Short Play Festival: Summer 2008.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES: Plays may be any genre, any cast size. Scripts must be 15 pages or less. Submissions must be submitted electronically as Word or PDF files. Limit: 2 submissions per playwright. Due to the high volume of submissions, entries that do not follow these guidelines will not be considered. International submissions and short musicals are strongly encouraged as well.

* Email all scripts to scripts@theatrerats.com in PDF or Word format only, no more than 15 pages, limit 2 per playwright.

TBA: Fall 2008.

web site

Interesting article by Marsha Norman in the NYTimes

Finally, at least for this go-round, I like what this play represents: a life-long association of a writer with a group of actors and a theater. This is why Shakespeare wrote so much, he had a whole gang of actors waiting to do his work. Go down the list — the writers who wrote a lot of wonderful plays were always associated with a community of actors they could write for: Shepard, Chekhov, Brian Friel, Alan Ackbourne, David Mamet, Lanford Wilson, Caryl Churchill, Richard Foreman, Wendy Wasserstein. Playwrights who live apart from theaters and actors have a lot of trouble getting their work done. Playwrights need to be around actors, need to be a part of a theater’s life.

more at the Times

Looking for New Play for Two Women

Two actresses are looking for a new play to produce this summer in New York. We will cover all costs of production in exchange for the rights to perform the work. We prefer a very small cast. We are both caucasian in our mid/late twenties and can play a little older or younger. A piece that is still in process is fine and hopefully we can help you finish/edit it. Please email a synopsis and excerpt to vernot.theatre at gmail.com

Thank you!

Catch a Cabaret

“Catch a Cabaret” Developmental Series @ Emerging Artists Theatre

Jun 2nd - Jun 7th, 2008

Emerging Artists Theatre, a dynamic home where artists in all disciplines of the theatre can develop their work, is currently accepting submissions for musical cabaret acts for our new “Catch a Cabaret” Developmental Series.

“Catch a Cabaret”

This is our second annual festival of new, work-in-progress cabaret acts. We want to provide an opportunity for cabaret singers to work on their act before booking themselves into one of the city’s many cabaret rooms by getting audience feedback on what they present in a workshop environment. We will provide our space for one performance, programs and flyers, publicity for the series as a whole, and a piano. Singers will need to provide their own accompanist(s).

Submissions will be evaluated by curators Jonathan Warman and Damon Boggess, and we will produce up to 16 of the submitted acts in June 2008, as part of our annual Developmental Series.

Submission Deadline:

A paragraph describing your cabaret act, plus a bio of the artist or artists involved, must be received by e-mail, by Monday, April 21, 2008 at catchacabaret@yahoo.com

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Call for scripts! IGNITION: Emerging Writers of Color, funded by The Ford Foundation.

Victory Gardens Theater announces IGNITION: Emerging Writers of Color, funded by The Ford Foundation. The goal of the initiative is threefold: to introduce exceptional new writers of color to Victory Gardens; to help develop dynamic new work for mainstage production at the theater; to set up an ongoing network of interested producers and theaters to jumpstart future productions around the country.

We are inviting you, as a playwright of color under the age of 40, to submit an un-produced play for consideration in Victory Gardens Theater’s Emerging Writers of Color Festival. Six new plays will be presented in a festival of readings tentatively scheduled for August 7 through August 10, 2008. These plays will be directed by leading artists of color from Chicago and around the country. Following the readings, two of the plays will be selected for two week intensive workshops during Victory Gardens’ 08-09 season. Our ultimate aim is to produce one, if not both, of these final scripts in the 09-10 season.

If your script is chosen for the Festival, Victory Gardens will provide you with housing and transportation as well as a stipend for one rehearsal week beginning July 30th through the final event of the Festival weekend. You may send a script as soon as possible but no later than April 1, 2008.

Victory Gardens Theater, founded in l974, is the recipient of the 2001 Tony Award for Regional Theater. For thirty-four years the theater’s mission has been to develop new plays for the American Theater. Victory Gardens is a leader in its commitment to inclusion and diversity, and has been recognized by the Ford Foundation for translating this core value into mainstage productions by writers of color each season. The theater has a fourteen member Playwrights Ensemble whose membership also reflects the diversity of the mission. Our home is the newly renovated historic Biograph Theater, a 299 seat theater with state of the art equipment.

Submission Deadline: April 1, 2008

Announcement of Six Festival Participants: June 1, 2008

Festival Dates: August 7 – August 10, 2008

Submission Guidelines:

-The initiative is open to all playwrights of color under 40 years old. The theater hopes that a diversity of perspective will inform the plays, but the plays do not have to deal specifically with race issues.

-Plays must unproduced and must be in English or primarily in English.

-Victory Gardens Theater defines “emerging writer” as a writer who has not had a full production at a major regional theater.

-Plays must be submitted by mail, not electronically, and should not be permanently bound.

-Playwrights may only submit one full-length play.

-Please include a biography or resume.

-Please include a return addressed postcard if you wish to be notified that the script arrived. All scripts will be recycled after reading and will not be returned.

-There is no submission fee.

Submit to:

Aaron Carter, Literary Manager

Ignition: Emerging Writers of Color

Victory Gardens Theater

2257 N. Lincoln Avenue

Chicago, Illinois 60614

If you have any questions, please call Aaron at 773-328-2142 or Sandy Shinner, Associate Artistic Director and Project Director, at 773-549-5788 ext 2139.

P.S. Chicago Dramatists Workshop has just extended the deadline for its Many Voices project to March 15th. Your play may qualify for this playwriting contest. If you are interested you can address inquiries to iduncan@chicagodramatists.org.

http://victorygardens.org/content/node/525

The Living Theatre

The Living Theatre is looking for scripts for its monthly series of public readings to be held at our theatre on New York's Lower East Side. We're interested in scripts that address social issues and/or involve the audience.

Send scripts to:
Steve Capra
The Living Theatre
21 Clinton Street
New York NY 10002

www.livingtheatre.org

Monday, March 24, 2008

YOUR TURN TO WATCH DAD

Member Walter Thinnes's ten minute play YOUR TURN TO WATCH DAD has been selected as one of nine plays for inclusion in the Boca Raton Theatre Guild 8th Annual National Play Reading Festival April 25-27. More details available at bocaratontheatreguild.org.

Bruce Barton/PASSION PLAYS

Member Bruce Barton performs in THE PASSION PLAYS Sat. 3/22, Sat. 3/29 & Sun. 3/30 all at 2pm at the Park Theatre in Union City, NJ. Details available at www.parkpak.org.

The 3rd Annual Kingsborough 10 Minute Play Festival

Kingsborough Community College is proud to announce and invite submissions for The 3rd Annual Kingsborough 10 Minute Play Festival. The festival is a direct outcome of our Directing class. Each student in the class will select a play to direct as part of the festival. Over the first two years of the festival, eighteen new plays have been presented. The Festival runs May 27th - 30th.
Please read the following guidelines carefully, updated for this year
• The play must run ten-minutes or less
• The play must have 5 or fewer characters.
• The play must have minimal technical requirements
• Submitting your play grants KBCC 10 Minute Play Festival the right to produce your play in our annual festival and photograph and/or videotape it for archival purposes if it is selected for production.
• The play should be in a "play format" making it easy for the readers.
• The play must be unpublished at the time of submission.
• The play must be un-produced at the time of submission. Staged readings are not considered "produced."

There are two methods of submission: Mail and Email.
Mailed submissions should be sent to:
Kingsborough 10 Minute Play Festival
Kingsborough Community College
Attn: Festival Coordinator
2001 Oriental Blvd.
Brooklyn, NY 11235-2398

Email submissions should be sent to: KBCCplayfestival@yahoo.com

1. Make sure to include to your contact information: play title, your name, your address, your phone number and your email address
2. Your play must be received by Kingsborough 10 Minute Play festival no later than April 4th 2008 to be eligible.
3. Plays will not be returned to you.

Plays chosen for production in our festival will receive a copy of the program from the festival and a copy of the photo CD of the festival.

Monday, March 17, 2008

Heller Theatre Playwriting Contest

Heller Theatre releases Guidelines for Annual Play contest

Interested playwrights should read and follow the guidelines listed below. If you have additional questions feel free to contact Heller.

2008-2009 Original Play Contest Guidelines

1.One hard copy must be submitted to Heller Theatre, 5328 S Wheeling, Tulsa, OK 74105. Electronic submissions will NOT be considered

2.Submissions must be postmarked between Jan. 15th, 2008-April 1st, 2008

3. Manuscripts will NOT be returned. Submissions must include SASE for notification of results.

4. One-Act and Full-length plays of any genre will be considered.

5. Material must be un-produced and original and the sole work of the entrant. No adaptations will be considered. Previous readings acceptable but the play must not have been fully staged.

6. The winning Play will receive its world premiere production as part of the 2008-2009 Heller main-stage season.

7. Plays should be suitable for staging in a small black box theatre. Cast size should be limited to eight.

8. Winning playwright will have the option of being housed and fed during the production or receive a $200.00 stipend. Travel expenses will not be covered.

For more information, call 918-746-5065.

Palm Beach DramaWorks

Palm Beach Dramaworks will be accepting new play submissions during the months of July and August 2008. All submissions must be postmarked no sooner than July 1, 2008 and no later than August 31, 2008 and should be sent to Palm Beach Dramaworks, Attn: Nanique Gheridian, 322 Banyan Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33401

Submissions will be considered for public readings during the 2008-2009 season, at dates to be determined. Playwrights can submit only one original, full-length script. The submitted script cannot be a published or previously produced work and may not have been submitted to Palm Beach Dramaworks for previous consideration. Musicals and one act plays are NOT eligible.

Scripts will become the property of Palm Beach Dramaworks and will not be returned unless submitted with a Self Addressed Stamped Envelope with the correct postage.

web site

Willows Theatre NextFest 2008

The Willows Theatre is currently accepting play submissions for NextFest 2008, a festival of new work produced by young or early career artists. The festival will be held in our new 176-seat Cabaret Theatre. Selected plays would be produced in a staged reading and would be considered for full production at a later date.

* NextFest is accepting submissions of previously un-produced work from artists who are early in their career. We are accepting full plays, one acts, and musicals that would benefit from further development.

* We are accepting full scripts at this time. Please include a SASE for return of materials and our response.

* Please allow three months for a reply

* The deadline for NextFest 2008 is April 15, 2008. We may consider work that arrives after that date for future festivals.

* Please do not email your submission or email the office for information on the status of your submission

Please send all NextFest submissions to:

NextFest Submissions
Willows Theatre Company
1425 Gasoline Alley
Concord, CA, 94520

Please write NextFest clearly on the address label to ensure that your submission will be read.

web site

Monday, March 10, 2008

Nanci Cone in LOST IN YONKERS

At the Islip Pavillion
410 W. Main Street, Islip NY March 2008

Wednesday March 5th & 12th, Thursday March 13 @ 7:30 PM
Friday, March 14th @8PM
Saturday March 15th @8PM
Sunday March 16th @2PM

more at www.islippavillion.com

Soho Rep Writer/Director Lab

The Soho Rep Writer/Director Lab was founded in 1998 to explore and develop the work of a new generation of theater artists, and to foster collaborations between writers and directors in the beginning stages of the creative process.

From October - April, the Lab meets on alternate weeks. Writers agree in advance to bring in work three times during the six-month cycle. At each meeting, Lab members read the plays aloud, writers and director serving as actors, then together discuss the work. There is an expectation that the writer and director will collaborate outside the meetings, at their own discretion.

At the end of the cycle, each of the plays born from the Lab is presented in a public reading series at Soho Rep.

Writers and directors must apply separately. At the start of the cycle, each writer invited to join the Lab is matched with a director.

Writers interested in participating are asked to apply with a project proposal. Ideally, this is a project you feel will benefit from both group input and close work with a director. The proposed project must be a play in the earliest stages of development, one you have recently begun or would like to begin work on in the coming months.

Interested directors are asked to provide a one-page statement of purpose outlining their theatrical sensibilities and concerns. We consider these statements carefully when pairing writers with directors, so please be specific.

In selecting Lab members Soho Rep has a policy of favoring new applicants and forging new artistic collaborations. While we value some degree of continuity, we wish to place emphasis on providing this opportunity for new members, and expanding the circle of artists associated with Soho Rep. Please note that we do not accept applications from students engaged in full-time programs.

For more information contact Writer/Director Lab Co-Chairs, Maria Goyanes and Daniel Manley at writerdirector@sohorep.org

http://sohorep.org/lab_3.html

THE FUNNIEST PLAY ON EARTH 2008

Playwrighting Contest

Enter your most hilarious comedy plays for a chance at a $500 advance, being published, produced, and forever known as the winner of... The Funniest Play on Earth 2008!

What plays are Eligible?
Entries must be full-length, unpublished, comedy plays.
Previously performed plays are allowed.
Entries that become published by another company prior to being chosen as the winner- are disqualified.

What do I win?
$500 royalty advance!
A publishing offer from Cheshire Comedy
A production of your play. See your work come to life
Being forever known as the author of The Funniest Play on Earth 2008

What are the important dates?
Entries will be accepted until April 1, 2008.
A winner will be chosen and contacted by July 1, 2008.

How will the judging work?
The best plays will be selected as Finalists and accepted for Publishing.

The Winner will be chosen by theater companies,
producers, and actors from around the country!

How to Enter:

* Email (preferred) the play to: 2008 Contest Email Address
o For multiple entries, use separate emails for each play.

OR...

* Mail a copy (not original) of the play to:
Cheshire Comedy Publishing, 49 Congress Street, Suite 29, Nashua, NH 03062
o If you'd like your play returned, please include a self addressed, prepaid shipping envelope.
o HARD COPY IS NOT REQUIRED.

http://www.cheshirecomedy.com/funniest-play-earth-contest-a-28.html

Shelterbelt Theatre submission rules

Script Submissions

The Shelterbelt produces four productions each season, from collections of short one-acts to full lengths and welcomes submissions of new scripts of all lengths and subject matter. Please read the following guidelines before you submit your play:


At this time we are accepting full-length and one-act plays.

Shelterskelter and From The Shelterbelt With Love scripts must be a maximum of 10-12 minutes in length.
STEP 1

Please submit the following:
1. A letter of inquiry with your contact information.
2. A one page synopsis of your script.
3. A 10-page selection from the script.
Submission of script(s) does not mean that we will give you a response. If you do not hear from us, please do not call us or e-mail us. It means that we are very, very busy. If your script is considered for the season, we will contact you.

* Make sure you have a title page at the beginning of your document, with your full name and contact info. Failure to do this may result in playwrights not getting properly credited. The title page must be in the same file, not sent as a separate file.

* Please Note: If your script is properly formatted, each page should equal a little more than 1 minute.

Please mail your submission to:
The Shelterbelt Theatre
Attn: Dramaturgy
PO Box 31607
Omaha, NE 68131
Or Electronically via E-mail: submissions@shelterbelt.org

We accept the following types of files: Word 95 – 2002; Plain Text, Rich Text Format, Adobe PDF
We are no longer supporting Final Draft or Movie Magic Screenwriter documents.
Please convert your scripts to one of these formats above before submitting to us.
Thank you

http://www.shelterbelt.org/submissions.htmlS

Thinnes plays

Walter Thinnes's play MEETING WITHOUT END will continue on to the final round of the 8 Minute Madness Play Festival. Performances are Wednesday, March 12 through Saturday, March 15. Visit www.turtleshellproductions.com for more information and ticket information.

His play THE WILLOW GROVE was selected as a semi-finalist in the 51st Stanley Awards from Wagner College in Staten Island, NY.

Thursday, February 28, 2008

2008/2009 The Pen is a Mighty Sword International Playwriting Competition

Beginning March 1, 2008 VTP is accepting bold, passionate, innovative and compelling new work for the stage. We impose no restrictions as to theme, style or subject matter, but do want plays written specifically for the stage.

+ Winner receives a $2,000.00 cash award.
+ First and second runners-up receive cash awards of $1,000.00 and $500.00 respectively.
+ Up to seven honorable mentions will receive cash awards of $100.00 each.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

All entries must be unpublished and un-produced full-length plays written in English. (Labs, workshops and readings exempted). No musicals, one-acts or children's plays.

* For mailed entries submit one (1) legibly typed and firmly bound manuscript.
* For emailed entries submit one manuscript file in Word, pdf or Final Draft format.
* All entries must include the author’s name, address, telephone number and email address.


All mailed submissions should be sent to:
Whit Andrews
The Virtual Theatre Project
130 Cook Street
Rural Hall, NC 27045

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Information and Submission Instructions for Playwriting Competition Darknight Gallery V - 2008

Information and Submission Instructions for Playwriting Competition
Darknight Gallery V - 2008 Before you proceed please note: Thank you for your interest!

Darknight Theatrical Productions is a 501(C)(3) not-for-profit theatre company.
Our goal is to produce thought-provoking, discussion-generating work with
a tale that resonates with our audience.

The Darknight Gallery playwriting contest is an annual event in which we produce an evening of NEW (NOT previously produced) scripts reminiscent of Rod Serling's Night Gallery and The Twilight Zone.
# Cash prizes for the winning plays: $400 to the script that receives the most votes in the one-day event
# $200 to the second place script
# $100 to the third place winner

A chance to see your work produced for the full run in Darknight Gallery V!

Below you will find information and tips regarding the specific genre we are looking for, our criteria for selecting the winning scripts, and instructions on how to submit your play. Please read over this information carefully to ensure that your script has the best chances of being produced in our 2008 production of Darknight Gallery V!

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions. Our email address is darknight_theatrical_productions@yahoo.com.
THE GENRERod Serling's television programs, Night Gallery and The Twilight Zone often told stories of characters struggling with mankind's most primal emotions: fear, greed, pride, or their own mortality. The stories were told in a setting that resembled our world in almost every way, yet in every episode the characters encountered something unfamiliar and had to learn how to face it using their limited (and often terrified) human understanding. It is our intention to excavate the inner mind and explore such emotions and such experiences as paranoia, isolation, insanity, and horror from the safety and comfort of our theatre. WHAT WE WANT:
# Scripts about the human condition that could scare an audience, yet leave them contemplating who we are as human beings.
# Good dialogue combined with characters taking actions that gets to the point and tells a complete story in 45 minutes or less.
# Strong Characters
# Socially Conscious Themes
# Dramatic Tension that intertwines with Suspense

OUR IDEAL PROTAGONIST: M. Night Shymalyan is a contemporary author who writes in this genre. His movies The Sixth Sense and Signs are eloquently executed in the vein of Rod Serling's programs.
# Your protagonist should be someone who the audience can RELATE TO, he/she is the advocate of action.
# He/She is driven by a series of events that lead him/her to evaluate the seemingly familiar territory that surrounds him/her.
# Events (not just conversation) should be leading the protagonist closer to the truth.
# Tension increases until he/she rushes towards an inescapable conclusion: a conclusion that the audience is afraid to know, yet NEED to know!

WHAT WE DO NOT WANT NO Slasher scripts. We also want to avoid scripts that are situational rather than plot driven. i.e. if two (or more) characters spend their stage time working out issues or rehashing an old dispute....we can't really use it.

Avoid characters who debate a reality that they previously failed to acknowledge. (i.e. we don't want characters that do very little but talk MUCH!)
The main characters that we are in search of use actions to overcome or resolve a dilemma rather than hashing it out with words.

Each script we receive goes through the following process:

EVALUATION ROUND
Three Tiers of Evaluation:
# I-Does the scripts fit the genre and follow the guidelines?
# II-Does the script have strong dialogue, characters, and is the plot clear?
# III-Does the script make you think, what are the human interest aspects of it? (The 6 Strongest Scripts go on to the Finalists Round)
Playwrights selected for The Finalists Round will be notified by email

The 6 FINALIST playwrights will then be invited to participate in the Darknight Gallery V - One Day Finalists Event!
# Each playwright will be asked to create a shortened version (a taste if you will) of their script.
# Directors and actors will then be selected to participate in this shorter version for the one-day event.
# On May 31, 2008, the actors and directors will come together in the morning to rehearse the shortened script.
# That evening, the 6 pieces will be performed for an audience. The audience will vote for the scripts they would like to see p