First Ever International Human Rights Art Festival: Queens version

Website

Deadline: June 15, 2025

QUEENS-BASED ARTISTS ONLY

September 26-28, 2025
Court Square Theater44-02 23rd Street, Long Island City, NY 11101
(Just 10 minutes from Times Square; 7, G, and E trains within a 4-minute walk.)

Results announced by mid-July, 2025

The submission window is now open for performance work in any form - every discipline!

Work may not have been produced within the last year in NYC, or be scheduled in the next six months of September 28th, 2025.

Please note:
the performances must be fully produced by you; IHRAF is a presenting platform.

Considering performances 10-20 minutes long.

We accept just one proposal for each application.

Submit all work to costanza@humanrightsartmovement.org

We are jurying work with the following interests:

• Ten Minute Play Festival 
• Climate Change Action
• Immigration
• LGBTQIA
• Celebration of Women/Women in Power
• Celebration of Black Men/Undiscovered Women
• Shalom/Salaam
• With Love from Africa
• Queens historyAmerica's Slide Into Authoritarianism
• Any other social justice concerns you might have

All accepted performers will receive:

• Performance stipends of $150
• PR and marketing support
• 30-minute tech rehearsal
• Festival TD and SM
• Free photographic documentation of their performance

…and bragging rights as participants in this vital and growing NYC creative-activist institution!

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

A brief description of your piece, including approximate running time - we’re accepting 10-20 mins works.

A cover letter, including details regarding the piece’s discipline, issue of concern treated and a brief summary of your artistic goals

Your bios or resumes and the names of any collaborators already on board

A sample of work (scripts, pics, videos, songs, any other links or file that could help us to know more about your project)

As email subject, please type IHRAFQueens 2025, then add Association-Company-your name (i.e. IHRAFestival 2024, Joan Doe)

We are seeking artists who use their creativity as their weapon of justice, and operate under our signature values of
Beauty as a fundamental artistic principle;
Sincerity and Vulnerability of presentation;
Celebration of Diversity, and opening doorways of engagement with all members of society.

Connect with Us

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Qutub Minar Review seeks short plays

Website

Submission Deadline: June 20, 2025

Submission Email: editorqutubminarreview@gmail.com

Qutub Minar Review is inviting poetry, short stories (maximum 500 words for each story), one minute plays, interviews, book reviews, memoires and travelogues for July 2025 issue. Submission guidelines are as follows:

1 All submissions must carry a cover letter and a short literary bio-data (about 70 words) of the author.

2. We accept submissions only by email. All submissions must be sent to editorqutubminarreview@gmail.com

3. All submissions must carry:

• Full legal name of the author
• Pen name (if any)
• Postal address

Drama: You can submit up to 3 one minute plays at a time.

USAGE RIGHTS
By submitting your work you accept that you hold the copyright of the work and there is no need to get permission of any third party to publish your work. After publication the copyright of the work will revert back to the author.

NOTIFICATIONS
We notify the authors through email regarding acceptance of their works.

PAYMENTS
Unfortunately, there is no pay at this time.

Veterans' 10 Minute Playwrighting Contest 2025

Website

Deadline: June 30, 2025 11:59 PM

SUBMIT VIA SUBMITTABLE

All playwrights, regardless of military affiliation, are invited to enter Salem State University’s 10-Minute Playwriting Contest. However, preference will be given to those with a direct military connection. This includes active-duty military, reservists, National Guard, Veterans, and direct family of any of these.

The theme of the play should directly touch on military service and/or how military service affects a community. The contest and festival look to recognize and celebrate those that have served and currently serve. We are looking to bring together a variety of voices exploring both the challenges and the victories and positive influences that Veterans have on our community.

Judges will select finalists, whose plays will be part of a series of staged readings in November 2025.

Important Dates

June 30, 2025 - Entry deadline

August 15, 2025 - Notification of finalists

November 2025 – Staged readings with post-performance discussions. Additional details forthcoming.

Contest Rules

• Only submissions through Submittable will be considered.
• One submission per playwright.
• Only original plays, not-yet produced or published, are eligible.
• All plays are judged blind. Do not include any personal, identifying information anywhere on your submission.
• Musicals and adaptations are not eligible.
• Simultaneous submissions are allowed. If your play is accepted elsewhere, please let us know immediately. If your play is chosen to be performed, you agree to withdraw your play from all other places where it is under consideration.
• By submitting, you agree to allow Salem State University to produce the first staged reading of your play.
• Scripts meeting the rules and submitted by the deadline will be reviewed by judges.
• Judging will be done by SSU faculty and members of the SSU Veterans’ community.

Judging Criteria

StoryPlot seems fresh, intriguing and original
Something happens; sufficient conflict and tension throughout the play
Plot is active, vital and dramatic on stage
Story moves along; pace is engaging

VoiceStrong, interesting writing style
Clear viewpoint that’s well integrated into the play

CharactersInteresting and compelling characters
Characters seem credible and real
Main character evolves or develops through the course of the play

DialogueDialogue suits the characters
Dialogue sounds natural and credible for the plot and location
Each character has own unique voice
Dialogue seems fresh and compelling (not dull, boring, or generic)

AppropriatenessThe play can be staged in the 10-minute time allotment in a black box theatre with limited set, sound, and design.

Overall effectPlay is transformative and memorable

Submitting Your Work

The script must be in standard playwriting format with 12-point Courier font. Use double spacing when changing from one character to another. Use single spacing everywhere else. If you are unfamiliar with standard playwriting format, please check out this example.

PLAYS THAT FAIL TO MEET THESE CRITERIA WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

Questions: email arts@salemstate.edu

Community Players Theatre seeks full-length plays

Website

Deadline: August 31, 2025

Bloomington IL

Playwright will be notified of acceptance by October 1st, 2025

Submit to Playreading@communityplayers.org

Enhanced Staged Reading: There will be set, costumes, and props. It is a short rehearsal process which is why we are not requiring memorization.

Restriction: Story must take place in no more than 2 locations. Cast no larger than 6. Must be in English.

Playwrights are more than welcome to submit as many scripts as they would like.

There is no restriction on if a show has been performed before. We just ask that you let us know so it can be properly advertised.

The Playwright will not be required to pay any fees.

Lab Theatre Project seeks full-length plays

Website

Deadline: April 30, 2025 at midnight

Tampa, Florida

LAB Theater Project is officially seeking bold, original new works for our 11th season—running January to December 2026.

We are on the hunt for powerful stories that spark conversation, challenge perspectives, and reflect the world around us. How do we live, feel, and respond to the times we’re in? What truths are you ready to reveal? Show us the mirror you’re holding up to society and the ways your work can inspire change and ignite cultural shifts.

Above all—captivate us with a story we won’t forget.

Are you ready to make your mark? We can’t wait to read what you’ve got.

Format: PDF only, please.
Limit: One script per playwright. Make it count!
No AI: Your words, your ideas, your voice. Let’s keep it human.

If you’ve got questions, drop us a line at submissions@labtheaterproject.com.

We are currently accepting new work. We will accept one submission per playwright for a full-length work and comedic short. Sending multiple scripts to us will result in none of them being read. We want to read what you feel is your best work that you seek for us to produce. Unproduced work only. Staged or even concert reads are acceptable in the production history. Produced, even in community theater, makes the work ineligable for submission to LAB.

LAB runs on a calendar year season, January to December.

For all submissions, please provide in the body of your email a 100 word playwright bio, a 100 word synopsis of your play, and production/development history of the work. You may submit directly to submissions@labtheaterproject.org.​

For full-length work, please provide: A PDF document with the title page, scene breakdown, character breakdown and only the first 20 pages of your script. Submissions received after the deadline will be held for consideration for the following season.

For comedic short submissions to our annual LAB Laughs/Comedic Short Festival, please submit a PDF of the full play. Submissions received by August 1st will be considered for the next production of LAB Laughs, usually in the following summer. All received afterwards will be held for the next season.

Little Plays Big Murder short play festival

Website

Deadline: June 30, 2025

​

Email a Word or PDF file of your script to producer@westchesterplays.com. We will respond that we have received the script. All communications will be via email. Read the format section above for what to include.

Westchester Civic Theater (WCT) is holding another round of our 8x10 Play Festival. It will include 8, ten-minute scripts that are new. We hope one (or more) will be written by you!

WHO KILLED THE DIRECTOR?
Your job as the writer is to come up with a 10 min play using the characters provided in the opening as well as any other characters you feel you may want to add to enhance the play and solve the crime as to who killed the director and why. One catch, the opening of your play must have a character start your play by saying, "This is what happened."

At the start of the show, the attached scene: view here will provide the setup your play will be one of the 8 short plays that follow.

GRACE GODPLOP, 20's, young and a bit naive when it comes to the theatre world, originally from the south and acts like a Southern Belle. Many eyes are on her due to her charm and looks.

DONALD SPEAR, 50's, older actor and a bit of a grump, seems to be stuck doing Community Theatre and wants to some day breakout, he does not suffer fools

MORRIS CATROPHY, also in 50's, this guy IS a fool, nice man but clueless to the point where others think he cannot be that dumb

DEBBIE LITTLE, 50's-60's, loud mouth and intelligent but puts her foot in her mouth too many times, is never afraid to speak her mind and one not to mess with

KAT CROTHERS, older than 40, female, all business and no pleasure make this person a dullard

JOHNNY NICER, 30's, works with the lights and has the hots for Grace, he knows his job well and hopes to someday break away from lighting and maybe direct his own show one day

You must incorporate the theme but feel free to color outside the lines.

From script submission to performance - the process:

Phase 1: Script Submission - Due by June 30

Requirements

Ten Minutes - This is about 8 pages of dialogue in 12 pt font. While we will read all scripts, if they are much over 8 pages they will not be considered for production. 

Subject Matter - Write the best story that incorporates the theme in some way. 

Cast Size - No requirement.​ If your script is on the convention hall floor, know that we'll add in extras as appropriate to pass by in the background. 

Playwright Location - We don't care where you're from. Have an amazing script, submit it!

**Format - PDF or Word. On the title page include your Name, location and email address. Do not include your name on the script pages.

Never Performed Material - We want scripts that have never been performed with set, cast and all the drama. If it went through a stage reading or two, okey doke.

Set - When writing your script, know that we have limited space, tech, and no projection. Single set works best but if things need to come in and out, that's cool we'll figure it out. We use chairs and simple items to represent the area.

You can submit as many scripts as you'd like! More the merrier

**SPECIAL OPTION - Feel like submitting 3, 2-3 minute scripts that are vignettes telling one story? Do that. We will weave each of the 2 minute scripts in-between the other 7 scripts. You can submit them in one document.

Scripts remain your property. If selected, we will produce them, perform them, take production pictures, and record them in production. The pictures will be shared and the recordings will live on our YouTube page. Beyond that, they are yours.

We look forward to reading your scripts! 

Phase 2 - July 1 - July 20, 2025

We have an awesome group of people who will read all the scripts to determine which are the best fit for WCT and the production. Keeping to the ten minutes is critical! This team will reduce the submitted scripts down to 15-20. These scripts will enter Phase 3 - director matching.

Phase 3 - Script/Director Matching - July 21 - 30

8 Scripts, 8 Directors

The narrowed down selections will be shared with 8 directors (director spots still open). The directors will read the scripts and determine which they would like to direct. The core WCT team will do some fancy analysis of the 8 director's responses and complete the final matching. From there...on to casting.

Phase 4 - Three Performances

Friday, September 5, 7:00pm

Saturday, September 6, 2:00pm

Saturday, September 6, 7:00pm

321 Plays for Trans Futures Submissions

Instagram site

Deadline: May 1, 2025

 SUBMISSION FORM

321 Plays for Trans Futures is an 11-hour long performance art show centering work & artists within the gender expansive community. You do not need to identify as trans/gnc/nonbinary in order to submit, but we will prioritize work centering trans+ experience for this piece.

We are seeking writers, artists, and musicians to submit work responding to the following prompts: Birthplaces, Homes, Memorials, Creation for Survival, & Futures. These prompts are the themes of each ~2-hour long movement within the show. We are specifically seeking work that can be performed in 2-5 minutes, but are also open to longer and non-temporal works. These prompts are meant to serve as an inspiration-- if your work lives outside the scope of these themes, please submit it anyways.

We will cast an ensemble to perform all 11 hours of content. If you live in the Chicago area & would like to perform your own piece, please indicate that in the form below. If you're a performer, keep an eye on our social media for a casting call for the ensemble.

Please submit a piece that you'd like to see featured in this project by May 1st, 2025. We will accept submissions on a rolling basis. After submitting, PLEASE keep an eye on your email.

We will pay each selected artist $15. You may submit as many pieces as you'd like for consideration, but you will receive a flat $15 if any of your work is selected for 321 Plays for Trans Futures.

2025 International Playwriting Prize Carlo Annoni

Website

Deadline: April 30, 2025

Send your submission to info@premiocarloannoni.eu

1000 € awarded to two best plays (one in English and one in Italian)

The Carlo Annoni International Playwriting Prize is now open for submissions with topics concerning the LGBTQ+ community, including love, diversity, and identity in a time of gender fluidity. 

We accept full-length or short plays even if already represented.

Award ceremony in Milan, September 2025.

The Loop Festival seeks playwrights

Website

Deadline: none given

Submission form

Click here to complete the interest form to be a playwright for the 2025 Loop Festival experience. 

Video of presentation and all feedback transcribed will be provided.

Requirements include:

have a new play or musical written for young artists 13-20 to perform.

eagerness to hear responses from young adult artists and other audience members in order to to make revisions as needed.

be willing to participate remotely via video conference tools and during the Pacific Standard time zone of 9 AM - 4 PM.

Thrown Stone Theatre Company CT Short Play Fest

Website

Deadline: May 5, 2025

SUBMISSION FORM

Thrown Stone Theatre Company invites playwrights to submit short plays for the inaugural CT Short Play Fest, hosted in conjunction with the SoNo Arts Festival on Saturday, August 2, 2025.

The CT Short Play Fest gives playwrights the opportunity to see their work performed and adjudicated before a live audience at the SoNo Arts Festival. In its inaugural year, the Fest will feature five plays in the afternoon session focused on teen and young adult playwrights, the winner of which will advance to the evening session to compete against five additional selections.

Please read the complete guidelines below before submitting, as multiple submissions are not allowed. If you have any questions prior to submitting, please contact us.

THE FEST IS PERFORMED IN TWO SESSIONS:

AFTERNOON SESSION

Five short plays written by high school- and college-aged playwrights. The winner of this session will advance to compete in the evening session.

EVENING SESSION

Five short plays by practicing playwrights who have had at least one previous professional or academic production, plus the winner of the afternoon session.

All plays will be adjudicated by a panel of industry professionals, who will provide feedback and select winners from each session.

Please Note: All selected plays will be presented as script-in-hand staged readings.

FEST DETAILS

Date: Saturday, August 2, 2025

Afternoon Session: 2pm
Evening Session: 6pm
Venue: The Crystal Theatre, 66 Bayview Ave, Norwalk, CT 06850

REQUIREMENTS

Playwrights should submit the following via our submission form:

• Script: The complete short play in PDF format.
• Synopsis: A brief (150-word max) synopsis of the play.
• Character Breakdown: A description of all characters, including any specifications for race, age, gender, etc., if applicable.
• Playwright Bio: A brief bio, including your experience as a playwright.

GUIDELINES

• Length: Submissions must be between 7 and 12 minutes in performance time and a maximum of 15 pages in length.
• Format: Scripts should be formatted in standard playwriting style and submitted as a PDF.
• Eligibility: Submissions must be original and not previously published, produced, or performed at any prior festival.
• Cast Size: Scripts must feature a cast of no less than two and no more than six actors. While the script can include more than six characters, the roles must be covered by no more than six actors. Solo shows will not be considered.
• Actors: Plays will be read by a dedicated house cast of 8-10 professional actors, selected and managed by Thrown Stone Theatre Company. This ensemble will perform all roles and stage directions for the festival. Non-traditional casting is likely, and will be handled respectfully according to the requirements of the play.
• Staging Requirements:Scripts should be suitable for a minimalist staging format, with actors reading from music stands.
• Minimal or no use of props, lights, sound, or other technical elements is required.
• Stage directions will be read aloud by members of the house cast unless otherwise specified in the script.
• Language: There is no restriction on the language, but if not in English, accurate translations must be provided with the submission, and the material must be reasonably understood by an English-speaking audience.
• Originality: Scripts must be original; unpublished; not previously produced; not previously selected or adjudicated in any festival; owned entirely by the playwright; and not generated in whole or in part by artificial intelligence.
• You Belong: Thrown Stone Theatre Company encourages submissions from playwrights of all backgrounds and identities.

SUBMISSION PROCESS

Please note that we will accept and review up to 100 submissions for each session. Early submissions are encouraged as the review process will close once this limit is reached.

THROWN STONE THEATRE COMPANY WILL PROVIDE A venue at the Crystal Theatre, including a basic lighting plot, pre-set general lighting cues, and basic sound equipment.
A professional house cast for all roles and stage directions, as well as music stands and chairs for use during staged readings.
Front- and back-of-house personnel, including a board operator if needed.
Recognition of the selections and winners on Thrown Stone Theatre Company’s website.

PLAYWRIGHT RESPONSIBILITIES

Playwrights are encouraged to: Attend rehearsals
Collaborate with the creative team on any necessary script updates

TIMELINE

Submissions Open: March 5, 2025
Submission Deadline: May 5, 2025
Selection Notification: June 16, 2025
Fest: August 2, 2025

EVALUATION CRITERIA

Submissions will be evaluated on:

• Originality: Does the play present a unique perspective or idea?
• Theatricality: How well does the play use the tools of live performance?
• Central Dramatic Question: Is there a clear and compelling central dramatic question driving the play?
• Feasibility: Plays should be adaptable for performance by the house cast, with consideration given to flexible casting within the ensemble.
• Fun: Short plays for a festival should be fun. If your play isn’t fun, there should be a fun reason it isn’t.

FEST RECOGNITION

Selected plays will be recognized on Thrown Stone Theatre Company’s website under the categories:Fest Selections TYA: 

Afternoon Session (Teen/Young Adult) Selections.
Fest Selections: Evening Selections.
Winners from each session will also be indicated on the website. Selections may be linked to their corresponding pages on newplayexchange.org if applicable.

ABOUT THROWN STONE THEATRE COMPANY

Thrown Stone Theatre Company is the only professional theatre in Connecticut exclusively dedicated to new work from commission to development to production. Learn more and book tickets at thrownstone.org.

Union County Playmakers 10 Minute Play Festival

Website

Deadline: May 15, 2025

Monroe, North Carolina

Send to: email info@unioncountyplaymakers.org

or

· To Attn: Terrie Sloan, P.O. Box 1382, Monroe NC 28111

Writers ages 15 and older may submit one original work (no adaptations) that has not been previously published or performed and is suitable for general and youth audiences.

Interested in trying your hand at playwriting or already an accomplished writer? Start writing now or dust off that draft that needs editing. Submit a 10-minute play for an opportunity to have it produced if it is selected for Union County Playmakers’ New Play Event. Performances will be held at the Union County Community Arts Council on Sunday, June 22 and 3 p.m. 

Writers ages 15 and older may submit original work (no adaptations) that has not been previously published or performed and is suitable for general and youth audiences. Submissions may be rejected if they are determined to be inappropriate or if they cannot be produced under the production restrictions of time and space. No more than two scripts per playwright may be submitted.

Playmakers will provide the space for auditions, one technical rehearsal, and performance, and may also provide minimal set pieces. Playmakers will also promote the event, hold auditions, and assist with identifying a director.

· Write a ten-minute play using the standard script format that can be performed on a bare stage or with limited staging and props. Please format your script using the Samuel French formatting style, which can be found at: https://www.scribd.com/.../Samuel-French-Formatting-Guide...

For more information, please email: info@unioncountyplaymakers.org

BabelFest: A Festival of New American Plays seeks full-length plays

Website

Deadline: May 16, 2025

SUBMISSION FORM

BabelFest: A Festival of New American Plays at Redhouse House Arts Center, Syracuse, NY Submission Guidelines

Redhouse Arts Center is seeking groundbreaking new plays and musicals that feature new voices and new perspectives. The festival will be curated by respected arts leaders in the Central New York area and around the country. One new play and one new musical will be selected for two public staged readings at Redhouse Arts Center in Syracuse. Submissions are free.

Winners Announced: July 7, 2025

Festival Dates: September 25 - September 28, 2025

• Scripts must be submitted in PDF format.
• Scripts must be completed drafts. No incomplete drafts or treatments
• Scripts must be unproduced and unpublished. Readings and/or workshops are acceptable.
• Playwright (and collaborators if applicable) are the sole owners of script copyright.

On the cover of your script, please include;

NAME OF PLAY

PLAYWRIGHT’S NAME

CONTACT INFORMATION [Address, Phone Number, Email Address]

Script Summary

CHARACTER BREAKDOWN

SETTING

TIME PERIOD

Supporting Materials

COVER LETTER

BIO OF PLAYWRIGHT and COLLABORATORS

MUSIC FILES [for musical submissions only]

Playwright Eligibility

Playwright must be 18 years of age or older by the scheduled dates of the festival. Playwright must be a citizen of the United States. Playwright may submit more than one script.

Winning Playwrights

Redhouse will choose 2 new works; 1 musical and 1 play. Winners notified by email in mid June. Winners must be available to participate in the festival.

Winning playwrights will have access to Redhouse Arts Center facilities to continue to develop their work during business hours. Top level local actors and top level local directors will be chosen to rehearse in the evening for one week, culminating in two public staged readings of each chosen new work. Playwrights will have the opportunity to edit their work between readings.

Chosen playwrights will receive a $1,000 commission for their work.

Out of town playwrights will be given travel and accommodations at Redhouse’s expense.

A playwright and cast talkback will follow each staged reading

Redhouse will market and advertise each new work chosen

Semi finalists, and finalists will be announced in each category. Feedback available upon request.

Please visit theredhouse.org audition and submissions page for submission links

Email babelfest@theredhouse.org with questions

The Braid Salon Theatre seeks short plays

Website

Deadline: July 1, 2025

Santa Monica, California

Click Here to Submit

Two Faiths, One Love: Interfaith families reveal the humorous challenges and unlikely situations that lead to often surprising outcomes in a blended home.

What happens inside homes located at the crossroads of religions? How does it work or not? Is yours a mix of religions or even just different approaches to Judaism? Share with us your true stories that resulted in everyone laughing together or pushing the family to its breaking point.

How long can the story be that I’m submitting?
No more than 1500 words.
Please do not submit a full length play.
All one-acts must be 5 pages or less with no more than two characters. 

Do I have to be Jewish to submit?
No, you need not be Jewish to submit, but we prefer the work to have some Jewish content or Jewish resonance. All are welcome to submit.

Can I submit more than one piece?
Yes. However, each piece needs to be submitted separately.

What if my piece doesn’t fit the theme?
Please do not submit your work unless it fits the theme.

If my work is accepted, is there remunerations?
Yes, all works selected are given an honorarium. Written pieces that are selected for Salon Theatre will be given an honorarium based on the number of times the work is performed in the show for which it was selected. Writers also receive royalties if works are reprised. With StoryNosh, you will win a $100 prize for being selected.

My story has previously been published/produced. Can I still submit?
Previously produced or published work is welcome. Please include production and/or publication history.

Can I submit my musical?
We encourage composers, song-writers, and performers to submit one song from a musical, or one scene with a song with no more than two characters. Full length musicals will be rejected without reading.

Is there an age limit to submit?
Submissions are open to writers of all ages.

Does The Braid assume rights to my piece?
No. You give us permission to distribute your story digitally and/or perform it live. However, you retain all the rights to your story.

When I will be notified if my piece is selected?
We read every piece submitted at least twice, a process that takes time. If we plan to use your work in an upcoming Salon show or StoryNosh, we will contact you by email within two weeks of the performance date or Youtube release date. Please check our website for posting of those dates. If we cannot use your piece this season, we will keep it in our files for possible future use, when it may be better suited to another theme.

What happens if my story is selected?
All selected pieces will be edited and adapted by our skilled dramaturges to fit The Braid’s theatrical style. All edits will receive your approval before production begins.

Your work will then be performed by professional actors and produced by The Braid’s production staff.

You will receive an honorarium for your written piece included in our Salon Theatre based on the number of times it is performed in the show for which it was selected. You will also receive royalties whenever the piece is reprised. 

Why would I submit to StoryNosh instead of a Salon Theatre show?

You can submit to both as long as you do not exceed the word limits for each and your story relates to the theme. StoryNosh just allows us to explore additional themes in a digital format that are different from our Salon Theatre series.

Can I perform my own story?

No. Writers do not perform their own work. However, in rare cases, we will allow a writer/performer to perform their own story. Writer/performers will need to send a performance reel along with their submitted story.

Hello Godot - FreshWords' One-Minute Existential Play Anthology

Website

Deadline: May 5, 2025

1. Theme and Tone

Plays must explore existential themes such as meaning, futility, waiting, hope, despair, or the absurdity of existence.

Tone can range from darkly humorous to poignant or tragic, but should align with the spirit of existential literature (e.g., Beckett, Camus, Sartre).

Submissions should resonate with the idea of "waiting for Godot" or the search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe.


2. Format and Structure

Each play must be exactly one minute in length when performed. This typically translates to 1-2 pages of dialogue or action.

Plays should be minimalist, with a focus on concise, impactful dialogue and action.

Maximum of 2-3 characters per play to maintain simplicity and focus.

Stage directions should be minimal but clear.


3. Originality

Submissions must be original, unpublished works.

Plays should not infringe on any existing copyrights or intellectual property.

Adaptations or reimaginings of existing works (e.g., Waiting for Godot) are acceptable as long as they are transformative and original.


4. Submission Details

Submit your play as a PDF or Word document with the file name: HelloGodot_YourName_PlayTitle.

Include a cover page with:

Play title

Your full name

Contact information (email, phone number)

A brief bio (50-70 words)

Email your submission to dramaanthologyfreshwords@gmail.com with the subject line: Submission: Hello Godot – [Your Name].

5. Rights

Playwrights will retain copyright to their individual works.

6. Deadline

Submissions must be received by May 5th, 2025. Late submissions will not be considered.

7. Selection Process

Submissions will be reviewed by a panel of editors and theatre professionals.

Selected playwrights will be notified via email by May 10th, 2025.

We look forward to receiving your one-minute existential masterpieces! Let’s explore the absurd, the profound, and the fleeting moments that define our existence together.

Read & Rant Submissions July 2025

Website

Deadline: April 30, 2025

SUBMISSION FORM

Athena Project’s Read & Rant program seeks to combine the sharing of theatrical work with the wider public and aspects of new play development while also fostering collaboration between playwrights and dramaturgs. We operate this program with the goal to create digital opportunities for early and mid-career playwrights, uplift writers and dramaturgs overall, and highlight artists who identify as an underrepresented gender. At Athena Project, we want to create a safer space for expression and growth for artists that identify as woman or nonbinary. 

Submissions are now open to be considered as a featured script at Read & Rant on July 21, 2025. The event will be on Zoom from 6:30pm-8:30pm MST. Tickets to attend the event are free and open to the general public through online event registration.

How does it work?

-Submissions are open until April 30, 2025.

-Once submissions are closed, we will select four playwrights via RANDOM LOTTERY. Those four will be asked to submit full copies of their scripts. 

(*Note you do no need to submit your script now, we will be reaching out if selected)

-These scripts will be read by a small cohort of dramaturgs. These dramaturgs will assess each scripts then select two scripts to be featured at the Read & Rant event. (The two scripts not selected to feature will still receive written feedback from our dramaturgical team)

-If your play is selected to be featured, it will be provided in advance to attendees of Read & Rant, who are expected to read it prior to the event.

-At the Read & Rant, a dramaturg will guide an open discussion with the audience to answer questions and provide feedback on your work.

Please keep in mind that rather than providing a platform for a reading or a dramaturgical deep-dive consultation, it works more like a Book Club! A general audience receives and reads the scripts in advance of the event, then a dramaturg uses their expertise to guide a discussion around the play. It is designed to give early-stage scripts audience feedback, and the dramaturg helps guide that discussion to ensure the feedback is productive and helpful.

If you have any questions, please contact Em Perez at literarymanager@athenaprojectarts.org. Thank you!

Woodward/Newman Award 2026-27

Website

Deadline: August 31, 2025

Each play should be individually submitted at the following link: CONSTELLATION STAGE & SCREEN PLAY SUBMISSION.

We are currently accepting submissions for the 2026-27 Woodward/Newman Award. The award recipient will be announced by May 15, 2026. The winner will be awarded $3,000 and a full production.“Full-length” plays should have a complete running time of between 1 hour 15 minutes (75 minutes) to 2 hours 15 minutes (135 minutes). 

TYA shows should have a complete running time of over 40 minutes.

Plays submitted must be unpublished at the time of submission (independently published is acceptable).

You will be asked to submit your play as an attachment and all other information (bio, history, synopsis, character breakdown) will be entered into a form. 

• Musical submissions may upload demos as an attachment or include a link to a shared folder.
• Limit of 2 play submissions per year.
• $3,000 cash prize is in lieu of royalties for the full production. Housing & transportation will also be provided.
• Any unpublished play submitted to Constellation regardless of method (e.g. online form, agent submission, direct contact) may be considered for the Woodward/Newman Award.

Please note that we are moving away from a “finalists” model in lieu of keeping all plays under consideration for extended periods (2yrs). We will only announce a winner.

If you have any questions, please email literary@seeconstellation.org.

46 Minute Mixed Bag variety show

Website
Instagram

Deadline: May 19, 2025

Submit your in-development short piece (~10-15 min) on this short google form.

If you have any questions, please email us at 46mincollective@gmail.com

Seeking 10 minutes, specifically in-development for a low-tech staged performance of “in-progress” to inspire further development for the artist 

Must be able to make it to the performance - (Thursday, July 24, 2025, at The Brick Aux in Brooklyn, NY) 

Yes, a playwright can submit more than one play 

Playwrights and other artists can submit whatever they’d like; however, Mixed Bag is meant to be a low-tech//low-stakes opportunity specifically for in-development new works 

Submitter will be notified of their submission status TBD 

The playwright must self-cast and self-produce their rehearsals. This event is meant to provide artists of all media a stage to present new works in progress to audiences in a low-tech space

Mixed Bag is a variety show for first drafts. We provide artists with a low-tech space and audiences to further develop their early works. We hope this will be a space to learn about your piece and discover the next steps in your process. If you are an artist in any medium with new work you want to test out, apply using the form below! We look forward to seeing what you have been working on!

The 46 Minutes Collective is a non-hierarchical performance collective founded by artists committed to nurturing and producing boldly original, interdisciplinary time-based work. We aim to bolster emerging artists in their pursuit to push the limits of form, challenge the purity of medium, and foster collaborative processes. Our works exist in the in-between and the surreal; they tap on the fourth wall in a quest to make art that is accessible and creatively adventurous. Learn more about us on our website or follow us on Instagram @46mincollective.

Community Players Theater - Page to Stage 2025

Website

Deadline: July 31, 2025

Please note new deadline
Deadline: August 31, 2025

Page to Stage: An Original Staged Reading is an opportunity for playwrights to submit their work to be performed through Community Players Theatre (Bloomington IL.) To those wishing to submit their work, please make sure it follows this criteria:

• The script must be unpublished
• It is fine if the script has gone through workshops or readings
• No more than 2 locations within the script
• Cast size 2-6
• Can feature a child but the majority of the cast must be adults
• Few adjustments will be allowed once the script has been submitted
• PDF or Word Doc formatting
• No musicals
• A playwright is not limited on how many they can submit
• This process is for the benefit of audiences to hear new plays and new playwrights

Scripts are due by August 31st, 2025. Please submit all scripts to Ashleigh Rae-Lynn (playreading@communityplayers.org)

Eliot Hayes Award 2025

Website

Deadline: May 1, 2025 at 11:59 PM ET

To Submit: Use the online form to upload your essay without identifying information in PDF format and a separate PDF with all of the identifying information outlined here using the form below.

Named in honor of Elliott Hayes, the former dramaturg and literary manager at The Stratford Festival and a dual citizen of Canada and the USA, this award recognizes excellence in dramaturgical work on a specific project over the past two years. Eligible projects may include, but are not limited to, production, season planning and implementation, educational programming, or advocacy for the profession.
Application Information

The recipient of the 2025 Elliott Hayes Award, presented at the annual LMDA conference, will receive $1000 USD and a $500 USD travel stipend to the LMDA conference held in San Diego, CA, USA/Tijuana, Mexico.

There is no application fee. Applications will be evaluated through an anonymous application process. The application is open to all.

All applicants will be notified of the panel decision and the winner will be notified by May 16, 2025. However, the public announcement will be kept private until the presentation of the award at the LMDA Conference in Summer 2025.

For the purposes of this application, if you self-identify as a dramaturg, you are a dramaturg. If you come from a culture that does not view dramaturgy as separate from other parts of the creative process, or does not have a word for dramaturgy, and you feel your work fits within the rubric above, please contact us at admin@lmda.org to speak further.

All applications must meet the above-mentioned standards for eligibility.

Only one application per person.

Although we welcome applicants from anywhere in the world, the application must be in English.
The application must be a minimum of 500 and a maximum of 4000 words. There will be no reward for brevity nor punishment for length. Within the already stated boundaries, the essay should be exactly as long as it takes for you to make a strong, clear, and cogent argument for the nomination you are putting forth.

At this time, we do not have the capability to review secondary materials such as videos or slideshows. Although their inclusion will not disqualify an application, they will not be reviewed. No letters of reference are needed - nor will they be read if sent. As well, please do not include a resume in your application, as we are concerned with only the strength of your proposal and what currently engages you, not your history.

In order to facilitate the anonymous application process, you must provide two separate documents in PDF format:The first discussing the work with no identifying information (including the name of the work, your name or the name of the person you are nominating, or the city, state or country in which the event took place. In other words, nothing can be included which is searchable on Google or any other search engine. The phrases "the work", "the director", and "the process" are all fine substitutes.
The second document will include all of the identifying information not present in the first, including your name and contact info or the name and contact information of the person/work you are proposing. Your application will be reviewed by a panel of dramaturgs who represent the extraordinary talent and diversity found within our profession. Only the Executive Director, who collects applications, will see the identifying information. The panelists will not know the identity of the winner until after a decision has been reached.

Although you are welcome to propose the work of others, that other person must be known to you, you must have had a real-life interaction with said person, and you must be able to provide contact information for them.

Any project you propose cannot have been completed before July 1, 2024. It is fine if the project is still underway. Ideally, it should be completed by December 31, 2025, though exceptions may be made for extraordinary work.

Each project may only be proposed once for the Elliott Hayes Award. While there is no limit to the number of years in a row one can apply (see note below), each year must feature a new project.

The winner of the award must appear at two conferences, either in person or virtually (using an application such as Zoom.) The first appearance would be to accept the award, and the second to present it to the next year's winner.
The winner of the Elliott Hayes Award is required to sit on the next year's adjudication panel.

Note: If you have won or received a special commendation for the Elliott Hayes Award, you may not reapply for three years.

If you have any further questions, feel free to contact Lindsey R. Barr, Executive Director, at admin@lmda.org

If you don't receive an acknowledgement of your application within 72 hours, please contact awards@lmda.org.

We look forward to your consideration!

Eliza Moore Fellowship for Artistic Excellence 2025

Website

Deadline: May 31, 2025

SUBMIT VIA SUBMITTABLE

The Eliza Moore Fellowship for Artistic Excellence is awarded annually to one outstanding, early-career artist who is developing new works that address plants, gardens, or landscapes in the broad sense. This award is open to visual artists, literary artists, dancers, and musicians. The award includes a $10,000 individual grant and requires a 2 - 5 week stay at Oak Spring. While at OSGF, the Fellow will be able to meet with staff, explore our 700-acre landscape and our efforts in sustainable land management, and visit our rare book library that holds over 19,000 objects, including many examples of botanical art.

OSGF intends to award the Fellowship to an exceptional artist whose works show remarkable promise to contribute to a deeper understanding of the natural world, and humankind’s place in it. The Fellow will be scheduled to visit when there are other Interdisciplinary Residents or Fellows on-site. This scheduling will allow the Fellow to join in communal meals, and optional activities and field trips with other artists, ecologists, researchers, or scholars working on projects related to OSGF’s mission. Beyond time devoted to their projects, a Fellow’s typical day at Oak Spring might include a walk to enjoy the landscape or birds; an appointment to visit the Oak Spring Library; and/or a morning spent volunteering at the BCCF or in the formal garden. These optional activities provide Fellows time to learn from, and interact with our staff. None of these activities are required, and we understand that some Fellows might want to spend most of their time in their writing or working independently. We support and enable Fellows to use their time as they best see fit.

At the culmination of their stay, we encourage, but don’t require, Fellows to give a 20 – 30 minute presentation with time for questions, to Oak Spring staff and any other Fellows, Residents, or program participants who might be on site.
Application Process

The application portal will open on February 14, 2025 and close on May 31st, 2025. Please note that there is one application for all of our 2026 Residency and Fellowship programs, and you will be prompted to select which programs you would like to be considered for. You will be asked to submit:

a resume/curriculum vitae (not to exceed two pages),

a 200 - 300-word statement on your artistic practice,

a statement of 200 - 300 words stating how your work relates to Oak Spring Garden Foundation’s mission to “perpetuate and share the gifts of Rachel (“Bunny”) Lambert Mellon, including her residence, garden, estate and the Oak Spring Garden Library, to serve the public interest. OSGF is dedicated to inspiring and facilitating scholarship and public dialogue on the history and future of plants, including the culture of gardens and landscapes and the importance of plants for human well-being,”

work samples

For poets and playwrights: you may submit 7 - 10 pages total. Poetry may be spaced as needed, and scripts should follow standard script formatting. 

NOTE: When applying to this Fellowship, you will be asked if you are interested in being considered for one of our other residencies, if you are not selected for the Fellowship. To learn more about our residencies, visit www.osgf.org/residencies.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants must be early-career artists not enrolled in an undergraduate degree program in 2026. We will consider individuals with a proven track-record of professionalism, but who are yet under-recognized, as early-career. Eligible early-career applicants will have some recognition in the form of exhibitions, commissions, performances, grant awards, residencies, Fellowships and/or publications.

Individuals who have participated in an extensive number of solo exhibitions, or who have published a significant number of books will be considered established or late career, and are not eligible for the Eliza Moore Fellowship. We encourage those who are not eligible for this Fellowship to apply to the Interdisciplinary Residency.

The successful Fellow must be self-directed and able to work independently while on site. Applicants are expected to show dedication to their artistic practice, clear connection to the natural world in their work, exceptional promise, and good communication skills.
Dates

Fellows should arrive on the same start date of an Interdisciplinary Residency, or Botanical Artist Residency, and the Fellow will complete their introductory tours with other Residents. In 2026, these dates are:

Monday, March 2, 2026

Sunday, April 14 (up to 3-week stay only)

Monday, June 1

Monday, July 13

Sunday, August 13 (up to 3-week stay only)

Monday, September 21

Award

The $10,000 individual grant associated with this award can be put towards travel to and from OSGF, materials and supplies purchased for their residency, and other items that will support their work, before or after their stay at OSGF.

The selected Fellow should make travel arrangements to Dulles International Airport, where Oak Spring will arrange ground transportation for them to our estate in Upperville, VA. The Fellow will be housed in nicely appointed shared accommodations. The Fellow will have a private bedroom and bathroom, and share a living room and kitchen with 1 – 3 other Residents or Fellows.

Barter Theatre Appalachian Festival of Plays and Playwrights 2026

Website

Deadline: May 1, 2025

Please send play and a brief synopsis to:  apfestival@bartertheatre.com

Six new Appalachian plays are chosen from the submissions to be given public readings by Barter’s company.

The playwrights are brought in at the beginning of the festival week to be a part of the rehearsal process. Each play is given about 8 hours of rehearsal time with the focus being on clarity of story.

After each reading, there is a moderated discussion between a panel made up of three regional theatre professionals and, most importantly, the audience, for their feedback. That way, the playwright receives feedback from three separate groups: artists, panelists, and audience.

Playwrights have found this to be a very useful step in developing their plays, as well as a wonderful opportunity to meet other artists, make new friends, and enjoy the beauty of Southwest Virginia!

Plays must be written by an Appalachian playwright (currently living in a state that contains the Appalachian Mountain Range— which, for our purposes, run from New York to Alabama.)

OR 

• The plays must be set in the Appalachian region.
• Plays must be unpublished and must not have had a full professional production.
• Plays must be full length.
• Plays must be submitted electronically.

Don McCann Playwriting Contest 2025

Website

Deadline: June 15, 2025

The Oswego Players were established in 1938 as a non-profit community theater organization dedicated to live theater productions and theater education for Oswego area residents. Consistent with those goals, a playwriting contest was established to promote the creation of original, one-act plays by contemporary authors.

The contest is FREE and open to any playwright who is 18 years or older and resides (or attends college) in the state of New York.

• All plays must be based on original concepts (no adaptions of any works or no verse plays), unpublished and unproduced.
• The Oswego Players reserves the right to produce and perform any of the prize winners.
• The content, theme, and time period of the play are at the discretion of the writer.
• Since a live production of the of at least one of the prize winners is planned* simplicity is highly recommended:
• One act, single set, with a run time of 20 to 30
• Written so it can be staged with minimal set, props, lighting and sound effects, and costume design.
• The story should not exceed eight characters due to the potential unavailability of actors.
• All entries must include a cover page which includes the name of the play, name of the playwright, and an updated address, phone number, and email address.

Provided there are enough entries, the following cash prizes will be awarded:
– 1st Prize: $250.00 – 2nd Prize: $150.00 – 3rd Prize: $75.00

Submissions must be received by June 15th of the contest year and sent either electronically to osweplay@yahoo.com or through the mail, Donald J. McCann Memorial Playwriting Contest, P.O. Box 183, Oswego, NY 13126.

The writers of any of the prize winners automatically gives permission to the Oswego Players, Inc. to make copies of the script for rehearsal purposes.
Submission of an entry will constitute agreement by the writer/author to the terms described herein.

* Consistent with the organizational goals of the Oswego Players, Inc., it is their desire to produce a live stage production of the winning entry within a year of its selection. However, the organization reserves the right to opt out of this provision due to unforeseen, extenuating circumstances.

Roving Peregrine seeks short plays

Website

Deadline: June 30, 2025

Google Form: https://forms.gle/Me5RFCwbvQg2Mkb79 

Shepherdstown, West Virginia

Roving Peregrine is seeking submissions for an event supporting Trans Lifeline being produced in October. The Roving Peregrine Theatre Company isn't taking any money from the tickets, it's all donated and were looking for playwrights to donate their time and talent to the cause. The shows are not fully produced, they are staged readings. We're looking for short plays (20 minutes or less). 

Must:

• be no more than 20 minutes long (roughly 20-25 pages or less)

• Feature and highlight joy in the Queer Community (Its doesn't have to specifically be about Coming Out)

• be an original work by me (we are not accepting adaptations at this time, you can use public domain characters, but it must be in a new story)

• be a new work that has had no more than two (2) professional productions

• have 5 characters or fewer

HINDSIGHT 2025 International Short Play Festival seeks 10-minute plays

Website

Deadline: May 1, 2025

Left Edge Theatre, Santa Rosa, California

How to apply:

In fewer than 100 words, tell us how your play addresses the theme “Tyranny.”

Email your answer together with your play (in Word or pdf format only) to: jenny@leftedgetheatre.com 

Two Staged Readings of 10 x 10-minute plays

Saturday, July 19 and Sunday, July 20 at The California Theatre, Santa Rosa, CA

Left Edge Theatre is calling for submissions of new short plays for its annual Hindsight Festival, now in its fifth year. Left Edge is located at The California Theatre in downtown Santa Rosa, Sonoma County - the heart of wine country and just an hour’s drive north of San Francisco.

Playwrights from around the world are invited to send in submissions. Winners will have the opportunity to meet and discuss their work with the director and cast before the performance, online or in person.

The Theme: TYRANNY

Hindsight plays focus on events happening now or within the last 12 months. Our theme this year is tyranny in all its forms – political, domestic, or any other version you feel truly passionate about. Your play can be in any genre, but it must be new, current, and demonstrate the theme “Tyranny” in creative and imaginative ways. We are looking for plays that challenge and inspire us to think, feel and act.


The Rules:

Your play must be no longer than 10 minutes.

Your play must not have been previously performed in Sonoma County, CA.

Playwrights may only submit up to two plays each.

Small casts preferred.

Stage directions will be read aloud during performance and are encouraged to help set the scene and explain the action.

Playwrights must include a brief explanation of why the play fits the theme “Tyranny.”

Why you should apply:

10 winning plays will receive two live staged readings by Left Edge actors at The California Theatre, a performing arts venue in downtown Santa Rosa.

Winning plays will be published in a print collection.

The performances will be filmed and a free link of the recordings made available to you.

Winning playwrights will gain exposure and new relationships with the Left Edge artistic community and Sonoma County audiences.



Questions? Email: jenny@leftedgetheatre.com

2025-26 PlayGround-NY Writers Pool

Website

Deadline: May 31, 2025

Submission form

– 25 early-career playwrights as well as 3 alternates will be competitively selected from applications to form the Writers Pool.
– Members of the Writers Pool may submit scripts to be considered as part of the Monday Night PlayGround-NY staged reading series. Four times each season, September through March (see tentative schedule below), PlayGround-NY will announce a prompt and Writers Pool members have just four-and-a-half days to generate an original short script (max. 10 pages) inspired by the prompt. The top six scripts each round will be staged publicly with leading local directors and actors. Those not selected may submit their scripts to Recess for cold readings via zoom (see below).
– From the plays staged throughout the season, up to six will be selected for Best of PlayGround-NY (produced in April 2026).
– Writers Pool members can gain peer feedback on their work by participating in Recess cold readings (one week after each Monday Night PlayGround-NY and generally via Zoom) as well as through a staff one-on-one session (available upon request). New this year, Writers Pool Alternates will have full access to Recess.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

– Writers must reside within the five boroughs of New York City
– NEW THIS YEAR: Writers Pool members must commit to submitting for ALL FOUR Monday Night PlayGround-NY events in a given season (see below for schedule, subject to change). Writers failing to meet the eligibility requirements must sit out the remainder of the season and one additional full season. Alternates are asked to submit each round and may be admitted to the Pool should there be an opening during the season.
– The submission of a script to Monday Night PlayGround-NY grants PlayGround-NY the exclusive option to stage the play as part of the Monday Night PlayGround-NY and, should it be so selected, to present the world premiere as part of Best of PlayGround-NY and non-exclusive option to publish the script in a “Best of PlayGround” anthology.
– Current members of the Writers Pool must reapply in order to be considered for the following season.


WHAT TO SUBMIT
– Playwrights must submit a 10-page max, properly formatted script as PDF attachment. Both previously produced and unproduced scripts are eligible. See below for formatting examples.
– The script must have the playwright’s name, address, email and phone number at the top of the first page and include a detailed cast breakdown, and all pages must be numbered.
– The script title must be labeled by Lastname, Firstname_Title (e.g., Shakespeare, William_The Tempest).
– Excerpts from longer works are not accepted but short plays that meet the above requirements and are derived from a longer work are accepted.
– BIPOC, trans/gender-non-conforming & playwrights with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
– Applications must be received by 11:59pm PT on Saturday, May 31, 2025.

To view sample script formats, click the link(s) below.
Submission Format #1
Submission Format #2

WRITERS POOL ANNOUNCEMENT
– Applicants will be notified of selections on or before August 1, 2025.
– Selected writers must attend a mandatory company meeting on Sunday, August 24 (time to be announced).

2025-26 SCHEDULE (subject to change)
MNP1 Topic Announced: September 19, 2025
MNP1 Scripts Due: September 23, 2025
MNP2 Topic Announced: October 31, 2025
MNP2 Scripts Due: November 4, 2025
MNP3 Topic Announced: December 19, 2025
MNP3 Scripts Due: December 23, 2025
MNP4 Topic Announced: January 30, 2026
MNP 4 Scripts Due: February 3, 2026

Chaotic Merge Issue 9 Submissions

Website

Deadline: May 10, 2025 11:59 PM

SUBMIT VIA SUBMITTABLE

*Note: We don’t have themes for Issues. We believe all art forms and genres can beautifully collide into a Chaotic Merge.

Chaotic Merge is looking for submissions from all different forms of artists. We seek work that is adventurous and test the border of art and structure. Don’t be afraid to mess with everything you have ever learned. We encourage the voices of people of color and members of the LGBTQIA+ community to submit their work.

General Submission Guidelines
All work(s) should be submitted through Submittable with either Garamond or Times New Roman 12pt. Font. Please look below to see if the section(s) you are submitting to have specific guidelines. We have the right to refuse the right to read your work if submitted otherwise.

Disclaimer:
As a Magazine, we do not tolerate and reserve the right to reject or not to respond to work that contains racism, homophobia, violent themes, etc. content.

Content Warnings:
Please include content warnings for any sensitive material after the title of your piece or by messaging us directly. If you do not know if it should have a trigger warning or not, put it in there anyway. It can only help.

Note:
All our zine are all online only. Our regular issues are print & online.

SCREENPLAY/ PLAYSWe accept up to 2 unpublished Screenplay or Play totaling to 10 Pages.

Famous Plays Who We Feel Are Very Chaotic Merge: Wolves by Sarah Delappe, Wives by Jacklyn Backhaus, and The Flick by Annie Baker

FAQ

WHAT IS YOUR RESPONSE TIME?
Our response time is 1 month – 3 months for print issues. If you haven’t received word back from us by then, you may send us a query to our email chaoticmergemagazine@gmail.com or through submittable. Please remember we are doing the best we can to get back to you as quickly as possible.

HOW MANY TIMES CAN I SUBMIT PER READING PERIOD?
A person can submit up to one time per category (poetry, fiction, nonfiction, etc.) per submission period.


DO YOU PUBLISH ALREADY PUBLISHED WORK?
Chaotic Merge Magazine publishes only unpublished work, unless we ourselves request for them. By submitting your work, you affirm that you are the sole author and maintain all rights for your work. By submitting your work, you authorize Chaotic Merge Magazine to publish your work in both its e-journal, online platforms, and print.

DO YOU ACCEPT SIMULTANEOUS SUBMISSIONS?
While we accept simultaneous submissions, please notify us on our email (chaoticmergemagazine@gmail.com) or through submittable immediately to withdraw your work once it has been accepted elsewhere.


DO YOU PAY YOUR CONTRIBUTORS?
We offer a small $3-$5 payment for each work(s) accepted. Currently, that is the best we can do for our writers, and we are working on improving this amount in the future. Also, all works will be considered and nominated for The Pushcart Prize.

Rainy Day Artistic Collective "But Make It Gayer" Monologue Showcase

Facebook page

Deadline: May 3, 2025 at 11:59 PM PST

Seattle Washington

SUBMISSION FORM

• Submissions can only feature one speaker.
• Each monologue must be approximately 1-5 minutes in length.
• The piece(s) must be on the theme of "...But Make It Gayer," taking a familiar story/concept and adding and/or exploring a Queer element to the work.
• No more than two submissions per playwright, please! (NOTE: if you are submitting a second piece, please fill out the form a second time and submit that one separately.)
• Please list any content warnings and an MPAA rating.
• Our mission at Rainy Day Artistic Collective is to "make the theatre you wish to see." We are an inclusive; LGBTQIA+, minority, and disabled-run; hybrid company based out of Seattle, Washington. We ally against racist, sexist, classist, xenophobic, homophobic, transphobic, ableist, and otherwise bigoted practices. As such, we will not consider submissions that contradict our values. 

This is an entirely volunteer event and we will not charge admission; this means that we are not able to offer stipends to artists at this time. We understand if this is a deal-breaker.

The "[ ]...But Make It Gayer" Monologue Showcase will live-stream on Saturday, June 21, 2025.

This will be a free-to-attend and entirely volunteer-run virtual event; any donations (always appreciated but never required) will go towards funding Rainy Day's 2025 Season.

Kingdom Theatre 10 Minute Harvest Festival

Website

Deadline: June 30, 2025

Submit to-kingdommtctheatre@gmail.com

Convening November 2025 Kingdom Theatre presents Harvest Festival. Featuring a series of Diverse 10 minute plays 

Calling Emerging and Experienced playwrights showcase your play before Industry professionals and live audience.

We provide the following,

• Theatre venue with 2 large dressing rooms, spacious auditorium theatre 
• Catered Food and Reception 
• Creative staff and Actors to produce your play.
• Rehearsals and Readings for your play 
• Promotions for your play.
• The Harvest Festival will convene the 1st three Saturdays in November with live performances and Reception 

Zero Submission Fee

If you are selected you must pay registration fee $80

Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning (JCAL) 5th Annual Meet the Playwright (MTP2025) program

Website

Deadline: April 28, 2025

SUBMIT VIA SUBMITTABLE

Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning (JCAL) is pleased to open its application portal for the 5th AnnualMeet the Playwright (MTP2025) program. JCAL seeks four new, unpublished, unproduced plays by grassroots, early-career, and/or emerging playwrights for MTP2025.

MTP2025 spotlights emerging theatre writers identifying as BIIPOC (Black, Immigrant, Indigenous, People of Color), with an emphasis Queens-based playwrights. Each month, from November 2025 to February 2026, each of this year’s playwrights will present at least 25 minutes, and no more than 35 minutes, from their play as a professional staged reading for a live audience. The performance concludes with a moderated Q&A between the audience, playwright, director, and creative team.

In MTP2025, each selected playwright receives a $2,000 stipend. With this stipend, each playwright covers the cost of engaging directors, actors, and any other collaborators (e.g., dramaturgs, designers) they wish. Each playwright also receives at least one, but up to two, private readings of the play at JCAL, and will meet monthly with the MTP Program Manager.

While MTP prioritizes Queens-based writers identifying as BIIPOC, any NYC-based BIIPOC playwright is eligible to apply. Applicants will be selected by a jury of cultural leaders representing the diversity of NYC’s theatre community.

Application Process

After submitting Application Materials (see below), the jury will ask semifinalists by Monday, May 5, 2025,to submit their complete, full-length scripts. The jury will notify finalists for MTP2025 on Monday, May 26, 2025, after which interviews with the MTP Program Manager and JCAL leadership will take place during the week of May 26, 2025. Playwrights selected for MTP2025 will be formally notified on Monday, June 2, 2025.

Application Materials (PDF or Word Only)

A. Script Sample

Please upload a 10-page sample of the script from a full-length play. The pages don't have to come from the beginning of the play, but they must be 10 consecutive pages (the title page and character breakdown do not count toward the 10 pages).


B. Letter of Interest

Please answer the question, "How will MTP further the development of your play and advance your goals as a playwright?” in no more than 250 words. Use this opportunity to introduce yourself and your goals, writing, accomplishments, and anything else you'd like JCAL to know about you.


C. Bio

Please upload your approved bio.


D. Resume (Production History, If Applicable)

Please upload your professional resume and/or production history of your work, if applicable.


All applications and materials must be submitted via Submittable.com. Applications received by other methods will be disqualified.

Application deadline:  Monday, April 28, 2025

Selected artists announced: Monday, June 2, 2025

For questions about the application, please contact Program Associate David Smith, Dsmith@jcal.org.


MTP2025 is supported by the Mellon Foundation and Howard Gilman Foundation with additional support from New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, New York City Council Members Nantasha Williams and Selvena Brooks-Powers, and general operating support from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs through the Mayor’s Office.

About JCAL

Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning (JCAL), founded in 1972, is a multidisciplinary arts center based in the diverse community of Southeast Queens. Our mission is devoted to offering quality visual and performing arts, and to providing accessible education programs to encourage participation in the arts. JCAL is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10am to 6pm; closed Sundays, Mondays, and major holidays. For additional information, call JCAL at 718-658-7400 or visit www.JCAL.org.

BBC World Service & British Council International Audio Drama Competition 2026

Website

Deadline: June 4, 2025 11:00 GMT

SUBMISSION FORM

Welcome to the BBC World Service & British Council International Audio Drama Competition 2026. To enter, you’ll need to complete the  online submission form and supply us with:

The script for your 40-50 minute audio drama with up to six central characters. This should be submitted as a PDF file

A written synopsis outlining the complete story of your audio drama. This should be no more than 400 words long and submitted as a PDF file.

The competition closes at 11.00 GMT 4 June 2025, and is only open to writers outside of the UK. 

Entrants must also be over the age of 18 as of 4 June 2025.

We will be unable to enter into any correspondence, except with shortlisted entries, and we are also unable to acknowledge receipt of scripts.

Please do not send us amendments or further drafts once your place has been submitted.

Please do not send cassettes, CDs, DVDs, mp3s, videos or sheet music with your play – it is not necessary at the entry level and they cannot be returned to you.

If you would prefer to enter via email or post, you may download an entry form here.

The Ten-Minute Musicals Project 2025

Website

Deadline: August 31, 2025

SEEKING: Complete original stage musicals which play between seven and twenty minutes. Works which have been previously produced are acceptable, as are excerpts from full-length shows, if they can stand up on their own.

MUSICAL STYLE AND THEATRICAL FORMAT: Any musical style: pop, rock, show, opera, C&W, etc; or theatrical format: comedy, mystery, drama, etc.

CAST SIZE: Maximum of ten performers—five women and five men.

SUBMISSIONS SHOULD INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:

1. A printed script. (Note: printed on paper; not sent as a computer file on disk.) And please make sure your POSTAL ADDRESS appears on it.

2. A CD or DVD of either the entire piece or just the musical material. (Please don’t send a USB flash drive.)

3. A stamped self-addressed large envelope if you want the work returned.

4. More than one work can be submitted at a time, in the same envelope or separately.

CONCERNING THE ABOVE, PLEASE NOTE: NO ELECTRONIC SUBMISSIONS — HARD COPIES ONLY

DEADLINE: Simply postmarked by August 31st. (Do not waste money on overnight express, registered, or certified mail. All that’s requested is that the package be postmarked by August 31—but even if you’re just a day or two late, don’t worry. This is not an officious arts bureaucracy.) Responses will be mailed out by November 30th.

FINANCIAL REMUNERATION: $250/US royalty advance for each piece selected, with an equal share of licensing royalties when produced.

SEND TO:

The Ten-Minute Musicals Project
Michael Koppy, Producer
P.O. Box 461194
West Hollywood, CA 90046 USA

GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS“The more restrictions you have, the easier something is to write.” — Stephen Sondheim

“The enemy of art is the absence of limitations.” — Orson Welles

The single most important piece of advice we can offer is to caution that it will surely take much time and effort to create a quality work. (Occasionally a clearly talented and capable writer and/or composer seem to have almost dashed something off, under the misperception that inspiration can carry the day in this format. However, all the works selected in previous rounds clearly evince that considerable deliberation, craft, and time were invested.)

We’re seeking short contemporary musical theater material, in the style of what might be found on Broadway, off-Broadway or the West End. Think of shows like Candide or Little Shop of Horrors, pop operas like Sweeney Todd or Chess, or chamber musicals like Once on this Island or Falsettos. Even small accessible operas like The Telephone or Trouble in Tahiti are possible models. All have solid plots, and all rely on sung material to advance them.

Of primary importance is to start with a solid, complete story, even if it means postponing work on music and lyrics until that dramatic foundation is complete. This is one reason it is suggested (no; strongly, strongly recommended!) that musicals be based on a short story, play, film, poem or teleplay—either in the public domain (usually meaning it was originally published more than seventy-five years ago) or for which adaptation rights have been obtained. (While we’d love to have pieces based on works by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Rod Serling, James Baldwin, Raymond Carver, William Faulkner, Chinua Achebe or Stephen King, getting the rights to adapt a work still in copyright can often be quite difficult. Stories or narrative poems by writers from previous eras, like Jack London, Katherine Mansfield, Anton Chekhov, Ambrose Bierce, Mary Shelley, Robert Service, Franz Kafka, Geoffrey Chaucer, Anna Laetitia Barbauld, Banjo Paterson, Aesop of Samos, Louisa May Alcott, Jonathan Swift, Giovanni Boccaccio and Guy de Maupassant—among so many, many others—are in the public domain and can be freely adapted.)

We prefer works using larger casts. If from six to the maximum of ten voices are used it’s a plus, even if most are secondary or ‘chorus’ roles.

Fast-paced comedy material has an advantage.

If adapting a story, you might consider setting it in another time or place, adding or subtracting (or combining) characters, or even changing the character genders. Yet be wary of doing so on whim, sans firm rationale.

It seems from experience here that fairy tales may easily end up being too cute, trite.

A narrator often slows things down. Trust audiences to get the story through what characters say, sing and do. And it’s better for a character to share his or her reactions to what is happening than to simply describe events—we can see them unfolding with our own eyes.

Be wary of writing only introspective musical ‘moments’, as they usually stop the progression of the plot. Solo ballads should be thought of as icing on the cake, as you’ll surely still need other sung material—much of it uptempo—which advances the plot in duets, trios, and production numbers.

Don’t worry if an idea seems ‘unstageable’. That’s what directors, designers, choreographers—and rehearsals—are for.

Finally, please understand that NONE OF THESE OBSERVATIONS ARE GOSPEL. They’re simply recommendations based on what’s been learned from seeing works submitted previously. Given that, please take them seriously. However, nearly every one of these recommendations has been ignored by at least one of the works so far selected.

In the end what matters most will be the idea and aim of your piece and how economically, effectively, elegantly they are realized.

Page 73 Development Programs 2026

Website

Deadline: April 27, 2025 by 11:59 PM 

SUBMISSION FORM ON THE WEB PAGE

Each year Page 73 meets the talented playwrights we work with through this free application.

Applications for the 2026 programs are now open. The deadline to submit is April 27, 2025 by 11:59 PM EST.

On Tuesday, April 1 at 6pm ET, Page 73 will host an application information session via Zoom with Artistic Director Michael Walkup, Associate Artistic Director Kari Olmon, and 2025 Playwriting Fellow Lori Felipe-Barkin. RSVP here.


Applicants for both programs:

1. The applicant must be a US resident at the time of participation;

2. The applicant must have completed at least 2 full-length plays or at least 3 one-act plays;

3. The applicant must have made a commitment to playwriting as a professional goal;

4. The applicant must have never received a production in New York City that is fully contracted with Actors Equity Association and ran for at least four weeks or twenty-one performances;

5. The applicant must not be enrolled in a full-time degree/certificate program at the time of participation.

Writers Group applicants:

Attendance at all Writers Group sessions is extremely important. Please do not apply for the Writers Group if you will be unable to attend meetings in New York City on a regular basis. Priority is given to writers who are not involved in other similarly supported institutional writing groups.

We understand this application occurs well in advance of 2026. If you are not sure about your plans for 2026, you are welcome to apply for the Writers Group and update us regarding your eligibility.

Purple Light Productions seeks monologues

Facebook page

Deadline: April 21, 2025 

Or once they have received 300 submissions. 

SUBMISSION FORM

We are seeking 1-2 page monologues of all stylings and genres to be published in an anthology as a part of Purple Light Productions new publication, “Type Cast”, an anthology composed of monologues inspired by the nine enneagram types.

Submissions may be in any stage of development and priority consideration will be given to pieces with limited exposure.

Submissions can be a part of larger pieces or a stand alone monologue.


REQUIREMENTS:

- All theatrical pieces are welcome

- The piece must be an original work of the creative and be inspired by one of the nine enneagram types.

- Submissions must be 1-2 pages in length.

- Scenes and short plays will not be considered.

- Please include a page with character name and casting info (age, identity, ect.) at the beginning of your submission. Please also include any production notes or circumstantial info that is necessary on that page.

*Please note, if chosen, your piece will be published as a part of the anthology and time will be given for final revisions.

PLAYWRIGHTS MAY SUBMIT MULTIPLE SUBMISSIONS. PLEASE SUBMIT ONE FORM FOR EACH SUBMISSION.

All profits go to supporting Purple Light Productions mission to empower new voices and foster theatrical community in NYC.

Enneagram types:


Type 1: The Reformer

The Idealistic Type, Rational, Principled, Purposeful, Self-Controlled, and Perfectionistic

Type 2: The Helper

The Interpersonal Type, Caring, Demonstrative, Generous, People-Pleasing, and Possessive

Type 3: The Achiever

The Pragmatic Type, Success-Oriented, Adaptive, Excelling, Driven, and Image-Conscious

Type 4: The Individualist

The Withdrawn Type: Sensitive, Expressive, Dramatic, Self-Absorbed, and Temperamental

Type 5: The Investigator

The Cerebral Type: Intense, Perceptive, Innovative, Secretive, and Isolated

Type 6: The Loyalist

The Security-Oriented Type: Committed, Engaging, Responsible, Anxious, and Suspicious

Type 7: The Enthusiast

The Fun-Loving Type: Busy, Spontaneous, Versatile, Distractible, and Scattered

Type 8: The Challenger

The Dominating Type: Powerful, Self-Confident, Decisive, Willful, and Confrontational

Type 9: The Peacemaker

The Self-Effacing Type: Easygoing, Receptive, Reassuring, Agreeable, and Complacent

Literature Today- an International Literary Journal seeks short plays

Website

Deadline: June 18, 2025

Send all submissions to : editorliteraturetoday@gmail.com

Literature Today- an International Literary Journal is inviting submissions for the JUNE 2025 issue of 'Literature Today'. 

Send not more than 2 one minute plays (2 pages for each play)

Simultaneous submissions are welcome.

Please send a cover letter and short Bio-data, (Maximum 50 words) in third person narrative, with your submission. Please attach a high resolution photo of yours too.

The theme of our JUNE 2025 issue is "Echoes of the Human Experience". You can send us poems, short stories, memoirs and one minute plays on any of the following sub themes :

Main Topic: "Echoes of the Human Experience"

This overarching theme explores the multifaceted nature of humanity—our emotions, struggles, triumphs, and connections. It invites poets and authors to reflect on what it means to be human in both personal and universal ways.

Subtopics

1. Whispers of Identity

Exploring self-discovery, cultural heritage, gender, race, and individuality.

Literary works about finding one's voice or grappling with societal expectations.

Examples: Coming-of-age stories, reflections on belonging, or celebrating uniqueness.

2. Threads of Connection

Focusing on relationships—romantic love, familial bonds, friendships, or even fleeting encounters.

Themes could include loss, reconciliation, longing, or joy found in human interaction.

Examples: A letter to a loved one, memories of childhood, or strangers who leave lasting impressions.

3. Shadows and Light

Delving into contrasts—hope vs. despair, resilience vs. vulnerability, light vs. darkness.

Literary works might address mental health, grief, healing, or moments of transformation.

Examples: Overcoming adversity, finding beauty in pain, or embracing imperfection.

4. Footprints on Earth

Examining humanity’s relationship with the natural world, climate change, and environmental consciousness.

Literary works could celebrate landscapes, mourn ecological loss, or call for action.

Examples: Odes to forests, rivers, or oceans; reflections on sustainability and stewardship.

5. Time’s Tapestry

Reflecting on time as a force that shapes lives—memories, aging, legacy, and the passage of seasons.

Themes might include nostalgia, generational wisdom, or existential musings.

Examples: Letters to your future self, meditations on mortality, or honoring ancestors.

6. Dreamscapes and Realities

Blurring the lines between imagination and reality, dreams and waking life.

Encouraging surrealism, magical realism, or explorations of inner worlds.

Examples: Vivid dream sequences, alternate realities, or abstract visions of hope.

7. Voices Unheard

Amplifying marginalized perspectives, untold stories, and silenced voices.

Highlighting social justice issues, historical narratives, or underrepresented communities.

Examples: Protest poetry, tributes to forgotten heroes, or reclaiming erased histories.

8. Sacred Spaces

Investigating spirituality, faith, rituals, and sacredness in everyday life.

This subtopic can encompass religious traditions, secular spirituality, or personal quests for meaning.

9. The Art of Living

Celebrating creativity, artistry, and the pursuit of passion.

Literary works might explore how people find purpose through their work, hobbies, or creative expression.

Examples: Homages to artists, writers, musicians, or reflections on the act of creation itself.

10. Fragments of Tomorrow

Imagining the future—utopias, dystopias, technological advancements, or evolving societies.

Encouraging speculative literary works that questions where humanity is headed.

Examples: Visions of space exploration, AI companionship, or warnings against hubris.