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.

The Kleban Prize for Musical Theatre 2026

Website

Deadline: May 15, 2025 at 5pm EDT.

Edward Kleban, the lyricist of A Chorus Line and other extraordinary works, created the Kleban Prize in his Will, which is given annually to writers of extraordinary promise – to a librettist and a lyricist, respectively. Kleban designed the prize based on his personal experience as a promising writer. He was acutely aware that, though composers and musicians may often work within the theater, lyricists and librettists generally have to work outside the theater in order to support their writing. He wanted a prize of sufficient size to allow promising writers the time to simply write; his creation of the prize flowed from his desire to help other worthy artists like himself.

The prize is administered by New Dramatists on behalf of the The Kleban Foundation, Inc. Board of Directors. To ensure a robust and equitable adjudication, applications (including work samples) are submitted and reviewed blind by an independent panel of musical theatre artists and industry leaders. The Kleban Foundation Board sets the amount of the Prize annually. In recent years, a sum of $100,000 in each category has been paid in two annual installments to Prize recipients.

Eligibility

Kleban’s instructions, as interpreted by the Board, specify that applicants must meet either of the following criteria: 1) The applicant must previously have received a production of one of their works on a stage or in a workshop performance; or 2) The applicant must be or have been a member or an associate of a professional musical workshop or theater group, i.e., ASCAP, BMI Theater Workshop or the Dramatists Guild Fellows Program.Any individual whose work has been performed on the Broadway stage for a cumulative period of two years prior to the opening of the application window is not eligible. In the case of multiple Broadway productions, the sum of the lengths of the runs must not exceed two years.

If the material is co-written (written by more than one lyricist or more than one librettist) all writers must apply as a team. (This does not include the composer unless s/he has also contributed lyrics or text.) Each applicant must be eligible in their own right to apply.

Applicants may apply in both categories, but must submit a separate application for each category and may win in only one such category.

Applicants may only apply once per category per year.

Applicants may win in only one category.


Application Materials

Submissions are coded and reviewed blind. The name(s) of the writer(s) must NOT appear on any submission materials, including in the file names or file author information. Do NOT include hyperlinks in your files. Failure to meet this requirement may render the applicant ineligible. Only work from musical theater will be considered. Materials must be in English.

LYRICIST CATEGORY

Submissions must include lyrics for a minimum of five and a maximum of eight songs.
The lyrics may be from one or various shows.
Audio files/recordings of each song are strongly encouraged but are not necessary. Acceptable formats are mp3, ogg, and wav.

LIBRETTIST CATEGORY

Submissions may consist of a full-length musical book, or one act from two separate shows.
Lyrics should be included in the libretto even if they were written by someone other than the librettist.
Submission files must be in either word or PDF formats. Audio files are not accepted in the librettist category.

Application Step-by-Step

You will no longer be required to have an account on the New Dramatists website to complete a 2026 application.

It is in your best interest to prepare your materials (script document, resume document) for upload in advance, and to complete the application in one session. Your progress will be saved automatically if you continue in the same browser, but there is not an option to save.

1. Click the appropriate button below to begin your application. If you are applying in two categories, simply return to this page.

2. You will be asked to confirm you are eligible to apply. In the text field you must provide details substantiating your eligibility. Optionally, upload a resumé.

3. Fill in your full name, address, phone number and email address. If you have a co-lyricist or co-librettist, enter their information here.

4. For a Lyricist application, upload a text document for each song. You will also have the option to upload audio files for each song. For a Librettist application, upload your Musical text file. If you are submitting two acts from separate musicals they must be combined into one file. DO NOT INCLUDE YOUR NAME ON ANY OF THESE SUBMISSION MATERIALS.

5. Check the box that you have read and agree to our Privacy Policy, and click “Submit Your Application” to complete the process. You will receive a confirmation that your application has been received.

Lyricist Application

Librettist Application

The Inkwell Theater Development LAB fellowship

Website

Deadline: April 30, 2025

SUBMISSION FORM

A unique program in Los Angeles, the LAB aims to bring the writer out of their office, or coffee shop, and into the rehearsal room. While we recognize the necessity for writers to work on their own, we believe that nothing benefits works-in-progress more than artistic collaboration.

The LAB is focused on developing new plays through a collaborative workshop process. We believe that by working in a rehearsal setting with a director and actors, a playwright can best further their plays. Playwrights tell us often how they gained new insights from simply seeing their work with a cast, not to mention the constructive input from directors and other artists.

We begin with a writer and their first draft. During a 3-week intensive process, writers will not only see and hear that draft as written but will also see their rewrites, changes, and inspired ideas come to life. This is aided by introducing an experienced and versatile director, bringing their own unique insights to the play. Mixing in a cast of talented performers only adds to the volume of artistic brainpower being brought to bear upon the play. And pulling the playwright into the rehearsal room brings the whole thing together.

The playwrights selected for each LAB season are the recipients of The Lerner Fellowship, which provides financial, logistical, and artistic support. 

Eligibility

• Anyone is eligible to submit. There are no restrictions based on age, experience, representation, formal training or union-affiliation.
• Please submit only full, completed scripts. It can be an early draft, but we do require a compete script in order to evaluate the submission.
• Submitted work cannot have been previously produced. (Private workshops and readings are not considered productions).
• Commissioned work is not eligible for submission.
• Previous applicants may re-apply, but only with new material. We do not accept plays that have been previously submitted.
• Submissions from writers outside of the LA area are accepted, but the writer is responsible for transportation and accommodations (if selected).
• Please limit your submissions to one every six months

If selected for the Max K. Lerner Fellowship, playwrights will be offered a rehearsal and presentation slot during the LAB season and a $1000 honorarium. The Inkwell Theater Development LAB will provide a professional team of artists (director, actors, dramaturge, etc) and production support, as well as rehearsal and production space. For more information, you can contact us at lab@inkwelltheater.com

The Soliloquist Journal seeks submissions of poems and soliloquies for Summer 2025 issue

Website

Deadline: July 5, 2025

Following the introspective depth of Unfinished Dialogues, our second issue invites soliloquies and poems that explore duality, reflection, and the fractured self—"Echoes in the Mirror."

We seek works that grapple with:

• The masks we wear (public vs. private selves)
• Confrontations with the past (ghosts, memories, alternate versions of
• oneself)
• Bodies and distortions (dysmorphia, aging, transformation)
• Whispers of the subconscious (dreams, repressed desires, inner chaos)
• Literal and metaphorical mirrors (as truth-tellers, liars, or portals)

Send up to 5 poems (no more than 40 lines each).
Include a brief bio in third person (50–100 words).

Submissions must be original and unpublished.

Email your work to thesoliloquistmag@gmail.com
with the subject line “ Summer 2025 Submission
– [Your Name].”

Publication Date: July 15, 2025
Notification Timeline: Within 1 week of submission.

Neukom Literary Arts Award for Playwriting 2025

Website

Deadline: May 1, 2025 at 5PM

Submission form 

The Neukom Institute for Computational Science at Dartmouth College – in collaboration with Northern Stage – is excited to announce the 2025 Neukom Institute Literary Arts Awards for Playwriting, for full-length plays and other full-length works for the theater addressing the question “What does it mean to be a human in a computerized world?”. The award comes with a $5,000 honorarium as well as a weeklong workshop and public reading produced by Northern Stage (https://northernstage.org/) in early 2026. Note that works that have received a full production are NOT eligible for the competition.

Details are as follows:

Questions? Email Brandy (Yijin) Zhang bzhang@northernstage.org and Mandi Benjamin mbenjamin@northernstage.org.

Submissions must include

An anonymized (blinded) copy of the piece
Playwright resume/bio
Production history of the piece

1 page statement of purpose that answers the following questions:A. How does your piece address the theme of exploring humanity in our computerized, digital world?

B. The winning play will have a weeklong workshop and public reading at Northern Stage in White River Junction, VT in early 2026. What are your developmental goals for the play and how would this workshop serve those goals?

Go Try Play Write April 2025

Website

Deadline: April 30, 2025

SUBMISSION FORM

We're proud to announce a new monthly playwriting contest in collaboration with Bamboo Ridge Press. Every month, Kumu Kahua's artistic director Harry Wong III will select a writing prompt on the first day of that month. 

We're looking for 5-page monologues or 10-page scenes based on that prompt; the due date for submissions are always the last day of the month. 

All entries must be written in traditional play format; instructions on this format can be found here (https://www.dramatistsguild.com/script-formats), courtesy of the Dramatists Guild.

There will be one winner each month. Scripts will be submitted to the judges anonymously. Winners will receive $100 and a subscription to Bamboo Ridge Press. Woo!

The prompt for April 2025 is:

Do opposites attract? Write a 10-page maximum scene of two people on a first date who are polar opposites on the political spectrum. Neither gives an inch on their beliefs, though the temptation to acquiesce and give up one’s beliefs should be powerful.

KDC Theater 9th Annual Full Stack new writing competition seeks short plays

Website

Deadline: April 21, 2025, 18:00 UK time zone

Please fill out the form linked here. As part of this, you will be asked to upload your script in pdf format.

Writers wanted for our 9th annual Full Stack new writing competition, our yearly invite to writers experienced and new to get out their keyboards and start a-tapping! We’re looking for short scripts for an anthology show to be staged in summer 2025 (likely second half of June 2025).

The theme for our Full Stack Summer 2025 show is…SOLSTICE.

Solstice
A solstice marks a moment of extreme: the longest day or the longest night. It is a turning point in the calendar year, observed across centuries and cultures as a time of ritual, reflection, and change. But beyond its astronomical roots, solstice carries powerful symbolic weight – evoking cycles of growth and decay, hope and loss, light and shadow.

We’re looking for new plays that explore transitions: between seasons, states of mind, relationships, political eras, or phases of life.

Any genre is welcome (and we’d love to see a variety of different approaches that we can combine into a balanced show).

We’d love to see plays that explore turning points, rituals, extremes, light and dark, endings and beginnings, and/or a clear sense of mood or shift – whether political, personal, environmental, emotional or spiritual.

Some ideas to spark your thinking:

• A character facing a moment they can’t come back from
• A story set over the course of one long night (or day)
• A community waiting for light to return or reckoning with its absence
• Personal transformation that mirrors seasonal change
• Time as an unseen force in the story

Maximum length: 15 minutes – your play can be shorter, of course!

Cast: 1-3 actors – more characters are possible if actors double (or triple) up.

Staging: As this is an anthology show, we are looking for plays that can be staged with minimal set and props which could be quickly brought on and removed by the actors. Scenic projections are not possible and there should be minimal lighting and sound cues.

Please note: This is an amateur production and not a paid opportunity. By submitting your script to us, you are giving us permission to perform the script in our Full Stack 2025 show.

Next steps: We will notify all writers if their scripts have been chosen for the show or not by mid-May 2025.

Any questions, please contact James Taverner on james@kdctheatre.com.

ReOrient 2026 Call for Short Plays

Website

Deadline: April 30, 2025

UPLOAD SUBMISSION VIA THIS FORM

Golden Thread Productions is seeking short plays for consideration in ReOrient Festival of Short Plays 2026. ReOrient Festival showcases the diversity of voices and aesthetics from the Middle East and its worldwide diaspora in a curated festival of short plays produced biennially in San Francisco.

Length: 10-30 minutes
One submission only per playwright

Eligibility:

• Playwrights of Middle Eastern heritage writing about any topic
• Playwrights of all backgrounds writing about the Middle East
• The plays must be in English (Translations of plays originally written in other languages are also welcome)

Areas of Interest include:

• Plays that engage with urgent contemporary issues, reflecting the social, political, and cultural landscapes highlighting the Middle East and its diaspora
• Plays that center Palestine and the Palestinian diaspora
• Plays that experiment with non-realistic forms, non-linear or physically-based storytelling and innovative performance styles
• Comedies
• Plays that explore and demonstrate aspects of daily or family life
• Adaptations of classical texts and or historical figures
• Exploration of Middle Eastern performance traditions

Production Expectations:

5 to 7 plays will be selected for development and production in the fall of 2026.
Each play is supported by a director and a dramaturg.
All plays are performed as part of one evening with an ensemble that is shared amongst different productions.
The design elements for all plays are handled by one design team.

For questions, please email:
submissions@goldenthread.org
Subject Line: ReOrient 2026

Redlands Theater Festival

Website

Deadline: April 25, 2025

Email: cleversloopy49@gmail.com with "New Works Collection" in the subject line.

Looking for Six 10-Minute Plays and Three-Four Monologues (1-3 pages max) to present in a readers theatre event - supported by skilled actors, a well-versed director and simple but meaningful tech. 

Special Consideration will be given to Californian authors. 

Themes based on family, friendships and self-discovery and all the conflicts that come with them, are welcomed.

Eligibility:

Who can submit: Anyone! However, if you are local to California, great!

Young or seasoned with life, skilled or green, we want to hear from you!

Required materials: Script/monologue and a cover letter letting us know a little bit about

Notification of acceptance: May 23, 2025

Show date: July 22, 2025 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM

• Contact Information:

Carol Damgen- New Works Collection Artistic Director-Redlands Theatre Festival cleversloopy49@gmail.com

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

Sesame Workshop Writers’ Room fellowship 2025

Website

Deadline: April 14, 2025

Sesame Workshop Writers’ Room is a writing fellowship from the creators of Sesame Street. And we’re looking for YOU!

Fresh new writing talent that reflects our vast audience. Emerging storytellers who are selected to join the Writers’ Room will receive hands-on writing experience guided by Sesame Street veterans and other media industry leaders. Each participant will develop and write a pilot script for their own original kids’ program. Past fellows have gone on to develop their own original content with Sesame Workshop, as well as write for Sesame Street and various programs at Nickelodeon, Disney, DreamWorks, and more! Application window opens March 10th thru April 14th.

• Up to 6 writers will be selected 
• Sessions are expected to take place virtually from August to November 2025
• Learn from industry writers, producers, agents and executives 
• Learn and complete all steps of creating an original pilot episode script
• Includes eight, three-hour sessions; and 12, one-hour office hours sessions on creating original children’s content 
• Up to two participants will have the opportunity to receive creative development deals and further mentorship

The Barr Hill Players: Script Submissions for 2025 Fellowship Staged Reading

Website

Deadline: May 15, 2025

"priority may be given to early submissions"

Script submission form

As a part of our 10th annual season, the Barr Hill Players (BHP) will present a staged reading of new works by emerging playwrights. Selected scripts will be workshopped by our ensemble of acting fellows during the BHP summer intensive in Greensboro, VT, then presented for a developmental staged reading at La MaMa ETC Galleria in New York City on August 16, 2025.

At BHP, we believe actors can serve as generative collaborators in the development of new plays. This reading creates an opportunity for playwrights to gain an outside-in, actor-led perspective to inform further development of their dialogue-driven work.

Deadline: May 15, 2025 (Regular Deadline) / June 15 (Late Deadline)

*Priority may be given to earlier submissions

Length: Full-length (60-100min)

Cast size: 8-12

*Scripts that can be cast with exactly 12 actors are particularly desirable​

The scripts we’re looking for are:

Written for “balanced” ensembles (all roles have meaningful stage time)

Grounded in spoken dialogue (not primarily movement-based, not musical/sung)

Somewhat flexible in ensemble composition (gender, ethnicity, age, etc.)

Eligible under the Actors’ Equity Staged Reading Guidelines (have not been/will not be registered with Actors’ Equity for a Reading March-August 2025

You may submit up to 3 plays for consideration. If you submit the form more than 3 times, only the first 3 submissions will be considered. Please review the FAQs below before submitting.

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FAQ

Q: Do you charge playwrights fees?

No, there are no submission or production fees associated with this opportunity.


Q: Will selected playwrights receive money from ticket sales?

No – the reading will follow Equity protocols for a staged reading, so tickets will not be sold, and the reading will be by invitation only. (The playwright will have the opportunity to invite guests.)

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Q: If selected, what will I have to do?

Nothing! If selected, you will NOT be responsible for finding a cast, director, venue, date, or even attending the reading, though we encourage you to attend.

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Q: Will playwrights attend the Barr Hill Players core intensive in Greensboro, VT?

No, selected playwrights will not attend our 2025 intensive. However, we hope to build lasting relationships with playwrights that may translate into residency and full production opportunities with the future – so if these opportunities excite you, please apply!

Q: The script submission for isn't working for me. What should I do?

You may email your submission with all the inputs required (on the online form) to info@barrhillplayers.org.

Community Players Theatre seeks full-length plays

Website

Deadline: August 31, 2025

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.

Parity Development Award 2025

Website

Deadline: April 16, 2025

or when they receive 150 scripts

Submission Form

Parity Productions champions women, trans, gender-expansive, and intersex writers at the intersection of race, economic status, age, ability, and other identities within our constituency.

Every year, Parity presents the Parity Development Award to one woman (cis or trans) and one trans, gender-expansive, or intersex playwright who have both demonstrated a dedication to the craft of playwriting and a singular talent for storytelling and whose work is in harmony with our artistic mission. The selected playwrights receive $2,500 each and extensive developmental support for their play, including one “closed door” reading with the Parity team, and at least one public reading, with an option for Parity to produce the Awarded work.

We believe the next great play can come from anywhere; we read all eligible applications and make no judgments based on a playwright’s education or age.

Full-length plays for consideration must be new and may not have had a previous professional production (either Equity or non-Equity). Plays that have been previously produced will not be read. However, we will consider works that have had prior readings or workshops.

Full-length plays for consideration may not be musicals. Parity loves musicals and recognizes the many talented book writers and lyricists and composers in our community, but doesn't currently have the resources for the proper development (and production) process of a musical.

All scripts must be neat and in an easily readable format. Some suggested formats are Sam French, Dramatists Guild, or Final Draft format.

If playwrights apply in multiple award years, Parity prefers them to apply with a new work every year. If playwrights do choose to reapply with the same piece, Parity strongly encourages playwrights to have developed the play considerably in between application periods.

Applications for the 2025 Parity Development Award will only be accepted through The Parity Database. In order to apply, please make sure to have a free profile. To create or update your profile, click here. Please note the Parity Database is currently in beta testing. Applications are open until Wednesday, April 16th or when we receive 150 scripts – whichever comes first. 

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.

Playwrights on Park seeks full-length plays

Website

Deadline: April 16, 2025

Submit through this Google Form.

Playwrights on Park's mission is to develop and produce original plays, to foster emerging and established playwrights, and to become a leader in new play development. This event includes a reading of a new play by professional actors, a talk back following the reading with the playwright, cast, and director, and an opportunity for audience members to complete a response card for each play/musical.

IMPORTANT INFO: Playwrights MUST be able to come to West Hartford to attend the staged reading and the audience discussion that follows. There will be a rehearsal on the day of the reading in which attendance by the playwright is optional but strongly encouraged. Transportation may be provided from NYC or New England locations by the Playhouse. Readings will be on select Sunday nights throughout the season at 7:00 pm. 

BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, womxn, Latinx, and differently-abled artists are strongly encouraged to submit

We are seeking FULL LENGTH plays. No musicals or One-Acts at this time

We are only seeking plays with small casts (4 or less actors), particularly 2 or 3 character casts

Include any production or workshop history, as well as biographies of the playwright, and any collaborators 

Playwrights may self-submit or go through a literary agent.

Connecticut-based and NYC playwrights are strongly encouraged to submit 

Please do not submit any plays that have already been submitted to Playwrights on Park in the past.

Any submission that goes against the above guidelines will be automatically disqualified.

Mini Plays magazine seeks submissions for their JUNE 2025 anthology

Website

Deadine: June 15, 2025

We are looking for submissions for our JUNE 2025 anthology.

The theme of the June 2025 issue is 'LOVE'. Please send us mini plays and monologues on this theme.

The length of a mini play or monologue should not exceed 2 pages of text.

Last date of submission: June 15th, 2025

Please send your work to miniplaysmag@gmail.com

Submit your high definition photo in JPEG format for publication with your work.

Please share your author profile (60 words) for publication in the anthology.

Note:

The anthology will be published in pdf and paperback edition.

A free Pdf edition of anthology will be published on our website .

A paperback edition will be published on ingram spark or lulu.com.

There is no publication, reading, processing or publishing fee.

RiffRaff Theater seeks 10-minute plays

Instagram

Deadline: April 18, 2025

Seeking 10-minute plays exploring the immigrant experience in America for our upcoming festival! 

Length: 10 minutes 

Characters: Max 4 

Casting: At least one actor must be an immigrant in America 

Language: English must be primary, but other languages can be included 

Performance Fee: Selected plays must submit a $200 performance fee 

Submit: PDF of your script Short play synopsis (max 200 words) Playwright bio

Send to  riffraff.nyc@gmail.com

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.

M. T. Pockets Theatre open for season submissions

 Website

Deadline: September 30, 2025 11:59 PM

Submit on the online form

Submissions are open for our 2026 season. 

We will continue taking submissions after this date for our 2027 season. 

Up to 4 selections will be made from the submissions, and authors will be notified by email on November 15, 2025. Announcement of the 2026 season will be made on Dec. 2, 2025 - the National Day of Giving.

Mission

To enhance the theatre community in Morgantown, West Virginia and surrounding regions by presenting live performances of classic, contemporary and new works that promote women and minorities in the arts; provide a venue for alternative theatre that addresses contemporary and sensitive issues through performance; provide a venue for new works and support the work of emerging playwrights and artists without bias; provide theatre accessible to those whom otherwise might not have the opportunity to experience live theatre due to physical, financial or geographical limitations.

Voices of Color, the 2025 One Act Play Festival

Website

Deadline: April 11, 2025 by 5PM EDT

To begin the script submission process, please click HERE.

Carrollwood Players Theatre, Tampa’s longest operating non-profit community theatre, announces a call for submissions of original short plays for Voices of Color, the 2025 One Act Play Festival.

From July 11th – 19th, 2025, Carrollwood Players Theatre will present 8 original short plays focusing on the stories, perspectives and experiences of the BIPOC community.

At each of the 6 performances, audiences will experience all 8 short plays in one theatrical presentation.

We are looking for comedies, dramas, fantasies, mysteries, thrillers, farces, the avant garde, and everything in between.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Plays must be no shorter than 10 minutes performance time and no longer than 15 minutes performance time.

The subject matter of the play must fit within the theme of the festival. We are seeking to tell stories about all aspects of the BIPOC experience.

Submission deadline is 5 p.m. eastern on Friday, April 11th, 2025. Late submissions will not be considered. Early submissions are encouraged!

We will accept a maximum of two short plays from each playwright.

There is no submission fee.

We will accept submissions of English language scripts from anywhere in the world.

Due to the large number of submissions we receive, we regret we cannot individually acknowledge the receipt or status of your submission. Writers of plays selected for the festival will be notified.

The selected plays will be announced by Carrollwood Players Theatre in early May of 2025.

Plays must be submitted electronically in PDF format. We will not accept any scripts by mail.

We prefer plays with a cast requirement ranging from 3-6 people and the ability to be performed on a simple, representational stage.

We prefer submissions written by members of the BIPOC community, but we will consider all submissions.

Your PDF script submission must include a cover page with the playwright’s name, city/state/country, phone number and email address as well as a 1 paragraph description/synopsis of the play (sell us your play!) and a character/casting breakdown.

Carrollwood Players Theatre will select plays to be presented in the festival.

If selected, Carrollwood Players will appoint a director and organize the casting and production of your play at our festival.

Carrollwood Players does not pay a royalty for performances of your short play in the festival, however there is a cash prize for the first and second place plays as determined by audience voting. There is a $100 prize for first place and a $50 prize for second place. Playwrights will also receive complimentary admission to attend a performance if desired.

OnyxFest 2025

Website

Deadline: April 27, 2025 at 11:59 PM 

Submit via this Google Form.

Scripts must be submitted by new playwrights. The Africana Repertory Theatre of IU-Indianapolis defines a new playwright as: someone that has not had more than 1 full-length play professionally produced (i.e. by a professional theatre company with paid actors and crew; readings and workshops do not constitute as a professional production); someone that has not been published professionally by a recognized play publisher; someone who has not received high-level awards or recognition in the playwright field.

Playwright may submit multiple scripts but only one script per playwright will be selected.

Playwrights must have production rights for this play.

Playwrights must self-identify as Black. The Africana Repertory Theatre of IU-Indianapolis defines a Black person as someone who is a descendant of and/or identifies with the specific community within the African diaspora.

Scripts submissions should be relevant to experiences, themes, stories, perspectives, issues, challenges, and celebrations that relate to Black life, history, social and/or cultural impact. However, we support and encourage representation from all ethnicities and allow for some of that to be incorporated in submitted material.

Playwright agrees and understands that if their script is selected for production, then the show will be produced in Indianapolis, Indiana. Playwrights are highly encouraged to hire Indiana based cast and crew. (*Note: Whereas Black artists worldwide are welcome, any travel expenses and arrangements will be solely the responsibility of the playwright’s party and not be covered by the festival in any form of grant or reimbursement.)

Judging and Selection Process:

All scripts will be read and rated by a minimum of two readers.
Positively rated scripts will be passed on to the board for final decision.
Judges will make final decisions based on readers’ reviews criteria/areas here.

Your scripts will be housed via google documents, and we will change the sharing/permissions to be view only so readers nor anyone with the link is unable to download, copy, or print your script.

Event Timeline

• March 20-April 27: Submissions open on March 20th and soft close on April 27th.
• April 27-May 4th: The first round of received submission readings will begin with a hard close on incoming submissions on May 4th.
• May 19th: The second round of received submissions will be completed.
• June 19th: Winners of the stage play competition are announced.
• November 7-16th: OnyxFest Performances will take place.

Finalist Details:

Selected playwrights will receive a production stipend to bring their vision to life. 

Playwrights will have the opportunity to engage with audiences and industry professionals through post-show discussions. 

Each selected play will be performed twice per weekend.

Let us know your questions at africanarepertorytheatre@gmail.com.