Veterans' 10 Minute Playwrighting Contest 2026

Website

Deadline: June 30, 2026 11:59 PM

SUBMIT VIA SUBMITTABLE

Designated a Military Friendly School by G.I. Jobs, a Top College and University by Military Advanced Education, and a Best for Vets College by Military Times, Salem State values our military connected students and their families and the sacrifices they have made for our country. Salem State is committed to supporting Veterans’ voices on and off campus. The arts create unique and powerful opportunities for individuals and groups to share experiences and constructive dialogue. As such, Salem State is proud to announce its seventh annual Veterans Playwriting contest which will culminate in staged readings of selected plays in November 2026.

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 2026.

Important Dates

June 30, 2026 - Entry deadline

August 15, 2026 - Notification of finalists

November 2026 – Staged readings with post-performance discussions. Additional details forthcoming.

Contest RulesOnly 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

2026 Carlo Annoni International Playwriting Prize (9th Edition)

Website

Deadline: April 30, 2026

Send your submission to info@premiocarloannoni.eu

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

Submissions of any length are accepted: full-length plays, as well as short plays, 10 minutes, including those already performed.

1000 € Awarded to the two best plays (English and Italian), ceremony in Milan, September 2026, and special jury mentions on multiple categories.

Left Coast Theatre Co. seeks short plays on the theme of QueerStories Throughout the Generations

Website

Deadline: April 4, 2026 at 11:59 PM

SUBMISSION FORM

LCTC is thrilled to announce its next script submission window for XYZα: QueerStories Throughout the Generations! From “Back in my day” to “Ok, Boomer,” each generation has plenty to say about the others. This anthology will explore relationships, tensions, and shared experiences between queer folk of various generations. While we anticipate including a couple pieces about members of an older generation teaching folk of a younger generation about their experience, we really encourage our writers to think of other ways to explore this theme.

We are currently accepting scripts of 15 mins or fewer to be considered for a reading in the spring. 

To be considered scripts must:

• Fit the theme
• Read at 15 mins or fewer
• Center around queer characters and/or experiences
• Require no more than 4 actors

The script submission window is open from Monday, March 9 through 11:59pm Saturday, April 4.

Submission Requirements:

• Scripts must be submitted in the following format (You’ll find a template in MS Word here.)
• 1” margins on all sides
• Font: Times New Roman, 12 pt
• Page # in upper right corner of each page
• PLAY TITLE by Author Name in lower left corner of each page
• Stage directions in parentheses and indented 2.5” from the left and 1” from the right
• Character names – All Caps, indented 3” from the left
• Dialogue is not indented either on the left or the right
• Include complete contact information on the front page as noted. This will allow us to notify you whether your play has been selected
• Include a one-paragraph synopsis of the plot of the play as shown in the template

There is no limit on the number of scripts any one playwright may submit; however, each script must be submitted separately.

Abingdon Theatre Company Is Searching for Emerging, Full Length, One-Person Plays

Website

Deadline: April 17, 2026

SUBMISSION FORM

Abingdon Theatre Company is excited to invite both established and emerging artists to submit their full length one-person plays to continue our mission of developing brave new work. We encourage one-person plays that cover a diverse ground in genre, performance type, and subject matter.

Abingdon Theatre Company is proud to be a champion of and provide a place for one-person plays to flourish. We are particularly interested in narrative focused plays. Past one-person plays at Abingdon include Queens Girl In The World by Caleen Sinnette Jennings, Robin and Me by Dave Droxler, and Get On Your Knees by Jacqueline Novak.

Please read the following in full before submitting.

Playwrights
Play submissions should be unpublished. Plays should not have been previously presented to New York audiences. We are accepting applications from artists from all experience levels, locations, and ages. Please limit your submission to one play per playwright. Please be sure to submit a headshot and writing resume.

Playwright/Performer
Guidelines above apply. If you are also a performer of your play please be sure to submit your writing and acting resume and headshot along with a 2 minute reel in the indicated submission boxes.

All Submissions
Please submit a 250-500 word artistic statement to tell us more about your play and your mission as a playwright. Please also include a short bio.

Should you have any questions, please email info@abingdontheatre.org.

The Marion Art Center is now accepting applications for the 2026-2027 MTPI season

Website

Deadline: April 17, 2026 at 11:59 PM EDT

The online application is at the bottom of this page

Marion, Massachusetts

The MAC Theater Playwrights Incubator is a program for first-time playwrights to see their work realized on the stage.

Finding theaters to produce new or unpublished plays can be an obstacle for any new playwright. The MAC Theater Playwrights Incubator is a structured program that aims to discover and support, through workshop and production, new stage plays by first time, unpublished playwrights.

These plays are small cast shows with one to six characters. Selected playwrights will work with two mentors who are experienced theater artists to fine-tune their plays over the course of several months and prepare the script for production.

After regular writing evaluations and the script is ready, the mentors will work with the MAC to find a director and assist her or him in casting the show with appropriate actors. One or more readings with a select focus group audience will include a feedback-response process, and the end result is a completed script, ready for debut performance for a live audience on stage at the Marion Art Center.

Any new writer who has not yet been published or had a play produced is invited to submit her or his script or outline for consideration. There is no cost to participate in this program. Selected applicants are required to sign an agreement with the MAC Theater, outlining expectations and a commitment to the program. Playwrights must be available to meet on site with mentors, for readings and all aspects of the production process including auditions, rehearsals, tech work and performances.

General inquiries may be sent to mtpi@marionartcenter.org.

RiffRaff NYC and Rogue Theater Festival seek short plays

Website

Deadline: April 1, 2026

Email your 15–20 minute script (PDF) and a brief playwright bio to:

RiffRaff NYC

riffraff.nyc@gmail.com

Subject Line: I’m In Love With An Immigrant – [Play Title] – [Playwright Name]

RiffRaff NYC and Rogue Theater Festival invite playwrights to submit original short plays for our fourth festival showcase, I’m In Love With An Immigrant.

We welcome stories that explore love in all its forms: romantic, familial, platonic, cultural, or community love. Plays should center immigrant experiences in America and highlight the emotional bonds that shape belonging, identity, and home.

Length: Plays must run 15–20 minutes

Cast Size: No more than four actors on stage

Theme: Stories must center on immigrant experiences in America connected to the theme I’m In Love With An Immigrant

Production Responsibility: If accepted, playwrights are responsible for casting, securing a director, and coordinating rehearsals (RiffRaff NYC producers are happy to assist if needed)

Participation Fee: $250, payable only if the play is accepted

Performance Dates: August 10–16

Venue: American Theatre of Actors

At the conclusion of the showcase, a panel of judges will present:

Best Play
Best Original Script
Best Director
Outstanding Performance Awards (3 recipients) – Recognizing exceptional acting, regardless of gender

Rogue Theater Festival Production Award – One selected piece will be invited to fully produce their play with the Rogue Theatre Festival at The Flea Theatre in 2027, participation fee waived

This marks RiffRaff NYC’s second collaboration with Rogue Theater Festival, continuing our shared mission of uplifting bold, diverse theatrical voices.

RiffRaff NYC is a New York–based theatre and film company dedicated to championing immigrant artists and global perspectives. Through festivals, showcases, and original productions, RiffRaff creates platforms for underrepresented voices while building an international artistic community in the heart of NYC.

Rogue Theater Festival is an independent New York theatre festival committed to supporting bold, original work from emerging and established artists. Known for fostering creative risk and providing production opportunities beyond the festival itself, Rogue helps new plays and artists grow their work on New York stages.

Gi60 NYC & Gi60 Houston: Call for Play Submissions 2026

Website

Deadline: May 1, 2026

SUBMISSION FORM

Gi60 NYC is accepting submissions for one minute plays for our 2026 fall festival. We'd love for the following blurb and link to be shared with your community:


GUIDELINES:

• Submissions must not last longer than 60 seconds
• Your submission needs your name, play title, geographic location, and contact information in the document as well as filled out in this form
• You may submit as many one minute plays as you wish, but only one submission per form entry
• All work must be totally original and the author's own work
• Plays should not have been previously produced
• Please do not submit plays that have been submitted to Gi60 prior to 2026 for consideration
• Entries from schools should include a teacher's contact and the school name, as well as that of the author
• For consideration in Gi60 Houston and Gi60 NYC, plays must be submitted by May 1, 2026

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

• There is no submission fee, prize or payment for Gi60 participation
• Copyright remains with the author
• Plays lasting longer than 60 seconds may not be considered
• The organizers may use individual plays to promote the Gi60 festival
• Final play selection will be announced on the Gi60 city websites and social media
• Gi60 NYC is staffed and created by professionals who are volunteers and give their time free of charge
• The organizers reserve the right to cut scripts without notification where necessary. (E.g. if a play is running significantly longer than 60 seconds, we may delete some small lines if their intention is communicated elsewhere in the script)
• Gi60 festivals may be recorded and made available for viewing on the Gi60 International YouTube Channel. To view past plays: Gi60 Channel YouTube or the Gi60 International Channel YouTube.
• Gi60 is a Screaming Media Production (c) 2004

PLEASE NOTE: We annually receive between 700-900 submissions. Due to the high volume of plays we receive each year we are unable to write to individual playwrights to notify them if their play has not been selected.

We look forward to reading your play!

Gene Frankel Theatre Festival seeks short plays & one-acts

Website

Deadline: April 3, 2026

Send all required materials to: GeneFrankelTheatrePlayFestival@gmail.com

Early submissions are encouraged.

Subject line: Gene Frankel Theatre Festival – Title of Play

The Gene Frankel Theatre Festival is accepting submissions for its summer edition running from July 27th through August 16th, 2026.

The applicants will need to produce the work - director, casting, and all production elements. The Gene Frankel Theatre will help with setting up your technical needs such as lighting, sound, and projections.

Eligible Work

· Short plays (maximum 15 minutes)
· One-act plays (up to 60 minutes)

All genres are considered, including drama, comedy, movement-based work, and experimental forms. Submitted work should be New York premieres. (Note: We are committed to showcasing works that have never been produced in New York before Aug. 16, 2026. Participation in festivals counts as a production. Staged readings, private workshops, and brief excerpt presentations do not count as productions.) All work MUST be unpublished.

Each play should have 1 - 5 actors. No more than 5 actors will be permitted. Cast and crew should be non-union and 18 and older.

Selection Criteria

Pieces will be selected based on artistic merit, originality, clarity of vision, and suitability for festival programming. The goal is to present a high-quality, varied lineup. Submission does not guarantee selection.

playwrights, whose play has been selected, will be contacted by April 10th.

Submission Materials

· Full script in PDF format
· Brief synopsis

· Character breakdown (Each play should have a maximum of 5 actors)
· Indication of category: short play (up to 15 minutes) or one-act (up to 60 minutes)
· Production history, if applicable
· Please confirm this is a New York Premiere (Note: We are committed to showcasing works that have never been produced in New York before Aug. 16th, 2026. Participation in festivals counts as a production. Staged readings, private workshops, and brief excerpt presentations do not count as productions.)

· Limit two submissions per applicant.

· Optional: Playwright bio, director, cast, brief tech/staging notes, prior production photos or media (if available), and social media or website links may also be included to support your submission.

Participation Details

No submission fee. All participants must be available for all festival dates from July 27th through August 16th.

A $100 participation fee for short plays and a $150 participation fee for one act plays for selected works will apply.

Awards

Selected productions will be eligible for awards, including Best Play, Best Script, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Director. Awards will be given in both short play and one-act categories.

Festival Format
Each selected play will be presented in one of several curated blocks. Each block will run approximately 90 minutes (including intermission) and receive three performances during the three-week performance schedule. The Festival will conclude with a Gala event, on Aug. 16th, featuring guest performances and an awards ceremony.

@genefrankeltehatrefestival

The ONE Festival accepting submissions

Website

Deadline: April 30, 2026

APPLICATION FORM

Full (Maximum length -1 hour/ Minimum length - 45 minutes)

Short (Maximum length - 30 minutes)

Things to Attach

• Playwrights bio
• Synopsis of theatrical work
• Script
• Actor/director/crew bias, if available
• Description of Set and Props


For purposes of these Official Rules and the Contest, the Winner shall be collectively referred to as the “THE ONE”. All potential Award Winners are subject to review of eligibility and confirmation of their compliance with these Official Rules. If any Award Winner is found to be ineligible or does not comply with these Official Rules, it will be disqualified and the Entry with the next-highest vote’s score will be named a potential Award Winner. Decisions of the Sponsors are final and binding.

Prizes and Approximate Retail Value

WINNERS: There will be one winner, who will receive from the Sponsor a prize valued at USD 5,000.00, including a portion of the prize in cash of up to 1,500.00.

The winning piece if it receives 400+ Votes will receive an additional $1,500.

The winning piece will move to a 50/50 revenue share of streaming pay-per-view revenue post-competition.

(All entries share in the streaming revenue their shows pay per view buys. at a rate of 30% of the cost to the consumer.)

Inclusion in The ONE FESTIVAL promotional ad Books,

Recognition at The ONE Festival Award Presentation (date & location to be determined

the at sole discretion of the Sponsor.

Black Men Talk Festival 2026 seeks 10-minute plays

Website

Deadline: March 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM CT

SUBMISSION FORM

The 10-minute play festival will be a celebration of the voices, stories, and perspectives of Black male playwrights and showcase the works of new and emerging Black male playwrights telling authentic stories of the Black experience.

The Black Men Talk Play Festival, the first of its kind, aims to honor the contributions of Black male playwrights - initiated by a Chicago-based Black playwright. The event will host three performances in Chicago in July 2026.

• Script submitted must be the final version in proper play format.
• Playwrights must submit plays that run from 8-10 minutes or 8-10 pages. Your cover page should have: title of play, your name, email address, and phone number.
• Plays should feature two to four actors.
• Scripts should be written with minimal set and costume requirements.
• One entry per person (if more than one play is submitted, we will review the first play submitted).
• Plays must be unpublished and must not have had a professional. production.
• Plays must be submitted electronically in PDF format.
• No musicals, screenplays, or monologues will be selected for this festival.
• Your submission should be your own work. 

29th Annual Festival of Originals

Website

Deadline: April 15, 2026 11:59pm 

The TSW-FOO is FREE to enter and will once again be calling for short one act (20 minute) plays in any and all genres from all over the country and the world. 

• Each playwright may submit up to 2 plays for consideration.
• All entries should be unpublished and not previously produced in the Houston area.
• All Genres are accepted. But Light comedies are encouraged.
• Monologues or One Actor plays are not accepted.
• Plays should be 20 minutes in length (give or take a minute or two).
• Page count should be no less than 17, but no more that 22 pages. 12 point font (Courier, Arial, or Times New Roman) and use Standard Playwriting Format.
• There is no maximum limit of characters or sets, but common sense should be used as 5 plays will be produced in one evening.
• Number all pages of the script(s) and they MUST be securely bound by three hold punch with braids or three hole punch folder. NO STAPLES!
• Scripts must be submitted by postal mail ONLY. Emailed PDF or Word files will not be considered.*
• Scripts (heard copies) cannot be returned.

NOTE: *We apologize for the inconvenience of mailed in hard copies for all domestic entries, but the TSW-FOO does make exceptions for overseas entries. if you are entering from a country outside of the United States you may email a PDF to: mimiholloway@gmail.com

This is also the email to address any questions.

Be sure to include your contact information; phone number, email, and mailing address on the title page of each script.

List all characters with a brief character description.

Please include a one paragraph synopsis of the play.

Make sure all mailed entries are POSTMARKED by April 15, 2026.

Overseas entries must be emailed before 11:59pm April 15, 2026.

One hundred dollars will be paid to all playwrights selected for production.

Scripts should be mailed to:

Theatre Southwest
3939 Hillcroft Ave STE 160
Houston, Texas 77057-7759

Attn: TSW-FOO

There’s something for everyone at TPG!

Web Site: www.theplaywrightsgroup.com

Script Consultations

If have a script you want feedback on — just send a PDF of your script and you’ll get a critique via email and/or video conference. See website for rates.

Richard Caliban has worked with individuals on their scripts from all over the world — Indonesia, China, Greece, Australia, Serbia, as well as right here in New York. A script consultation will provide you with feedback on the structural soundness of your story, the dramatic arc of your protagonist, thematic unity and much more.

Online One-on-One Courses

If you’re looking for more, check out our One on One Online Playwriting Courses:

• The Art of Playwriting
• Write a Play in 10 Weeks
• 3 Hour Short Course

All are with instructor Richard Caliban, and since it’s One on One, the courses can be adjusted to fit your level of experience. 

The Weekly Workshop

Join our nationwide community of playwrights on Zoom. It’s a great way to stay connected and motivated.

Participating in a weekly workshop can give you the kick you need to see your script through from beginning to end. You can bring in anything you’re working on — a full length script, a musical, a TV pilot, whatever. And when your script is ready — we’ll present it in a Public Reading. We also bring in Guest Speakers, like Pulitzer Prize winner Margaret Edson (Wit).

Sit in on a session and see for yourself!

Thursdays 7 - 9:30pm EST

Please visit our website for further Info and Rates: 

www.theplaywrightsgroup.com

Contact us at 

scripts@theplaywrightsgroup.com

The Chameleon Theatre Circle's 27th Annual New Play Contest

Website

Deadline: March 17, 2026

NOTE: THEY HAVE FILLED THEIR QUOTA FOR FULL-LENGTH PLAYS AND 10-MINUTE PLAYS

They are still seeking one-act plays, musicals and theater for young audiences work.

The extended deadline for submissions is March 17, 2026 (for email submissions) and March 20, 2026 (for paper submissions).

The Chameleon Theatre Circle (located in the Twin Cities area in Minnesota) is seeking original works that have never been produced. All styles and genres are welcomed (i.e. one-acts, musicals, full-length dramas, etc.). The winning plays are tentatively scheduled to be read in a concert-format festival in the fall of 2026. All shows submitted will automatically be placed on the slate of shows in consideration for future seasons.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
We are proud to announce that for the 27th consecutive year we are not charging a submission fee! Entries may be made either via email or on paper but not both. Submission limits per playwright are one full-length play or one one-act play or two 10-minute plays. A maximum of 65 full-length plays, 65 one-act plays, 125 10-minute plays, 15 musicals, and 15 theatre-for-youth plays will be accepted.

To submit via email, send a copy of the script in pdf or word format to jim@chameleontheatre.org. If submitting a musical, also send a copy of the music in mp3 format or a link to a public website where we can download the music in mp3 format. Also send a completed and signed entry form. Do not include any author identification information on the submitted scripts.

To submit via paper, complete and sign an entry form, and send it along with a copy of the script to the address below. We request that script copies be printed double-sided to save on paper, mailing costs, and storage. If you are submitting a musical, also include a copy of the music in mp3 format on a CD or flash drive. Do not include any author identification information on the submitted scripts.

Mailing Address
The Chameleon Theatre Circle
27th Annual New Play Contest
7287 153rd St W # 240069
Apple Valley MN 55124

The deadline for submissions is March 17, 2026 (for email submissions) and March 20, 2026 (for paper submissions).

We will distribute the scripts "blind" to our readers for complete objectivity. Include the show's title on at least the first page. Once the winning scripts have been chosen, we will disclose the playwrights' identity to our readers (and the world).

We do not accept plays that have been previously produced. We do accept plays that have only had workshops and other readings. Receipt of play(s) will be acknowledged by e-mail only upon request. Scripts are non-returnable.

As in past years, this year's contest will have multiple categories.

ONE-ACT (MEDIUM LENGTH) PLAYS

Winners will receive $50 each plus a reading at the New Play Festival. Any play that can be joined with one or two other plays of similar length to make up a complete evening of theatre will be entered in this contest. Generally, scripts with more than 20 and up to 60 pages of dialog will fall into this category.

MUSICALS

If five or more musicals are submitted, Chameleon reserves the right to create a "musical" category. Musicals are defined as any original play using original or rights permitted musical dialogue to further the story and/or the characters. Winners, if any, will be awarded a prize amount based on the length of the musical i.e., full-length, one-act, or 10-minute. In the absence of enough qualifying scripts, or if Chameleon decides not to create an additional category, musical submissions will be entered into the appropriate category as defined above.

THEATRE-FOR-YOUTH

If five or more plays intended for and/or by youth are submitted, Chameleon reserves the right to create a "theatre-for-youth" category. Theatre-for-youth plays are defined as any original play intended for young audiences, young participants, or both. Winners, if any, will be awarded a prize amount based on the length of the play i.e., full-length, one-act, or 10-minute. In the absence of enough qualifying scripts, or if Chameleon decides not to create an additional category, theatre-for-youth submissions will be entered into the appropriate category as defined above.

DO NOT SEND THEY HAVE ENOUGH 10-MINUTE PLAYS

TEN-MINUTE (SHORT) PLAYS

Winners will receive $25 each plus a reading at the New Play Festival. All short plays will be entered in this contest. Generally, scripts with 20 pages or less of dialog fall into this category.'

DO NET SEND THEY HAVE ENOUGH FULL-LENGTH PLAYS

FULL-LENGTH PLAYS

Winners will receive $100 plus a reading at the New Play Festival. Any play that can constitute a complete evening of theatre will be entered in this contest. Generally, scripts of over 60 pages of dialog will fall into this category. It is important to note that these plays can be only one act if it makes up a complete evening of theatre.

PlayZoomers Seeks 10-20-minute Scripts for Online Production

Website

Deadline: April 30, 2026 

PlayZoomers, a live, online theatre company, seeks short (10-20 min.) scripts for online production in 2026 and 2027. We seek humorous or serious, clever plays on the following themes:

• Imperfect love
• Winter holidays (Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Year’s Eve/Day)
• Comedies (any subject)
• Theatre

Scripts should be suitable for online production. No script submission fee is required. If we produce your play, you will receive a small stipend. Scripts can include up to six characters. 

Please email scripts (PDFs only) to playzoomers@gmail.com. In the email’s subject line, put “(Theme) play submission: [title of play] by [playwright].” If you are submitting multiple scripts, send each one in a separate email. Please do not submit a script you have previously submitted to us. 

On the first page of your script, include the title, playwright name, estimated run time (no longer than 20 minutes), and contact information. On the next page, include a logline/synopsis, a detailed character breakdown, production history, and a short playwright bio. At the end of the script, describe production details, such as backgrounds, costumes, props, music, and sound effects. For additional script formatting guidance, go to https://www.dramatistsguild.com/script-formats 

The deadline for this round of submissions is April 30, 2026. As we read through scripts, we will acknowledge your submission and reach out to you only if your script is selected for production. 

With 147+ professionally produced plays since 2020 - involving hundreds of playwrights, directors, designers, and actors - PlayZoomers is a national online theatre company and an international theatre community. 

We feature plays of different genres and lengths, work closely with playwrights to adapt their work to a digital platform, and welcome theatre artists and audience members of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. 

Passage Theatre Seeks One-Person Plays Centering Untold American Stories for Summer 2026 Festival

Website

Deadline: April 27, 2026 at 11:59 PM

SUBMISSION FORM

Passage Theatre is holding a WORD ON FRONT 250 Solo Performance contest. A “Solo Performance” means a one-person show, written and performed by YOU. Give us your uniquely Trenton American Story. What does it mean to be YOU? What does it mean to be an American, a New Jerseyan, a Trentonian, or from whatever patch of land you call home. Show us your untold America.

Playwright/Performers must be local to travel to Trenton, NJ (a direct train ride from New York City) at their own expense and self-produce their one-person show.

Seeking submissions of one-person shows to run between 30-60 minutes.

The top 5 plays will be selected to premiere at Passage Theatre’s WORD ON FRONT 250 festival on the following dates:

Saturday, June 27th
Thursday, July 2nd
Friday, July 10th

Plays will be adjudicated by a panel of judges selected from Passage Staff and the Trenton Community.Passage Theatre is holding our WORD ON FRONT 250 Solo Performance contest. 

A “Solo Performance” means a one-person show, written and performed by you. Give us your uniquely Trenton American Story. What does it mean to be YOU? What does it mean to be an American, a New Jerseyan, a Trentonian, or from whatever patch of land you call home. Show us your untold America.

The top 5 plays will be selected to premiere at Passage Theatre’s WORD ON FRONT 250 festival on the following dates:

• Saturday, June 27th
• Thursday, July 2nd
• Friday, July 10th

Plays will be adjudicated by a panel of judges selected from Passage Staff and the Trenton Community.

Plays will be adjudicated by a panel of judges selected from Passage Staff and

the Trenton Community.

• All submissions must include a complete fully-finished script. Passage Theatre will NOT make any edits to your script before winners are announced, it must be ready for performance at the time of submission.

• Scripts should adhere to standard playwriting format: 12-point Courier New font, 1-inch margins, and 1.5-inch left margin. Key elements include centered, all-caps Scene Headings, indented and italicized Stage Directions, and centered character names above dialogue. The script is single-spaced with double-spacing between speakers. Here is an example of a properly formatted page.

• Scripts must be 30-70 pages in length. Scripts that are under 30 pages or over 70 pages will be disqualified. Your final performance should be roughly 60 minutes or less.

• Filmed clips of your performance work in addition to your script is strongly preferred.

• The script must be of your own authorship, it is preferred that the performer and author are the same person. If you choose to use a different performer than yourself you are accepting full responsibility and guidance over that performer. If you do not have a performer and are unwilling to perform yourself, your script will be disqualified.

• Passage Theatre will not be responsible for the direction of your script. If a director is needed, you must provide them. Passage Staff may give minor directorial consultation during rehearsals, upon request of the performer.

• Performances selected will occur during late June and early July 2026. Passage Theatre will provide your technical sound and lighting elements. Technical rider must be attached:
• In a separate document explain your TECH: Lights, Sound, Costumes,
• Props, and Set. Passage will facilitate and produce your technical elements to the best of our ability. The author/performer must have these elements designed and guide the creative vision.
• The author/performer must provide props and costumes.
• No firearms of any kind, including props, can be included in these performances.
• Video projection must be limited to 10 minutes or less throughout the entire script.
• Passage Theatre will not be constructing any full scenery pieces beyond the WORD ON FRONT tableau.

Equity Library Theater of New York Summer 2026 Play Festival

Website

Deadline: June 1, 2026

SUBMISSION FORM

Submissions are now being accepted for the Equity Library Theater of New York Summer 2026 Play Festival. Seeking short plays (no more than 10 pp/minutes), from playwrights from around the town and around the globe. Also seeking monologues (no more than 4pp/minutes). Musicals welcome! One submission per playwright. No submission fees. Please include name, address, telephone number and email address on your submission. We do not produce your work; we provide a venue in Manhattan for you to present actors performing your play.

There are no costs involved for anyone. Seeking actors and directors, too! Submit by June 1st, 2026. 

Email: equitylibrarytheater@gmail.com.

Dallas College Mountain View Campus Theatre Department seeks 10-minute plays

 Instagram

Deadline: April 5, 2026

Please send all submissions to amyjackson@dcccd.edu

Questions? Email or text/call my 214-908-4082.

The Dallas College Mountain View Campus Theatre Department is looking for ten-minute plays to produce for the tenth annual ROD WILSON 24-HOUR TEN MINUTE PLAY FESTIVAL, May 29-30, 2026

Student and/or local actors along with MVC alumni will join professional DFW directors for twenty-four hours to present a Saturday evening, May 30 @ 7 pm performance. Six or seven staged ten-minute plays will be followed by an audience/actor/director/playwright talk back. There is no limit on how many plays you can submit, no theme for the festival-just keep in mind that many of the actors are teens and twenty-somethings!

Mazumdar Award 2026

Website

Deadline: March 15, 2026

SUBMISSION FORM

We are thrilled to open this opportunity for the next Mazumdar Award. Entries will be accepted March 1-15, 2026. The winning play will receive a cash award and a full production in an upcoming subscription season at the Alleyway (plus royalties).

One entry, per playwright, per season will be accepted.

Your play should be original, full length (75+ minutes), unpublished & unproduced.

This is for finished plays and musicals that are ready for production. We are not accepting drafts, proposals, or outlines at this time.

We suggest submitting a play with fewer than 10 actors.

The Sauk Plays in Development 2026 seeks full-length and one-act plays

Website

Deadline: March 20, 2026 5PM EDT

The Sauk, Hillsdale County's Community Theatre, located in Jonesville, Michigan is seeking entries to consider for our twelfth annual Plays-In-Development in September 2026. 

We are seeking unproduced plays. These can be any style (comedy, drama, young audience and/or musical) and any length (one-act or full-length). 

It is understood (and expected) that changes will be made to the script between initial submission and performance.

The selected plays will first go through notes with the artistic director. A show-specific director will then be assigned. The director will work with the playwright prior to an audition draft being submitted. Auditions will take place in early-August with two weeks of rehearsals prior to public readings. It is expected that the selected playwrights will be involved in the process and be in attendance for final rehearsals and the public reading in Jonesville, MI.

Playwrights are encouraged to make changes to their scripts throughout the process (often handing in new drafts on a weekly or even daily basis). The public staged readings will take place on September 4 and 5, 2026. Playwrights are expected to be on site the week leading up to the readings starting on Monday, August 31, 2026. A royalty is provided to the selected playwrights and The Sauk will provide travel and lodging.

The goal of Plays-in-Development is to help playwrights improve plays that have yet to be produced. By working with a director and actors, the playwright can learn vital information about their work. After the public readings, playwrights are able to participate in a talkback with the audience. We want playwrights to leave the experience with positive and constructive feedback to improve their plays.

Please e-mail a draft copy of the script, a one paragraph plot description and playwright's contact information to Executive Director Trinity Bird at saukpid@gmail.com. Playwrights may submit no more than two scripts. We are NOT looking for scripts intended to be performed online. Plays may not have had a public reading and/or performance in the past. Classroom and non-public readings are fine.

The play selection committee will review all submissions and select the scripts to be part of the process. The selected plays will be announced on or before May 1, 2026.

A Classic Theater seeks full-length plays

Website

Deadline: June 30, 2026

You may submit either by email to act@aclassictheatre.org
or by US Mail to Cindy Alexander, 600 Nautical Way, St. Augustine, Fl 32080

Format should be in MS Word or PDF.

A Classic Theatre in St. Augustine, Florida is seeking submissions for full length new plays for our Staged Reading Series. Plays chosen will be presented in Season 2026-2027 which begins in September, 2026.

We are looking for plays within the following parameters.

Full length, with or without intermission

No longer than 90-105 minutes

No more that 6 characters

No children or teens

Plays will be selected to be performed over the course of the 2026-2027 Season. They will be presented as a Staged Reading, with one performance, and minimal rehearsal. There will be the opportunity for audience feedback.

You may submit any number of plays but it must be a new work that has not been fully produced elsewhere.

You will be notified via email by September 30, 2026. Selected playwrights will receive a stipend of $100 for the performance.

A Classic Theatre is a 501c-3 non profit community theatre. www.aclassictheatre.org For any questions, please email Cindy at calexander@aclassictheatre.org

Applications for the 2026-27 PlayGround-NY Writers Pool are being accepted

Website

Deadline: April 30, 2026

– 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 2027).

– 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
– 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 Thursday, April 30, 2026.

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, 2026.
– Selected writers must attend a mandatory company meeting on Sunday, August 16 (time tbd).

2026-27 SCHEDULE (subject to change)
MNP1 Topic Announced: September 18, 2026
MNP1 Scripts Due: September 22, 2026
MNP2 Topic Announced: October 30, 2026
MNP2 Scripts Due: November 3, 2026
MNP3 Topic Announced: December 18, 2026
MNP3 Scripts Due: December 22, 2026
MNP4 Topic Announced: January 29, 2027
MNP 4 Scripts Due: February 2, 2027

Hardscrabble Theater seeks short plays

Website

Deadline: April 15, 2026

Send your script as a PDF or Word document to Linda@hardscrabbletheater.com 

Hardscrabble Theater is seeking original one act plays for our Fall 2026 One-Act Play Festival!

The festival will take place Friday, October 16th through Sunday, October 18th.

We invite playwrights from all backgrounds to submit their work for consideration. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or making your first submission to a festival, we want to hear your voice!

Plays must meet the following criteria for consideration:

• Running time of no less than 5 minutes and no more than 15 minutes
• Single set with no special effects
• Simple lighting and sound/music cues only – all sound must be rights free.
• Maximum of five characters
• All scripts must be royalty-free
• Previously unpublished and unproduced in the NY tristate area

What We’re Looking For

Hardscrabble Theater celebrates stories that are raw, honest, and human. We welcome plays across all genres — drama, comedy, dark comedy, slice-of-life, and everything in between. We are especially drawn to work that is character-driven, emotionally resonant, and stageable within our production constraints.

How to Submit

Send your script as a PDF or Word document to Linda@hardscrabbletheater.com by April 15, 2026. Please include your name, contact information, and a brief synopsis of your play in the body of your email. Scripts should have a title page with name, address, phone, and email.

Questions? Reach out to us at the submission email above.

Hardscrabble Theater is committed to inclusive storytelling and encourages submissions from writers of all backgrounds.

Seoul Players seek 10-minute plays

Website

Deadline: March 15, 2026

Please send an email to seoulplayers2010@gmail.com, and the subject line should be “10MPF Script Submission”. Please include your full name and any other pertinent information in the email.

For (our) convenience, please format the filenames like this: “[Insert Play Title]” and “[Insert Play Title] – blind”. Doing it this way makes things so much smoother!

We will need two versions of the script you wish to submit: one with full attribution and one with no contact information, and both of them in standard PDF format. This is so that our readers can blindly assess the scripts for performance in our festival with as few personal biases as possible.

We’re looking for scripts for the upcoming 2026 Ten-Minute Play Festival. Submissions will open March 1st, 2026. From the first to the fifteenth (Beware the Ides of March!!), playwrights can submit one script for free. After the 15th, all submissions will require a $5/5,000 won submission fee, as explained below. Submissions will close at the end of April.

Door is a Jar literary magazine seeks short plays

Website

Deadline: none listed

SUBMISSION FORM 

Following the Standard American Format 

Submit up to 2 short plays. Each play can range between 1 and 10 pages in length as a .doc or .docx.

Door Is A Jar Literary Magazine is looking for well-crafted poetry, fiction, nonfiction, drama, artwork, and book reviews for our print and digital publication. Please read over these submission guidelines carefully and look at our current and archived issues before submitting your work.

Our publication steers away from academic writing and publishes short, conversational works that use familiar language. Each new issue features artists and writers and works that are accessible for all readers.

Our issues are don't have specific themes, and we accept all genres and literary styles.

Submit all work in Times New Roman font size 11

We only accept new, unpublished work. If you have posted something to your website or social media, this counts as being published.


For book reviews please include the following information: the title, author, publisher, year of publication, page count, ISBN, and price.

Under the "Title(s)" section, please list all the titles of the pieces you are submitting, and not something general like "My Poems". Make sure you are consistent with how you present the titles in your attached document and in this space.

If you are unable to fit all the titles into the "Title(s)" section, please list them in your cover letter section of the submission form.

Please provide your name as you would like published, email, mailing address, and a fun 3-sentence bio. (We're not as interested in how many degrees you have, or how widely you've been published. Instead, we want to hear about the real you. We want to know about the little things that spur you along.)

Contributors can submit to multiple categories; however, only submit once to each category until you have received our decision about your piece.

You will receive an acceptance or rejection letter from our editorial staff within 6 months from the day of submission.​


We accept simultaneous submissions; however, please notify us immediately if your work is accepted elsewhere. If accepted, please withdraw the piece from other publications.
​
We reserve first initial publishing rights, and the rights reprint right to use quotes or pieces for promotional use. We do not pay contributors at this time, but we will send out a contributor copy.

Submissions are only accepted through our website. Any submissions sent directly to our email will be deleted without response.

Please note that submissions that exceed word counts or maximum amount of material will be disqualified from consideration.

Do not send in writing or art that was created using Artificial Intelligence. Submitting work generated by A.I. technology will be considered as plagiarism.

Be the sole author/ creator of your work. We do not publish collaborative pieces.

We do not publish translations.

We do not publish craft essays.
​


If you have trouble uploading your file, the problem could have been an issue when saving, which corrupted the file, or your computer could have virus. Some people have had issues when downloading files from Google Documents. The best way around this is to copy and paste the document into a new .docx and trying to submit again.

The Theater Center’s Making It Happen Festival - Call for 10-Minute Plays

Website

Deadline: Marcy 24, 2023 at 11:59 PM

SUBMISSION FORM

THE THEATER CENTER, located in the heart of Times Square, is seeking submissions for a 10-minute play festival happening Spring 2026. Plays of all genres, performance types, and subject matter. There is no submission fee and no participation fee.

How the Festival Works:
15 new plays will be presented over three Wednesday evenings at 7pm, with 5 plays performed each night. 

• April 8th
• April 15th
• April 22nd

At the end of each evening, the audience will vote for their favorite plays. The top two plays from each night (6 total) will advance to the Final Showcase on Wednesday, April 29 at 7pm where they will be performed again and the audience will vote to select our Festival Winner. The evening will conclude with an Emerging Artist Collective Celebration, where all participating playwrights and creative teams are invited to return and celebrate together.

All plays will take place at the Jerry Orbach Theater, a 199-seat Black Box theater fully equipped with lights, and built-in mic sound system. See space details here.

Submission Deadline:
All plays MUST be submitted by Tuesday, March 24th @ 11:59 PM

All Participants Receive:

• An Off-Broadway credit for their play
• An invitation to The Theater Center’s Emerging Artist Collective

Finalists Receive:

• A free 30-minute consultation with The Theater Center’s General Manager, Catherine Russell, covering marketing, budgeting, and general management for your show.

Festival Winner Receives:

• The winning playwright will receive an opportunity to discuss further development of their work with The Theater Center, including potential pathways for future production and artistic collaboration.

Requirements:

• The play must be 10 minutes in length (approx. 10 pages). If you would like to submit a monologue/one person play, it should come in under 10 pages.
• Playwrights MUST provide their own actors, director, and stage manager. 
• At least one member of the production team must be a resident of one of New York City’s five boroughs.
• Please ensure you and your team are available for all relevant festival dates.

Production Guidelines:
Each production will have 15 minutes total to set up, perform, and strike their piece.

Productions should be minimalist in design. All specific props or set dressing for your production must be supplied by you.

Each piece will receive a 1 hour tech slot on the day of their performance, beginning at 12:00 PM.

Basic lighting cues will be available. A tech supervisor will operate lighting, and productions may choose from pre-set lighting cues.

Sound cues may be played via amp and AUX connection if needed.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to reach out to: makingithappenfestival@gmail.com

If you require any additional help or assistance with this, please feel free to reach out.
THE THEATER CENTER (located at 50th & Broadway) is an Off-Broadway theater complex in the heart of New York's Theater District offering two intimate theaters, productions, acting classes, and event spaces. 

Playwrights on Park Reading Series 2026/2027 seeks full-length plays

Website

Deadline: March 14, 2026

Submit plays through this Google Form

Playwrights on Park Reading Series at Playhouse on Park in West Hartford, CT is currently accepting submissions for the 2026/2027 season.

No late submissions will be accepted.

IMPORTANT INFO:

Playwrights must be able to attend the staged reading and the audience discussion that follows in West Hartford (Connecticut.)  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.

Playreading dates TBD

We will select five plays for readings in the 2026/27 season. Final selections will be made by July 1st, 2026

Submission Guidelines:

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 fewer actors), particularly 2 or 3-character casts. Plays that cannot be accomplished with 4 actors or fewer will not be considered.

Include any production or workshop history, as well as biographies of the playwright and any collaborators. Please let us know if this play has had an equity reading within the past 6 months.

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.

Playwrights on Park webpage: https://www.playhouseonpark.org/web2/newworksseries.html

SkyPilot Seeking One-Act Submissions

Website

Deadline: May 20, 2026

 (Fee waived for members of the Dramatist Guild with proof of membership)

Theatre Company Welcomes Submissions for Chosen Theme,

“It’s The Holiday Season”

SkyPilot Theatre Company, a non-profit ensemble company of actors, directors and designers producing provocative, compelling and challenging new works for the Los Angeles theatre-going audience, will once again present a selection of original one-act plays this Winter. Playwrights are invited to submit works based on the theme “It’s The Holiday Season”.

The holiday season is a busy, festive, often emotional time of tradition, family gatherings, and gift giving across many cultures. It can be joyful and nostalgic as well as hectic or stressful. Whether with friends and family or alone, this time of year brings up many emotions both positive and negative. Comedic or Dramatic. Playwrights are asked to submit one-acts based on any December holiday.

• Length – 25 minutes maximum
• 6-8 characters maximum (no children)
• Original, never produced material only, no adaptations
• No musicals 
• Minimal location and set pieces/props 

Submission fee is $10 (Through PayPal or Venmo: SkyPilotSubmissions@gmail.com) (Fee waived for members of the Dramatist Guild with proof of membership)

Once again this year, there will be two awards given out to playwrights. The Audience Award and the Producers Award will include a cash prize of $50 each and will be voted on and awarded to two of the overall plays selected for the festival at the end of the run.

Please submit plays with “One Act Festival” in the subject line to SkyPilotSubmissions@gmail.com by May 20th. In your submission, please include a synopsis, how it fits the theme, and any performance history. For more information on SkyPilot and its upcoming productions, visit www.skypilottheatre.com.

Woodward/Newman Award 2027/28

Website

Deadline: August 31, 2026

SUBMISSION FORM

The Woodward/Newman Award is an exclusive honor offered by Constellation Stage & Screen, started through the support of Joanne Woodward, Newman’s Own Foundation, and the Newman family, celebrating Paul Newman & Joanne Woodward’s tremendous history of work on stage and screen. It presents the best unpublished play of the year with a cash prize of $3,000 and a full production as part of Constellation’s Mainstage season.

Please note that there are significant changes to our submission and selection process from previous years. In order to make the Woodward/Newman Award accessible to all, we have eliminated submission fees as well as the contest format. The Woodward/Newman Award will continue to be awarded to an unpublished new play once per year and come with a $3,000 cash prize and a full production. 

Submissions will be accepted and reviewed by our literary team on an ongoing basis, and will be considered for the award as well as for all 7 production slots in our season. So a play that is not selected for the Woodward/Newman slot in our season, may still be considered and selected for production. 

This will allow us to now accept open submissions for all types of plays (including TYA shows). Plays submitted by midnight, August 31st, 2026 will be considered for the 2027-28 season, while plays submitted beyond that date will be considered for the 2028-29 Season. All submissions will be kept on file for 2 years after submission.

If you have questions regarding submissions to the Constellation Stage & Screen, please contact the Literary Manager at literary@seeconstellation.org.

GUIDELINES FOR SUBMISSIONS

We are currently accepting submissions for the 2027-28 Woodward/Newman Award. The award recipient will be announced by May 15, 2027. 

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

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.

HystericalFest: Women+ Act Out seeks short scripts and monologues

Facebook Page

Deadline: April 5, 2026 at 11:59 CDT

OR when they receive 250 submissions 

SUBMISSION FORM

We are seeking short scripts and monologues centering around women (and those of traditionally marginalized genders) and invisible disability to be a part of our first-ever "HystericalFest: Women+ Act Out" on August 28-30, 2026 at the Piven Theatre in Evanston, IL (just north of Chicago).

Producers of this short comedy festival are Violet Surprise Theatre (queer-feminist theatre company); actress/advocate/3Arts awardee Terri Lynn Hudson; and playwright Paula Kamen/aka Hysterical Productions.

Whether your play has been produced before or you've just finished writing it, we'd love to read it!

Length guidelines:

• Scripts of up to 10 pages
• Monologues of up to 3 pages

Eligibility: 

• Submissions may be made by anyone but must be about the experience of women, non-binary people, and those of traditionally marginalized genders.
• Plays & monologues will address the absurdities of living with invisible disabilities, which we very broadly define.
• Plays can be straightforward, absurd, or even experimental.
• Plays do NOT have to be new or unproduced.  
• Each person can make up to two different submissions.
• Those from anywhere in the world are eligible to submit.
• We especially encourage submissions from those experiencing both visible and invisible disabilities at the same time, queer people, people of color, and older playwrights.

We offer a small stipend to all artists involved to make participation more accessible. (Funded by a generous grant by the Evanston Arts Council.)

Our philosophy: For centuries, a way to diagnose a woman (or woman-adjacent person) for hysteria was if they were dramatic and seeking attention about their otherwise invisible illness. In this short comedy festival, we are turning the tables, embracing the forbidden, literally "acting out." Comedy reflects the absurdity of our experiences, and theatre provides a way to relieve isolation, build community, and confront stigma.

***Violet Surprise Theatre values artists and takes the ethics and integrity of the work we produce very seriously. We will NOT accept any scripts where generative AI was used in any capacity, nor will we accept any work that promotes or encourages usage of generative AI. No exceptions.***


For any questions, email Pearlie at violetsurprisetheatre@gmail.com.
For more about Violet Surprise, visit https://linktr.ee/violetsurprisetheatrechicago.

Arkana Magazine seeks short plays for its Micro issue

Website

Deadline: March 16, 2026 at 1AM

SUBMIT VIA SUBMITTABLE

For our Micro Issue, please submit scripts for the stage or screen that would last, if performed, five minutes or less.

We publish work by established and emerging writers unaffiliated with the University of Central Arkansas. We accept previously unpublished fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, scripts for the stage or screen, translation, artwork, and illustrated narrative through our Submittable submission manager.

Simultaneous submissions are always welcome. We only ask that you withdraw your piece as soon as you accept another opportunity.

As a compendium of the rare, intriguing, and unheard, we’re looking for quality writing that is thought-provoking and literary. 

We are especially interested in work that explores the identities and experiences of writers from the Delta region, BIPOC, immigrant, LGBTQ+, women, disabled, and neurodivergent writers, the resource-poor, writers over 50, those who have experienced or been impacted by incarceration, or anyone whose voices have traditionally been silenced.

MICRO ISSUE SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

• Up to 500 words of prose (fiction or nonfiction), double-spaced
• Limit 1 submission per genre until you’ve received a response
• Up to three poems per submission, up to 10 lines per poem
• Up to 5 photographs or pieces of art. For illustrated narrative, one page or panel.
• Cover letter with a brief biographical statement
• Up to 5 minutes of script for the stage or screen
• Up to 1 minute for a video essay

Vineyard Arts Project 2026 Open Call Artist Residency | Request for Proposals

Website

Deadline: April 1, 2026

SUBMISSION FORM

Location: Edgartown, Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts

Vineyard Arts Project (VAP) invites applications from small budget organizations (under $1 million), collectives, or individual artists for its 2026/27 Artist Residency Program. VAP is a performing-arts residency and creative incubator dedicated to supporting the development of innovative new work in dance and theatre by emerging and established artists from around the world. The program provides dedicated time, housing, and studio resources in a collaborative environment designed to foster experimentation, artistic dialogue, and meaningful engagement with audiences.

Residents are hosted on VAP’s Edgartown campus, which includes multiple rehearsal studios and shared living facilities, enabling artists to focus intensively on the creative process while in residence.

Selected artists/teams will receive:

• Exclusive use of VAP residential and studio facilities for one residency week
• On-site housing accommodations for project participants
• Access to shared kitchen, living, and gathering spaces
• Administrative and logistical support from VAP staff
• Opportunity for an informal public sharing or presentation (format determined by project needs and conditions)

VAP is committed to accessibility and will work with selected residents to accommodate reasonable housing or caregiving needs where possible.

Please note that selected organizations and artists will be responsible for their own travel to and from Martha's Vineyard for their residency period.

Residency Structure

Residencies are typically one week in duration, though this can be flexible depending on the needs of accepted applicants.

Proposed 2026 Residency Periods:Summer Sessions: Limited availability June–August 2026
Fall Sessions: September–November 2026
Spring Sessions: April–May 2027

Applicants will indicate availability and preferred session windows.

Eligibility & Selection Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be developing a new or in-progress work in dance, theatre, musical theatre, or multidisciplinary performance
• Demonstrate a clear artistic process and contextual grounding of their work
• Show interest in collaboration and artistic exchange
• Be able to commit fully to selected residency dates
• Show a high level of artistic excellence in their proposed work

Priority considerations:

Collaborative teams (solo artists welcome but may receive secondary priority)
Projects engaging diverse audiences or perspectives
Organizations that do not have their own space

Equity Statement

Vineyard Arts Project does not discriminate in program access or participation on the basis of identity, background, or protected status. Applications are welcomed from artists of all perspectives and experiences.

Timeline (Proposed 2026 Cycle)

Application Opens: March 1st 2026
Application Deadline: April 1st 2026
Notification of Decisions: Late May 2026

For any questions about this application, please contact:

Sam Hood Adrain

Associate Producer & General Manager

sam@vineyardarts.org

Vineyard Arts Project