Tiny Beautiful Letter Project

Website

Deadline: May 11, 2026 by 7:00 PM (PDT)

SUBMISSION FORM

We invite you to take part in a meaningful, community-wide initiative inspired by the Pulitzer Prize-winning Rabbit Hole by David Lindsay-Abaire and our production of it, as part of our Immersive Experience program, which seeks to highlight and explore the key themes of each production.

Through the Tiny Beautiful Letter Project, we are collecting anonymous letters that are raw, vulnerable, and honest, exploring the feelings most people don’t know how to express: grief, death, heartbreak, loss, identity, loneliness, love, and everything in between. Selected letters will be part of a culminating special event, where some may be read aloud to an audience or shared in creative ways.

Submission Guidelines

Stay Anonymous: Do not include personal identifying information; you may sign with a pseudonym or phrase.

Word Count: While there is no strict limit, we encourage letters of at least 500 words.

Be Honest & Thoughtful: Share your truths while being mindful of your words.

Themes We Seek: Grief, loss, resilience, identity, vulnerability, or questions seeking guidance.

Why Participate?
The Tiny Beautiful Letter Project celebrates the beauty and depth of human experience. Your unique contribution will help highlight the small yet powerful connections that sustain us all.

Regardless if you submit or not, we invite you to join us on Saturday, June 6 for the live reading of selected letters and encourage you to also attend a performance of Rabbit Hole and engage with our immersive events.

Together, let’s celebrate the power of storytelling, honesty, and connection.

Together, let’s celebrate the power of storytelling and connection.

Bread & Wine 2nd Annual Christmas Short Play Competition

Website

Deadline: April 10, 2026

Or when 120 scripts have been submitted

Email scripts to breadandwinetheatreco@gmail.com

• Seeking scripts between 1 & 13 pages (3-25min runtime) 
• Can be Performed in the Round with no minimal set & 1 to 5 actors 
• Some relationship to Christmas or Christmas Themes 
• Aligns with Bread & Wine's Mission of promoting the Beauty of a Virtuous Life. We hope our audiences come away from every show having fallen in love with something good 
• Original Plays Only (no previous productions) 

Submissions open Feb 1st close Apr 10th or on the 120th submission
Finalists will be selected for a Zoom table read the weekend of May 16th/17th. They will then have until June 7th to resubmit a revised version to the panelists. 

1-3 winners will be chosen, compensated, and performed as part of Bread & Wine's Christmas Short Play Festival 

1 script limit per playwright. Note finalists may be asked to make certain revisions to make plays suitable for Bread & Wine's audience, 

Happy World Theatre Day

 

How to Celebrate World Theatre Day

Who can celebrate?

Celebrations open to everyoneThe main pillars of ITI – the ITI Centres and Cooperating Members – are the driving force behind the celebration of World Theatre Day in their country or region.
A celebration on the day itself or around it can be organized and promoted by anyone and everyone. Theatres, theatre and dance institutions, theatre and performing arts universities, government institutions, ministries of cultures, theatre and dance makers and theatre and dance lovers all over the world are invited to celebrate World Theatre Day.
ITI recommends that individuals or institutions who want to celebrate a day coordinate it with the ITI Centre or Cooperating Member in their country or region. The list of member addresses can be found in the directory online at www.iti-worldwide.org.

More at the World Theatre Day website.

The Voices of Democracy: A Festival for Ten-Minute Monologues

Website

Deadline: April 20, 2026 11:59 PDT

SUBMISSION FORM

In Samuel Beckett's groundbreaking play, Waiting for Godot (1953), Lucky, enslaved by Pozzo, remains silent throughout. But with one exception: when allowed by his master, Lucky utters a long, incoherent monologue that sheds light on his experience with unfreedom. Lucky is no exception in the history of playwriting and theater: Monologues have been used across history to give voice to the unheard and remain one of the most common genres for expressing challenges to free expression.

In the United States, there has been a long tradition of organizing festivals for ten-minute plays that gather actors, directors, and playwrights from across the country each year. This project, funded by the Valuing Open and Inclusive Conversation and Engagement (or VOICE) Initiative of the UC National Center for Free Speech and Civic Engagement, will organize the first festival of this kind in the University of California system.

Three monologues will be selected for staging at UC Irvine in May 2026. Each author will receive a $500 stipend to participate in the in-person event (date to be determined).

The call is open to all, not only members of the University of California community.

Ten-minute monologues can be submitted by April 20th, 2026 (11:59 PST) using the form above.

Guidelines:

1. Length: Length is flexible, but monologues are expected to be suitable for a ten-minute performance.

2. Theme: Monologues should broadly explore the festival's theme, The Voices of Democracy.

3. Formatting: Please follow these formatting guidelines.

4. File: Please submit a .docx or .pdf version of your monologue.

5. Multiple submissions: Each author may only submit one (1) monologue for the contest.

6. Language: Pieces in both English and Spanish will be accepted.

7. Cap: Submissions are capped at 100 monologues. We advise authors to submit their work earlier rather than later.

For any questions, please contact Eraldo Souza dos Santos (eraldo.souzadossantos@uci.edu)

Northern Michigan Asylum Playwriting Contest

Website

Deadline: December 31, 2026

The Northern Michigan Asylum Playwriting Contest invites playwrights to submit original works inspired by, connected to, or thematically centered on the history, architecture, culture, or personal stories associated with the Northern Michigan Asylum (also known as the Traverse City State Hospital). Works may be dramatic, comedic, historical, speculative, or musical in style, but all submissions must honor or explore the site in a meaningful way.

Contest is hosted by Old Town Playhouse (OTP), a community theater serving Traverse City, Michigan, and The Minervini Group LLC (TMG), redevelopers of The Village at Grand Traverse Commons, the original site of the Northern Michigan Asylum.

The contest opens January 19, 2026, and all submissions must be received by December 31, 2026.

Eligibility

• Open to writers of all experience levels.
• Writers must be at least 18 years old at the time of submission.
• Co-authored works are permitted.
• Submissions must be written in English.

Content Requirements

Subject Matter: The play must contain significant themes, settings, characters, or plot elements directly related to the Northern Michigan Asylum/Traverse City State Hospital.

Allowed Formats:

o One-act plays
o Two-act plays
o Musicals

Northern Michigan Asylum Playwriting Contest — Submission Guidelines 

Length Guidelines:

o One-act: 20–60 minutes
o Two-act: 60–150 minutes
o Musicals: 45–180 minutes

• Originality: Only original, unpublished, and unproduced works are eligible.

Prohibition on AI-Generated Content

To preserve artistic integrity and honor the spirit of the competition:

• No portion of the script may be generated by artificial intelligence tools (including ChatGPT, other LLMs, AI story generators, or automated scriptwriting tools).

• Writers may not use AI to draft, plot, or produce dialogue or lyrics.

• AI-assisted proofreading (e.g., spelling/grammar checks) is permitted, but no AI content generation may be used at any stage.

• Entrants will be required to attest that all creative content is human-authored.

Submission Requirements

• Format:

o PDF file only
o Standard script formatting preferred (12-point font, standard margins)
o Include a title page with:

▪ Play title
▪ Author’s name
▪ Contact email
▪ Contact phone number
▪ Whether the play is one-act, two-act, or a musical
• Page Header: Include the play title and page numbers on each page.

Northern Michigan Asylum Playwriting Contest — Submission Guidelines Page 2• Synopsis: Include a 150–300 word synopsis at the beginning (separate page).

• Character Breakdown: Provide a list of characters, including vocal ranges for musicals.

• Optional: A brief (100-word) playwright biography.

Submission Process

• Submissions open January 19, 2026 at 12:00 AM EST.

• All entries must be submitted by December 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST.

• Submissions must be sent by email to contest@oldtownplayhouse.com either as a PDF attachment or unrestricted link to cloud storage.

• Each entrant may submit up to two plays.

Evaluation Criteria & Winning

Entries will be judged on:

• Quality of storytelling and dramatic structure

• Creative integration of Northern Michigan Asylum themes

• Originality and artistic vision

• Character development

• Stage feasibility

• Musical quality (for musicals)

One work will be chosen to be fully workshopped and produced in late 2027 or early 2028 by Old Town Playhouse. The performance will take place at Kirkbride Hall located in one of the original Northern Michigan Asylum buildings. [Note: A staged reading may be presented in lieu of a full production if material warrants such].

Judges panel will be comprised of two representatives from Old Town Playhouse, two representatives from The Minervini Group LLC and one outside representative designated by Old Town Playhouse to serve on the panel.

Winning playwright will be notified no later than February 28, 2027.

Northern Michigan Asylum Playwriting Contest — Submission Guidelines 

Rights and Permissions

• Playwrights retain all rights to their work.

• By entering the contest, playwrights grant the organizers permission to excerpt, read publicly, or stage readings for purposes of event promotion from the time the winning script is selected and announced until the closing performance of the OTP production produced in late 2027 or early 2028.

Lyrics & Lyricists Jr., a special opportunity for ten emerging composers and songwriters

Website

Deadline:  April 6, 2026

To submit, composers and songwriters should email Megan Doyle with:a short bio
a demo of the song they are submitting in a Google Drive or sharable link (please do not email large files)

The 92nd Street Y is thrilled to invite submissions for this year’s Lyrics & Lyricists Jr., a special opportunity for ten emerging composers and songwriters to have their work presented on the 92NY stage.

For more than 50 years, 92NY’s celebrated Lyrics & Lyricists series has honored the art of songwriting and brought audiences together with extraordinary artists to explore the Great American Songbook.

Presented through 92NY’s Theater for Young Audiences Department, this production of Lyrics & Lyricists Jr. is created with family audiences in mind and is partnered with our Discover Musical Theater Residencies, which bring musical theater education into the NYC public school system. This exciting initiative connects emerging songwriters not only to performance, but also to 92NY’s broader mission of arts education, access, and inspiring young audiences through new musical storytelling.

Selected winners will have their song featured in this year’s concert on May 16 and 17, will be highlighted with a bio on the 92NY website, and will receive professional footage of their number performed on our stage. It is a meaningful opportunity for emerging writers to share their work as part of a long-standing 92NY tradition while also contributing to programming that serves young people and families.

Please note:All songs must be family-friendly
Songs may be either from a new, unpublished musical or a stand-alone song

We look forward to hearing new voices and celebrating the next generation of musical storytellers.

Nomad Theatre seeks 6-10 short plays set in a bar

Website

Deadline: April 27, 2026

SUBMISSION FORM

Nomad Theatre seeks 6-10 short plays to be a part of our upcoming show in August 2026. Submissions will open on March 2nd and closes on April 27th, 2026, at midnight. Selected playwrights will receive notification by June 30th. If you have not received notification from us by that date, we did not choose you for the production.

Nomad Theatre returns to its roots with the Bar Plays.

A bar is a special kind of crossroads...a place where strangers become confidants, where regulars guard their favorite stools, where celebrations and heartbreaks unfold under the same low light. It’s a sanctuary, a confessional, a stage for small truths and big revelations.

Pull up a chair and take a glimpse into the lives of characters navigating conversations, secrets, and emotions within the intimate confines of a local watering hole. Belly up to the bar for an evening of short plays that all take place in “The Bar”, where anything can happen, and often does.
Selected plays must take place in a bar. We encourage you to use the space creatively. They must be unpublished and unproduced at the time of submission.

This call is open to all playwrights worldwide. Selected playwrights receive a $25 honorarium, full production of their show and a ticket to attend. We encourage anyone to submit, even if you’ve never written a play. We want to support underrepresented playwrights, including women, LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, disabled, neurodiverse, etc, and encourage you to submit.

Entries will be judged on the following criteria:

• How well it meets the theme of the Bar
• Overall writing quality (Plot - we like different or quirky, weird, out-of-the-box theatre; Character Development; Dialogue)
• Suitability for our actors and space - low tech, 1-4 characters, flexible castingSubmission 

Guidelines:

• One submission per playwright
• A running time of 10-12 minutes long, or roughly 8-15 pages
• A cover page should include the title, the playwright’s name, contact information, a brief synopsis, and character descriptions.
• Pages should be numbered.
• Minimum of 1, maximum of 4 actors (characters may be double cast)
• Label your document as TITLE OF PLAY_LastName
• Must take place in a bar.
• No musicals.

We suggest formatting similar to the Dramatist Guild Guidelines: https://www.dramatistsguild.com/sites/default/files/2020-01/General-SFI-Formatting-Guidelines-Complete.pdf

If you have questions or need any accommodations for submission, please email nomadtheatresubmissions@gmail.com

Nomad's mission is to provide an immersive theatre experience by exposing audience members to eclectic and moving stories, taking theatre outside of a traditional theatre space and into site-specific locations.

OUT/PLAY Presents: Summer Shorts - Short Play Festival 2026

Instagram account

Deadline: April 1, 2026

SUBMISSION FORM

Announcing the 2nd annual Summer Shorts, a short play festival endeavoring to produce new LGBTQ+ voices!

Theme: Queer This Year! OUT/PLAY's current season has moved forward in time, telling stories of queer experiences from the 1940s to 2010. By concluding our season with Summer Shorts, we aim to center stories that explore and depict themes and experiences that the LGBTQ+ community is having today, right now, in 2026. Submissions will be considered based on creative interpretations of this theme. While we appreciate interpretations of classic and pre-existing material, OUT/PLAY will select only new and original short plays for the Summer Shorts Festival 2026.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

For your short play to be considered, please complete this form with the following materials:

• Photo/Resume and/or Artistic Bio (1 page PDF file)
• 1 PDF file including the following:
• Artist’s Statement: explanation of your play and its meaning, in your own words (100 words).

Character Breakdown: list of characters and useful descriptors to help Directors with casting. Please note: OUT/PLAY is an equal-opportunity organization, and while we understand some scripts require demographic specificity, we appreciate work that can be performed outside restrictions of age, sex, gender identity or expression, race, ethnicity, body-type, and ability.

Script: should not exceed 12 pages (excluding the title page and character breakdown). Format the document with 1-inch margins, font Times New Roman (or equivalent), font size 12pt. When read out loud (including stage directions) the play should not exceed 15 minutes in length. Plays that do not meet this guideline will not be considered.

Plays should be original, unpublished, and never before produced. This can be new work specifically for this festival or pulled from your archives.

Scripts should be frozen by its 1st rehearsal, with minimal changes made during the rehearsal process.

Playwrights must be residents of New York City area and available for the kick off meeting and the duration of the festival (see dates below).

If a Playwright has specific people in mind for Directors and/or Actors, please inform us below.

Playwrights, Directors, and Actors will be expected to promote the festival via social media and personal networks. Each play will be given a discount code for online ticket purchases.

Submissions are being accepted on a rolling basis between March 13 - April 1, 2026.

Playwrights will be contacted in mid-April 2026, with formal selections announced on May 1, 2026.

OUT/PLAY SUMMER SHORTS FESTIVAL OFFERINGS

Assignment of a Director to each short play (or a pairing of your choice, as indicated in field below).

1 Dress/Tech Rehearsal and 3 live performances between June 8-14, 2026 at The Chain Theatre (located at 312 West 36th Street, Floor 4, New York, NY 10018).

Video footage of 1 performance provided to the Playwright and Director.

Programs will be live streamed, 1 night each.

Each production will get 1 tech rehearsal (Date TBD) in the theatre during the week of the festival.

OUT/PLAY producers are available to support in casting and promotion via photos and video assets, social media, invitations to our mailing list, and a formal press release to theater and media contacts.

OUT/PLAY will offer 2 complimentary tickets per play to Industry Professionals—names and emails must be provided to OUT/PLAY by the Director of the play.

Any questions should be directed to outplaynyc@gmail.com.

Babes with Blades Joining Sword & Pen 2026-27 Competition

Website

Deadline: May 1, 2026 at midnight CDT

Please email your JS&P pitch submission in a PDF file to swordandpen@babeswithblades.org. 

(The filename must start with “Pitch for -” and the title of the proposed play (ex. “Pitch for – Patchwork Drifter.pdf”). If the title of the play begins with “the,” “a,” or “an,” please place that article at the end of the title (ex. “Pitch for – Last Daughter of Oedipus, The.pdf”). We understand in many cases these will be working titles.)

For this round of the competition, we’re looking for submissions from playwrights of underrepresented genders. This includes cis women, trans women, trans men, non-binary people, and those who are otherwise marginalized based on gender.

Inspirational Image for JS&P 2026-2027 Competition:

We’ve chosen a new inspirational image to be incorporated into the 2026-27 contest and this year we’re seeking commissions and asking for script pitches.

IMPORTANT: This will be a BLIND SUBMISSION PROCESS.

THE PITCH:

• Please send us a pitch for your script. Full length scripts will not be accepted this year.
• Please include the following in your pitch:What is your idea for this play?
• How will you incorporate the contest image into the play specifically?
• How does your idea fit Babes’ mission?
• A 10 page sample of a currently existing play (not previously submitted to BWBTC) that you think best showcases your work and style*. Please do not include any self identifying information (ie. Name, email, website, etc.) as this is a blind submission process.

*If you would like to submit some actual exploratory/rough draft pages of the moment where the contest image occurs, rather than describing it, you may do so, but it is not required to write new pages at this point of the contest.

Script submissions for JS&P accepted between March 2, 2026 and May 1, 2026.
Want more info? Contact swordandpen@babeswithblades.org.

REQUIREMENTS:

1. The moment depicted in the inspirational image (above) must be physically dramatized/incorporated into the play. We want to (literally) perform that moment on stage. We will not accept pitches that do not include the imagery and we will not contact you.

2. Pitches/stories must be inclusive of the BIPOC community. Whether the story lends itself to characters being played by actors of any race/ethnicity or whether it includes stories that are race-specific, BIPOC characters must not be limited to secondary or background characters. “Open gender” is an option. If it’s important that a character is cisgender or transgender, please specify this in your pitch. If it’s important that a character is of a particular racial/ethnic background (including white), please specify this in your pitch. Characters of unspecified racial/ethnic background will not be automatically assumed to be white. If you choose to include a list of potential characters in your pitch, please follow these guidelines.

3. Joining Sword & Pen (JS&P) submissions are due NO LATER than midnight (CST) on May 1st, 2026.

4. All JS&P pitch submissions must be for new, full length, original works, inspired by the artwork that is the focus of the contest. Previously written, workshopped, published or performed submissions will not be considered for the contest and we will not contact you. Please do not insert the contest image into an existing script.

5. Please email your JS&P pitch submission in a PDF file to swordandpen@babeswithblades.org. The filename must start with “Pitch for -” and the title of the proposed play (ex. “Pitch for – Patchwork Drifter.pdf”). If the title of the play begins with “the,” “a,” or “an,” please place that article at the end of the title (ex. “Pitch for – Last Daughter of Oedipus, The.pdf”). We understand in many cases these will be working titles.

6. The winner of the contest agrees to participation in the Fighting Words new plays program (workshops and festival reading – dates TBD), and grants Babes With Blades Theatre Company rights to produce the world premiere production of the winning play. Production dates are TBD for 2028 (subject to change).

Things to consider:

• Our mission statement: Babes With Blades Theatre Company uses stage combat to tell stories that elevate the voices of underrepresented communities and dismantle the patriarchy. Through performance, script development, training and outreach, our ensemble creates theatre that explores the wide range of the human experience, and cultivates broader perspectives in the arts community and in society as a whole.
• We do not accept or produce musical scripts.
• Both our venues and our budgets tend to be small.
• If your play does not pass the Bechdel Test, it is unlikely to fit our mission.
• If your play does not include stage combat, it does not fit our mission.
• Characters fight as a realization of high narrative stakes. Scenes of characters training to fight are usually lacking in stakes.
• If your script includes sexualized violence, consider whether the sexualization is truly necessary to the story. Sometimes it is; often it’s not.

Click here to learn more about Joining Sword & Pen

Village Playwrights Annual June Pride Festival 2026

Website

Deadline: April 10, 2026

Send to villageplaywrights@gmail.com

Village Playwrights is accepting one-act plays for the annual June Pride Festival.

Playwrights from NYC and surrounding areas are welcome to submit a one-act play up to 30 minutes in length. 

The plays chosen will be fully produced in NYC.

Oswego Players seek one-act plays from New York State residents

Website

Deadline: May 1, 2026 11:59 PM EDT

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

PLAYWRITING CONTEST GUIDLINES 

The contest is FREE and open to playwrights 18 years and older residing or attending college in the state of New York. 

All plays must be based on original concepts (no adaptations of any works or no verse plays), unpublished and unproduced. 

Only the first 100 submissions received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern time, May 1, 2026, will be considered for this year's contest. The Oswego Players, Inc., is not responsible for lost, late, misdirected, damaged, postage due or illegible entries.

Playwrights can submit one play per contest year.

By submitting a play, playwrights grant permission to Oswego Players, Inc., to produce said play at the organization's discretion with no remuncration to the playwright beyond the contest cash prize. While it is the intention of the organization to produce the winning play, it does not guarantee a staged production.

The content, theme, and time-period of the play are at the discretion of the playwright.
Since a live production 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 minutes.
Written so it can be staged with minimal set, props, lighting and sound effects, and limited period costume design.
The play should require no more than eight actors. One actor playing multiple parts is acceptable.

All entries must include a cover page which includes the name of the play, name of the playwright, and a street 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 

The prize-winning authors automatically give permission to the Oswego Players, Inc. to make copies of the script for rehearsal purposes. 

Submission of an entry will constitute agreement by the playwright to the terms described herein.

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.

Go Try Play Write - March 2026

Website

Deadline March 31, 2026

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 March 2026 is a chicken rebellion prompt:

Write a 10-page maximum scene of a chicken fight where the roosters fight back against their masters. It could take place in ‘Ewa, Waipahu, wherever really. The police could even arrive to help the people being attacked. Anything goes.

THE TENS FESTIVAL 2026 seeks 10-minute plays

Website

Deadline: May 23, 2026 at midnight EDT

Email Scripts to: Pancho@ParishPlayers.org 

Email Subject Line: Use the title of the play as the subject line of your email. 

File name: Name your PDF with the title of the play, a hyphen, and your own last name,
e.g. Hamlet-Shakespeare.

Types of Plays: Comedies or Dramas must be no more than 10 minutes in length.

Setting: Simple; the festival will offer 6 to 8 plays, and minimal set changes are required.

Notification of Selection: No later than June 20th, 2026.

Performance Dates: October 2026.

Producer: Beata Isaacs Randall

How to submit your script:

File format: PDF ONLY!

Please Note: No more than one script per playwright. We prefer new, unproduced plays; however previously produced and already published original plays will be considered. We will also give preference to "local" (New England) playwrights.

Questions? Email Pancho@ParishPlayers.org using the subject line: TENS QUESTION.

The Andrew Conti Workshop seeks one-act and full-length plays

Website

Deadline: April 1, 2026

Submit to: wayne@sfbh.org

For questions or additional information, please contact: wayne@sfbh.org 

Sonoma Foundation for Behavioral Health (SFBH) is seeking writers to submit original scripts for consideration in this year’s Andrew Conti Workshop (ACW) — a performance art
program dedicated to helping people process challenging emotional experiences through deeply human, character-centered storytelling.

The ACW Workshop supports new and emerging voices and embraces work that explores the full spectrum of human experience — from the challenging to the absurd, from the disturbing to the beautiful. We are particularly interested in scripts that engage with themes such as mental health, addiction, recovery, identity, connection, and resilience.

The selected script will be developed and presented as part of the three-month ACW Workshop, culminating in multiple theatrical performances. This process offers writers the
opportunity to see their work brought to life in a collaborative and supportive creative environment.

ACW and its Director, Dr. Senadhi Parakrama, intend to maintain the original work of the chosen script to the best of their ability. The workshop’s ultimate goal is to allow the ensemble actors to help heal the personal narratives they have been unable to voice. During the 12-week workshop
and rehearsal period, participants will write their own monologues drawn from their personal experiences, marrying them with the characters they are playing in the script. These monologues will be woven into the script, while maintaining the original storyline.

Who Should Submit:
Playwrights, screenwriters, and writers of all backgrounds and experience levels are encouraged to apply.

What Selected Writers Receive

• Script development within a supportive ensemble environment
• Collaboration with directors, actors, and creative staff
• The opportunity to see your work staged as part of the ACW Workshop

What to Submit (2 Attachments):

• Blind Script Submission
• Script Length
• Scripts must 40 – 60 pages in standard theatrical format (12-point font)Intended for an approximately one-hour production, with an average of 5-10 actors, some primary some secondary.
• Your name and identifying information must be removed from the script

2. Writer Information (Separate Attachment)

• Brief writer bio
• Contact information

This will be a blind submission process. Individuals reviewing scripts will not have access to identifying or contact information for writers during the selection process.

We look forward to reading your scripts!

Perlberg Festival 2027 seeks full-length plays

Website

Deadline: May 31, 2026

SUBMISSION FORM

The 2026 Perlberg Festival of New Plays at Palm Beach Dramaworks is accepting submissions through May.

What are we looking for?

• Comedies and Dramas (no musicals)
• Cast sizes between 2 and 5 (doubling is okay)
• Plays that really explore relationships/deeper ideas/the human condition
• Plays between 70 and 120 minutes (full-length but not epically long)
• One submission per writer -- if you're trying to decide which to send, send the one that seems like the best "fit" for Palm Beach Dramaworks
• UNPRODUCED, with no productions scheduled before April of 2027

The Players Theatre – Short Play Festival - NYC

Website

Deadline: March 25, 2026

SUBMISSION FORM

New York City is like no other place in the world! We are seeking plays that get to the heart of the Big Apple and explore what makes this town tick. Unique New York – it’s more than a tongue twister – it is a way of life!

All plays submitted must be centered on and revolve around this theme.

ELIGIBILITY: Short Plays and Musicals with a performance time of 15 minutes or less, no more than 15 pages in length (not including title page). Writers are eligible to submit up to 2 plays.

Plays run one weekend out of three in June 2026
June 4 – 7
June 11 – 14
June 18 – 21
Thurs – Sat 7pm; Sun 3pm

DATES & LOCATIONS: June 4 – 21, 2026 The Steve & Marie Sgouros Theatre at The Players Theatre: 115 MacDougal Street, New York, NY 10012 – 3rd floor walk up: 3 weeks, 4 performances weekly (Thursday through Sunday), 5 new plays featured each week. Each play performs four times in its selected week (Week 1, Week 2, or Week 3). 

PRIZE: Each week a audience favorite is selected by audience vote. The winner of each week will receive $100 prize. If you are the winner, you must submit a PayPal account to receive your prize. THEME: “NYC” Make it all about life in NYC! All plays submitted must be centered on and revolve around this theme. ** Note ** 1) Playwrights are responsible for producing their own play – Host (us) provides theatre, technicians, marketing and box office. 2) 

If selected, there is a $50 NON-refundable tech fee required Plays MUST be NO MORE 15 minutes in length, which equals approximately 15 pages of script (not including title page). Submissions open: Feb 11, 2026 Submissions close: March 25, 2026 Play selection announced soon thereafter (it may take a few weeks after the close of the submission window). F

For more festival information visit: www.shortplaynyc.com 

Click Here to download a sample contract for the festival – This is a sample of what you would receive IF your play is accepted – please DO NOT sign & send this sample.

Thank you – we can’t wait to read your work!

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 NOT 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.