PlayPenn new play development conference

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Beginning on September 4, PlayPenn is accepting applications for its 2013 new play development conference and we are pleased to request your full length, unproduced script for consideration. Application materials will be accepted between September 4 and September 30, 2012. Your application must be uploaded and complete by September 30, 2012 or it cannot be considered.

The 2013 conference will be held in Philadelphia, PA from July 12 – 28 at the Adrienne Theatre in Philadelphia, PA. Invited playwrights will have the opportunity to work with a director, dramaturg, designer and Philadelphia-based, professional actors over a 17 day period that allows for 29 hours of rehearsal and staged reading time along with ample time to reflect and write.

The work will be preceded by a three-day pre-conference retreat (July 12 – 14) that will help in laying the collaborative groundwork for the development time ahead. The conference concludes with public staged readings that are intended as a part of the process, giving playwrights an opportunity to measure the efficacy of their work and provide an opportunity to gauge the work ahead.

PlayPenn will provide travel for casting for both writer and director, travel to and from the conference, housing, per diem and a stipend.

Applicants should be aware that we are a development conference rather than a festival or showcase for new work. The distinction is important and meaningful to us in the current climate of the increasing commercialization of play development. We seek to avoid participation in what has become known as "development hell" by fostering an environment in which risk is rewarded and honest assessment is provided and encouraged. TO THAT END, WE FOCUS ON THE NEEDS OF THE TEXT. THE END-OF-CONFERENCE READING IS INTENDED TO PRESENT A GLIMPSE INTO HOW THE TEXT LIVES OFF THE PAGE RATHER THAN HOW THE HOW THE PLAY MIGHT BE STAGED IN PRODUCTION.

To apply go to the following link – http://www.literarymanager.org/submit_step_one_u.php?t=8

Please follow the instructions to upload your play into our system. Because script reading by our evaluators is a blind process, you must include the following documents, absent your name or any identifying information. Because the data base identifies you through your registration, NO NAME SHOULD BE INCLUDED ON ANY DOCUMENT, INCLUDING YOUR RESUME.

1. An original script in .pdf format with no identifying indicators (no name on the document). Applications that are submitted in non-pdf format will not be considered
2. Your current resume (pdf) (no name on the document)
3. A casting breakdown and the number of actors required (pdf) (no name on the document)
4. The play's development and production history (pdf) (no name on the document). Plays that have been produced or that have been through an extended development process are not eligible. Plays that have had readings are eligible.
5. An articulation of your goals for the development process using the resources offered by PlayPenn (pdf) (no name on the document).

PlayPenn does not accept applications by agents.
And as stated above, applicants should be aware that we are a development conference rather than a festival or showcase for new work. The distinction is important and meaningful to us in the current climate of the increasing commercialization of play development. We seek to avoid participation in what has become known as "development hell" by fostering an environment in which risk is rewarded and honest assessment is provided and encouraged. TO THAT END, WE FOCUS ON THE NEEDS OF THE TEXT. THE END-OF-CONFERENCE READING IS INTENDED TO PRESENT A GLIMPSE INTO HOW THE TEXT LIVES OFF THE PAGE RATHER THAN HOW THE HOW THE PLAY MIGHT BE STAGED IN PRODUCTION.

Your application must be uploaded and complete by midnight September 30, 2012 or it cannot be considered.

Looking forward to reading your work,

The PlayPenn Staff