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Wednesday, May 30, 2018

The 8th Annual Unfringed Festival Call For Submissions

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Applications accepted Feb, 2016 – June 1st, 2017th *

In the summer of 2013, The First Annual UNFringed Festival brought bold and daring new works to The Secret Theatre of Long Island City, Queens – named “One of NYC’S best theater spots” by Time Out.

Now, in July/August 2018, UNFringed returns with new original shows for our 6th Annual Unfringed Festival.

PARTICIPATION:
UNFringed seeks new and exciting works that challenge audiences, facilitating lively discussion and interaction between artists and viewers.

Talk to us in your cover letter. Tell us why you want to be a part of UNFringed, and how your work will benefit from being involved.

APPLICATIONS:
Applications will be accepted electronically from February, 2018 to June 1st, 2018.
However participants are encouraged to submit early because the selection process starts early May and you may get more preparation time if you are chosen early. All entries will be considered.

There is no submission fee to apply!
Please submit only complete applications. If application is incomplete, it will not be considered. Complete applications include a full script, contact information, and press information. The application form is available via the link below and also via our website. You will get an emailed response confirming your submission. If you are submitting more than one show, each show must have its own application and support materials.

ACCEPTANCE:
All applicants will receive notification via email on or before June 10th. At this time, if you are accepted to the festival, you will receive further instructions for information and an online form. We use a rolling submissions policy. This online form must be filled out immediately and be accompanied by a non-refundable $400.00 participation fee, which can be paid online.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
If your show is accepted to the festival, you are given a slot in which to produce your show. We are not producing your show, we are merely presenting it. You or your producing organization must hire your own cast, crew, and staff, secure your own rights, and run your own rehearsals, etc. We will assist you if you are applying for an Equity showcase by providing an insurance certificate and advice but you make the application.

SCHEDULING:
All shows will be presented in one venue for at least 4-6 performances throughout the duration of the festival. This number is dictated by the number of successful applications. Performances will be between 6pm and Midnight on weekdays, and between Noon and Midnight on weekends. There is only a 30 minute change-over time between shows. Your curtain time will vary from day to day in order to that ensure all shows receive an equal amount of prime performance times. Keep in mind that when you are striking or setting up your show, another show is also striking or setting up. Keep aspects of your production minimal, please!

BOX OFFICE and TICKETING:
UNFringed handles all aspects of ticketing and box office. Full priced tickets are $18 in advance, and $20 at the door.

COMPENSATION TO COMPANIES:
1. $500 Best of Festival Prize –awarded to the show that receives the largest popular vote.
2. All participants receive 50% of door after first 13 full price tickets.
3. No Submission Fees.
4. Low participation fee. Most companies can easily recoup their costs and should make a profit.

TECHNICAL / PRODUCTION:
You will need to keep the technical requirements of your show very simple. The venue is equipped with basic lighting and sound equipment. Storage space is minimal. Since the space is shared with all shows in that venue you may get some storage but will be sharing with other companies so no large set pieces or furniture. Each company will have only one cue to cue technical/dress rehearsal in the venue. We will provide a lighting designer for your tech so that your cues are all written for your operator. We will also provide an on site house manager.
Technical equipment:
* Full lighting rig incl ETC Express console, a combination of Source 4s and par cans. Qlab for cueing sound via and iMac.
* Other sound equipment available [some items subject to low rental fee].
* We have a projector for use at an additional $50 per show but recommend that your video files are stored and played from a laptop provided by your company. The projector input is VGA so you may need to have a suitable adaptor.

PUBLICITY:
UNFringed will publicize the festival and coordinate overall press relations. You will be asked to submit publicity photos and PR materials so that we can send complete press packages to print and broadcast media. You are welcome to publicize your own show through your own press releases, mailers, handbills, busking and/or posters. The more you promote your show, the larger your potential audience.
We can provide Video Production for your show at extremely reasonable rates filmed on a 2 or 3 camera set up and fully edited. Price depends on length of show. Please contact us for full details.

EXCLUSIVITY:
If you are accepted to UNFringed, part of our agreement prohibits the performance of your show anywhere in New York, New Jersey or Connecticut anytime during the months of June, July, August, Sept & Oct 2018. Preference is given to premieres but provided your play will be of interest to an audience we are interested to read it premiere or not.
Performances elsewhere within our audience area greatly impact ticket sales to UNFringed. Please keep this restriction in mind when accepting other invitations to perform your show during these months, particularly before you have received acceptance status notification from UNFringed.

OUT-OF-AREA PARTICIPANTS:
Out-of-area participants, like locals, are responsible for all aspects of production and additional publicity for their show, as well as travel expenses, securing working visas (where required), and accommodations. UNFringed cannot help with housing for a participating company. Please bear this in mind before applying. It can be hard to mount a show in NYC even if you are normally based in for example, Hackensack NJ. The physical distance may not be great but unless you cast NY actors or can find an NJ cast that is willing to come in for the shows which may be at different times this could become onerous. We want your show but we also want you to have no more than the normal stress of mounting a production!

Submit Here
You can also submit via secrettheatre.com

For more information please contact us by email : Veronica
The Secret Theatre
44-02 23rd St.
Long Island City, NY 11101
E, M, G or 7 train to Courthouse SQ/23rd St.
ONLY ONE SUBWAY STOP FROM MANHATTAN


Tuesday, May 29, 2018

New Play Contest: Interfaith & Religious Diversity

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Theatre Simpson is sponsoring a new playwriting contest. We are looking for new short plays with a focus on Interfaith and Religious Diversity for our Festival of Short Plays 2019.

Theatre Simpson annually produces a Festival of Short Plays based around a topic or playwright. This year, and for the second time since 2017, we are focusing on new plays. The festival is a student-produced project developed in the Senior Theatre Seminar course. Working collaboratively, the students will choose the plays, direct, design, and perform.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

• Submissions should be 10-30 minutes in length.

• Plays must be original, unpublished, and unproduced. Plays will be accepted that have been work-shopped or had staged readings.

•Uncomplicated set/technical requirements (minimal set changes).

• Small to medium (2-7 actors) cast.

• Plays chosen for inclusion in the Festival will receive a $100 flat fee royalty payment.

Please submit plays to newplays@simpson.edu by August 15, 2018 in the following format:

  •  Submitted as a PDF (no hard copies or Word docs, please)
  •  Page 1: cover page with play title and playwright information
  •  Page 2: brief synopsis of play (200-word maximum) and cast list that includes each character’s name/age.
  •  Pages numbered.

Production Details: Performances: April 12-14, 2019

Monday, May 28, 2018

The Furnace Festival Applications

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The Furnace Festival is a workshop forum for incendiary new plays, developed in residence at The Center at West Park. Participants are given one week in the Center’s 60 seat Balcony Theater, a small production stipend, and up to 20 additional hours of free rehearsal space to forge a new play in the fiery heat of New York in August, culminating in two workshop performances on Friday and Saturday nights.

All tickets to the Furnace Festival are just $10 and include an ice cold refreshment to help you beat the heat.

The Center at West Park’s Balcony Theater is located on the second floor of the historic landmark West Park Presbyterian Church at 165 W 86th Street in Manhattan. Please note that the Balcony Theater does not have A/C or an elevator and is not ADA accessible.


APPLY NOW FESTIVAL RESIDENCY PACKAGE

Participation in the Furnace Festival includes:

One week in residence at the Center’s Balcony Theater, 10am-10pm Monday-Saturday, 6-10pm Sunday. Performances on Friday and Saturday at 8pm. Load out on Sunday evening. Weeks available are: July 30-Aug 5, Aug 6-12, Aug 13-19, and Aug 20-26.

Up to 20 hours of additional rehearsal time at the Center from July 9 through August 26. Hours may be used 10am-10pm Mondays-Saturdays and 6pm-10pm on Sundays.

$100 production stipend, paid by check to Lead Artist or company at the end of the residency.
Ticketing, including online and in-person box office provided by the Center.

Complimentary cold refreshments provided by the Center to each ticket buyer.

Placement for two 11″x17″ show posters in the Center’s display cases on 86th & Amsterdam (posters designed and printed by Lead Artist).


APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN

Applications for the Furnace Festival are due Monday, June 10, 2018 at noon.

Accepted participants will be notified by Friday, June 29.

Please Note: The Furnace Festival is for new plays. New scripts should be world premiers (not including staged readings) and adaptations of existing texts should include significant original material. Performances of published plays and lightly edited classical texts are not accepted.

Lead artists are responsible for hiring all performers and members of the production/creative team, including sound/light board operators, and are responsible for all production and marketing expenses beyond what is included in the residency package. Lead artists must provide their own insurance to cover their rehearsals and performances (Volunteer Accident and/or General Commercial Liability, as applicable).

Maximum run time for each play is 90 minutes without intermission or 120 minutes including a 15-minute intermission.

Application should include:

Script sample. Up to ten page sample that you feel gives a sense of the content and style of your piece. PDF or Word preferred.

Development History/Goals. A one page document that outlines the developmental history of the project and your goals for the Furnace Festival residency. PDF or Word preferred.
Resume or narrative biographies for up to three artists (up to one page per person) participating in this project. PDF or Word preferred.

Photo and or video media samples for the submitted work or another representative work by the lead artist. This can be links to up to five minutes of video or audio, and/or a series of up to five still images. Images and links should be embedded/pasted in a PDF or Word document. Include the password if any linked materials are password protected.

Any scheduling conflicts in July and August.

Apply online

EXIT STRATEGIES - A Ten-Minute International Play Festival

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RAZE THE SPACE In association with the Literature & Fiction Department of the Los Angeles Public Library 2.00 - 3.30 pm Saturday, August 11, 2018, @ the Mark Taper Auditorium,
​Central Library, 630 W 5th St, CA 90071

Submission Rules and Guidelines. Please read the following information carefully.                  
This year’s theme, EXIT STRATEGIES, must be reflected in all work submitted. What does EXIT STRATEGIES mean to you? And how can you use this year’s theme as a springboard into your own creative process?
  • All entrants must be 18 or over.
  • The window for play submissions will open on May 5, 2018 and close at midnight PST, June 5, 2018.
  • All play submissions must be in Word or PDF format and sent as an email attachment to the following email address: razethespacetheatre@gmail.com.
  • Include the words ‘Festival Play Submission’ in the subject line of your email.
  • Include a very short cover letter in the main body of your email with name, contact info, and play title.
  • Submissions sent before or after the submission window will not be accepted. 
  • Plays must be original English-language work for the stage written by the person making the submission.
  • Plays must not have been published or produced previously.
  • Plays must be no longer than 10 minutes.
  • Any play that does not meet these guidelines will not be considered.
  • ONE SUBMISSION only per writer, so be sure to send us your best work. 
  •  The first page of your play must include the play title, writer's name, and contact details including email and telephone number. 
  • Please number the pages of your Word or PDF play attachment.

Submissions close on June 5, 2018 and a month later on July 5, 2018 eight winning plays will be announced on the RAZE THE SPACE website. All decisions are final and the writers of the selected plays will be contacted by email.

By submitting their work to RAZE THE SPACE as part of its ten-minute international play festival 'Exit Strategies,' writers agree that if selected, they give permission for the submitted play to be presented without royalty for the Exit Strategies free public performance at the Mark Taper Auditorium @ Central Library in Downtown Los Angeles on August 11, 2018. 

Sunday, May 27, 2018

The Dennis & Victoria Ross Foundation Playwrights Program

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We are now accepting Submissions to the 2018/2019 Playwrights Program.  The Deadline for Submission is 11:59pm on Monday, June 11th.

About

The Playwrights Program is an annual opportunity intended to help new and compelling full-length plays come to the attention of the greater public.

Each year DVRF selects one previously unproduced play to receive an intensive development in New York City. This period is structured in dialogue with the playwright to best accommodate their needs and artistic goals for the piece. The program culminates in presentations to invited audiences featuring producers, directors, and other industry professionals.

Program finalists will be recognized and invited to participate in one of our Round Table workshops.

Rules and Guidelines for Submission

  • We are seeking full-length plays only. While there is no strict minimum for length we suggest all submissions be at least 30 pages long.
  • Submissions must be in English.
  • No play that is currently under option, or has previously had a full, public production is eligible for selection. Submissions that have been developed previously or were under option must be accompanied by a brief summary of their developmental history.
  • Please only one submission per playwright/playwriting team.
  • The play must be original or based on material which the author previously was afforded the rights to.
  • Playwrights must be residents of the United States and at least 18 years of age.
  • This program is intended only for playwrights who will be able to attend at least a 1-2 week-long workshop and presentation in New York City in March/April of 2019. DVRF will do its best to schedule according to the selected playwright's availability. The selected playwright must be prepared to bear any lodging and travel expenses incurred while participating in the program. Please note we cannot compensate for time taken off from work. 

How to Submit
Submit via the webform

Saturday, May 26, 2018

Christopher Hewitt Award

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A&U Magazine, a national nonprofit HIV/AIDS publication, is currently accepting entries for the sixth annual Christopher Hewitt Award. Named in honor of A&U’s first literary editor, the award showcases outstanding responses to the AIDS pandemic and the realities of individuals living with or affected by HIV/AIDS in the genres of fiction, poetry, drama, and creative nonfiction.

Prize: $50
Entry fee: None
Submission deadline: June 1, 2018
Judges: Winners will be selected by the following judges, by category.

  • Poetry: Noah Stetzer
  • Fiction: TBA
  • Creative Nonfiction: Joy Gaines-Friedler
  • Drama: Bruce Ward
  • Publication: Winners and named runners-up will be published in upcoming issues of A&U.


How to Submit: Email  Word (.doc or .docx files) of your work to Managing Editor Chael Needle via email: chaelneedle@mac.com.

Please indicate in the subject line that your submission is for the Christopher Hewitt Award; include your name and genre in the subject line as well. Your name or any other personal identifying information should not appear on your manuscript. Multiple submissions are accepted, but please submit each separately.

Guidelines: All submissions must be HIV/AIDS-related and previously unpublished. All styles are welcomed. Fiction and creative nonfiction should be 1,200 words or fewer, double-spaced.

Drama may be an excerpt from a longer work or a ten-minute play (1,400-1,600 words, no more than ten pages, Dramatists Guild format). 

We reserve the right to excerpt longer pieces for print, in consultation with the author; works in their entirety will be printed on the web.

Rights: We secure first North American serial rights and electronic archival rights (posting on the Web and in digital issues).

If any genre lacks a clear winner, fewer than four awards may be given. All entries will be considered for publication.

Distilled Theatre Company Presents dtc radio Season Six

Web site: http://www.distilledtheatre.com/

Deadline: June 1st

How to Submit: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScYyQFiCqE0v23KlRqzr2Ce0kZPyAxeb1wajkj_L95Ax-0JPQ/viewform

Distilled Theatre Company is excited to get started on our sixth season of dtc radio!  dtc radio curates and produces new story-based radio plays that air for free on iTunes and are available through any podcast app.  The dtc radio team will work with you on script development and when a final draft is complete, the team will find a director, actors, a sound designer, and produce the script. We are looking for several new plays for Season six, all around 20min in length.

SEASON 6 PROMPT:
“It is by no means an irrational fancy that, in a future existence, we shall look upon what we think our present existence, as a dream.” - Edgar Allen Poe

Imagine a world where gas is $6.00 a gallon, Shrek 6 is playing in the theaters, and the color of the year is "millennial ochre." That world is not too far away, in fact, it could happen as soon as 2023. This season we are looking for plays inspired by and set five years in the future. Look to any aspect of life in the future, global or hyper-local, mundane or epic.

HOW IT WORKS:
Our selection process works in two rounds. This form is our first round, where you pitch your best idea for a new, original radio play that fits our prompt. Then, our readers pick their favorite pitches and those playwrights will be notified that they have been selected for round 2 of our process. At that time a writing sample from the proposed play will be collected. Our readers go through each submitted sample and then select our season based on the strength of those sample pages.

Feel free to email distilledtheatre@gmail.com with any questions!

*dtc radio is currently located in New York City and Fort Lauderdale. We only request applicants from near these areas so the playwright can be involved in the process.

Friday, May 25, 2018

Winneshiek Theater seeks fractured fairy tales

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We’re looking for humorous Fractured Fairy Tales that change a fairy tale in an unexpected way; altering characters, adding modern language or events, changing an ending, etc.

The rules must be followed exactly, or our magic wand will make your script disappear! We don’t want you crying in the tower alone!

WHAT: It has to be based on an actual fairy tale, as our children’s theater program is literature based and we will be purchasing the book of the fairy tale to accompany the fractured play.

DEADLINE: June 1, 2018, no exceptions

HOW LONG: Up to 20 pages, excluding playwright info page. Anything longer will not be considered. Must be appropriate for children ages 9-13, G-rated!

HOW MANY CHARACTERS: A min. of 12, max of 14, all speaking roles of varying lengths. We’re cool with trees, animals, flowers, tea cups, etc. having verbal input.

SHOW ME THE MONEY: Yes, yes, we will! Two (2) winners will received $100 for the rights to perform your piece twice, after which all rights revert back to you and you can say it’s been performed on a real theatrical stage! Please submit your play using the Standard Stage Play Format.

PLEASE EMAIL YOUR SCRIPTS TO info@winneshiekplayers.org with FRACTURED FAIRY TALES in the subject line. Don’t forget to include your contact info. We will contact the two winners by mid-June.

Thursday, May 24, 2018

The Ingenious Grant for Playwriting

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Town Hall Theater (Vermont) is offering a $1,000 prize for a new play with several interesting roles for young women. We want to give young actresses the opportunity to be the heroines or villainesses of a variety of stories. The winning play will receive a staged reading at Town Hall Theater in Middlebury, Vermont with the possibility of a full production in the Fall of 2018.

To be considered, plays must have young female characters (ages 18 and under) with speaking roles that go beyond the stereotypical girlfriend, daughter or nerdy best friend roles. Older roles and roles for men are welcome, but the story should have a young female protagonist and female supporting characters.

Plays can be any genre, but it must be family-friendly or at least rated PG. We’d like to see lady pirates, evildoers, explorers, nerds, adventurers, poets, robots, preachers, goofballs, creatures, etc- a wide array of roles for young women. We will also not turn away a well-made play set in a school.  Musicals will be considered. We are not accepting adaptations or translations at this time.

Nuts and Bolts:
Plays should have at least a 50 minute run-time.

Submissions may not have had a previous production. Previous staged readings are fine.

Submissions are due June 1, 2018. 

The winning playwright will be notified September 1, 2018.  Email scripts as a PDF traditional play script formatting and numbered pages. We’d like the first 3 pages to be the following:
1. Contact page with your name, email, address and phone
2. A separate title page
3. A brief synopsis/ character description page.

Submissions will be read “blind”; therefore, we ask that identifying information be kept off every page except the first (see above).

Please email scripts to office@townhalltheater.org or mail to
The Ingenious Grant
P.O. Box 128
Middlebury, VT 05753

Playwrights are invited to be a part of the reading or production process. The extent of the playwright’s involvement will be determined by future funding and availability/ interest on the part of the individual playwright.

Questions? Contact producer Haley Rice at office@townhalltheater.org

2018 Marion Thauer Brown Audio Drama Scriptwriting Competition is open for submissions

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The MTB Audio Drama Scriptwriting Competition celebrates good old-fashioned storytelling with a $250 first prize and $100 second-place prize. All genres considered and authors retain all script rights.

There’s no fee for entry. We simply ask the following:
  • Please keep to one entry per author.
  • The script should be your original work/story.
  • (No adaptations of other’s works or use of proprietary characters such as Dr. Who, Frankenstein, Othello, etc.)
  • Please keep the script “family friendly”
  • 1) Avoid swearing, which for this context includes “damn,” “hell,” “God,” etc.
  • (This led to the disqualification of some great scripts last year, so please don’t do it.)
  • 2) Avoid implicit or implied sexual context.
  • 3) Avoid graphic depictions of killing or torture.
  • Make sure your script is action/plot driven and free of visual stage directions.
  • Scripts should run no longer than 30 minutes.


Please send an e-mail to: submit@mtbscriptcompetition.com
Entry deadline May 28th 2018.
Winners will be announced on June 21st 2018.




The New Group submission guidelines

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We request that playwrights submit, via mail, a letter of inquiry and a 10 page sample of the play, along with a resume and synopsis (SASE required for response). The play must not have been previously produced in New York City, and should be a challenging, character-based script with a contemporary setting and sensibility. Due to the volume of submissions, please be patient in awaiting a response. If you think that your work might be appropriate for our company, please send your letter and sample to:

Submissions
The New Group
410 West 42nd Street
New York, NY 10036

Wednesday, May 23, 2018

The Lanesboro Artist Residency Program

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The Lanesboro Artist Residency Program, located in Lanesboro, MN (pop. 754), is supported by the Jerome Foundation and aims to provide an immersive, meaningful experience for emerging artists from Minnesota and the five boroughs of New York City. The program is unique in that it provides an entire rural community and its myriad assets as a catalytic vehicle for engagement and artistic experimentation, with staff working with each resident to create a fully-customized residency experience.

TO APPLY
The application deadline for residencies taking place in 2019 is Friday, June 29, 2018 at 12 p.m. (noon) CST.

Program application

5th Wall Productions 2018-2019 Staged Reading Series

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Staged Reading Program Overview:

The Staged Reading Series at 5th Wall Productions is a part of our new play development process. Each month, one previously unpublished and unproduced play will receive a staged reading, followed by a  a critical response session with the audience. At the end of each season, TWO of these selections will be chosen to receive a workshop production.

FAQs:
What kind of plays are you looking for?

5th Wall is currently accepting submissions of full-length, unpublished, unproduced stage plays. The plays do not have to be production-ready. In fact, most of our choices are in need of further development. Our mission is to give these development opportunities to new pieces,  and 5th Wall staff will work closely with the writers to improve the work. Submissions will be judged for overall quality, length, style, and producibility. We strive to find plays that tell new stories, ask tough questions, provoke thought, and challenge both actors and audiences. Submissions are not exclusive to local playwrights, though some  preference will be given to writers who are able to attend the reading.

How do I submit a script?

Submissions can be e-mailed in PDF format to our literary manager at: 5thwallsubmissions@gmail.com.

Is there a fee?

No!

What do I need to include with my submission?

Please include your name, address, phone number and email address on the cover page of your script. We would like plays to include a synopsis, character breakdown, and development history. Please also include any specific feedback you would like from the 5th Wall staff and/or what questions you would ask the audience during the talkback session at the reading. You may also include a brief biography (not required).


How should my play be formatted?

There is a great resource on play formatting by Samuel French.

(Format guides at NYCPlaywrights)


What is the deadline for submission?

Submissions for the 2018-2019 season will close at 11:59 pm EST on May 31, 2018.


When will I find out if my play is selected?

Writers will be notified by email when we have received your submission.  If your play is chosen for a Staged Reading, you will be notified by July 31, 2018.

If at any time you would like to receive an update on the status of your submission, feel free to send an email to 5thwallsubmisisons@gmail.com.

When are the readings presented?

Staged Reading Series events are typically held on the third Sunday of each month (with the exception of November and December). Scripts are assigned a director and a cast, and in most cases scripts are given two rehearsals during the week prior to the reading. Writers are invited to attend rehearsals and the reading, but it is not required.


What happens in the Critical Response session?

The model we use for the critical response talkback was developed by Liz Lerman, and is used by many institutions including the New York Theatre Workshop. It is structured in a way that ensures that feedback remains constructive and to the point. The four steps of the Critical Response Process are:

The audience is asked to make statements of meaning regarding the work.
The writer asks questions of the audience.
The audience then gets to ask questions of the writer.
Members of the audience ask if the writer would like to hear opinions or suggestions about certain aspects of the play. The writer must give permission for the opinion or suggestion to be heard.
Learn more about the Critical Response Process here.


Are writers paid for staged readings or given compensation for travel?

We do not offer pay or travel stipends for staged reading participation. We feel that the benefit of the program is the development opportunity itself. Participation is voluntary for all involved. Writers who are not local may participate in the process through online video chat.


What happens next?

5th Wall will select TWO of the Staged Reading Series scripts to be workshopped into full productions in the following season. Writers will again be invited to participate in the workshop process, which will typically be the first two weeks of the six week rehearsal period. Writers are also welcome to attend a press-preview and opening night of the production. Writers will be compensated 10% of ticket sales for workshop productions.

What if my play has already been produced* or published?

Previously produced or published plays will not be considered for the Staged Reading Series, but may be considered for production in an upcoming season.  Please specify if the play you are submitting has already been published or produced and include production history, if applicable.

*Plays that have had three or more performances for a paying audience will be considered previously produced.

Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Spicy Witch seeks writer-in-residence

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Apply to our Writer-in-Residence Program

Spicy Witch Productions seeks an emerging playwright to be our 2019 Writer-in-Residence. The SWP Writer-in-Residence Program supports the work of an emerging playwright. Throughout the course of our 2018-2019 season, the playwright will work with SWP on an adaptation of a classical text, chosen collaboratively by the company and the playwright. Ideal candidates should be inspired by our mission to create theater that explores themes of gender and identity and to support female and non-binary artists. ​

The Writer-in-Residence will develop their new play through a series of workshops and a public reading in the winter of 2019, and will have the opportunity to attend a weekend long company retreat. The world premiere will be produced by SWP, in repertory with the play's source material, in our 7th season.

Interested applicants should email spicywitchproductions@gmail.com with a resume, a letter of interest, and a complete play submission (either one act or full length). Please include "Playwright Submission - FIRST NAME LAST NAME" in the subject line.

Applications are due on June 1, 2018 by 11:59 PM.

Spicy Witch Productions is committed to creating an inclusive ensemble of diverse perspectives. Emerging writers of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds are actively encouraged to submit.
Stay informed about future opportunities: Join our mailing list

Interested collaborators are always encouraged to email us at SpicyWitchProductions@gmail.com. We will keep your information on file.

Monday, May 21, 2018

Summer Shortcuts VIII

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The Open Eye Theater in Margaretville will accept 10-minute play submissions from May 21 to June 3, to be considered for production in “Summer Shortcuts VIII.”

Eight plays will be selected for two weekends of performances, Thursdays through Sundays from Aug. 16 to 26. All performances will take place at 960 Main St. in Margaretville, New York.

Family-friendly comedies and dramas, no more than 10 minutes in length on any subject or theme, and of any style or genre are welcome, according to a media release. The Open Eye is a “black box-type” theater seating 75. The company is especially interested in plays by Catskill Mountains and New York state playwrights, and in plays with good roles for senior adults and young teens.

Each playwright may submit up to two 10-minute plays, formatted in Word, ODT or PDF, and emailed to openeye@catskill.net with the subject line: Summer Shortcuts VIII.

The playwright’s name and all contact information, including mailing address, phone number and email address must appear on the title page. Hard copy submissions will not be accepted.

Authors of selected plays will be notified by late July. Each playwright whose play is produced will be encouraged to attend rehearsals and performances, and will receive a token fee of $40 and a copy of the printed program.

Play submissions will be accepted only from May 21 to June 3.

More information about The Open Eye Theater, and photos from Summer Shortcuts VII can be seen at

PICK OF THE VINE – Season 17 (2019)

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Little Fish Theatre is accepting scripts for our 17th Annual PICK OF THE VINE short play production to be presented in January-February 2019.

There will be a $50 flat fee royalty payment to playwrights per play produced.
Submission Guidelines:

1. Only ONE play may be submitted per playwright. There is no submission fee.

2. Submissions accepted starting May 1, 2018. Submission deadline is May 31, 2018.

3. Submissions via email only. Email submissions (in .pdf form only) to LFTpickofthevine@gmail.com

4. Plays must include contact info (name, phone number, email address, home city and state, country) on the cover sheet.

5. Plays will require no more than 10 actors.

6. Plays will run no more than 15 minutes, no exceptions.

7. Plays will have minimal set, costume, prop, and special effect requirements.

8. Plays must include a title sheet with Title, Playwright, cast of characters (with brief description), setting, and estimated running time.

Timeline:

1. We will notify semi-finalists via email by end of August. Only those playwrights whose pieces have progressed to the semi-final round will be notified.

2. Playwrights whose pieces have been chosen for Production will be notified via email in late September.

http://www.littlefishtheatre.org/wp/participate/submit-a-script/

Sunday, May 20, 2018

ReOrient 2019: Call for Plays

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Golden Thread Productions is seeking short plays for the ReOrient Festival of Short Plays 2019. The ReOrient Festival showcases the diversity of voices and aesthetics from the Middle East and its worldwide diaspora in a curated festival of short plays produced biennially in San Francisco.

Eligibility:
  • Playwrights of Middle Eastern heritage writing about any topic
  • Playwrights of all backgrounds writing about the Middle East
  • The plays must be in English.

Submission Guidelines:
Length: 10-30 minutes
One submission only per playwright
Deadline: May 31, 2018

Areas of Interest include:
  • Comedies
  • Plays that experiment with non-realistic forms, non-linear or physically-based storytelling
  • Plays that explore and demonstrate aspects of daily or family life
  • Adaptations of classical texts and or historical figures
  • Exploration of Middle Eastern performance traditions

How to submit:

Please submit your play using this form. Email information@goldenthread.org if you have any questions.

Saturday, May 19, 2018

Talking Stick Festival seeks first nations art projects

web site

Deadline: May 31, 2018

Artists Submission Info

Full Circle: First Nations Performance is accepting artist submissions for the 2019 Talking Stick Festival. Both established and emerging artist submissions from all areas of the performing arts are welcomed to apply.

Project in Development

The Talking Stick Festival also offers opportunities for artists whose work is in development and are seeking artistic support or guidance. Follow the instructions below and apply now to present your work in the “Development Series”!

Write a cover letter
Obtain two (2) Reference Letters
Submit a twenty (20) minute video of your Project in Development
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS: May 31, 2018.

NOTE: Out-of-town artists are encouraged to pursue travel funding opportunities and include details of this in their applications.

Submission form

The Nick Darke Award 2018

web site

We are delighted to announce that the Nick Darke Award 2018 is open for stage play submissions. Please submit entries before 17.00 (GMT) Monday 21 May 2018. With the opportunity to win £6,000, this competition is open to all writers aged 16 and over.

Following Nick Darke's death, the Nick Darke Award was concieved in 2006 by his wife, the artist and film-maker Jane Darke, with the support of his family. Nick Darke wrote in many forms but earned his living in the world of theatre, screen and radio.

The award is funded by Falmouth University through the Academy of Music and Theatre Arts (AMATA) and the School of Writing & Journalism. The relationship between Falmouth and the award recognises Nick Darke's impact across the arts and endeavours to continue his legacy through the promotion of talent.

How to complete your submission:

  • Applicants should submit a full stage play script along with a one-page synopsis
  • All submissions should be entered anonymously, do not include a name, address, phone number or email on the script or synopsis
  • Please put your contact details in the email with your submission

Email your submission in PDF format to: nickdarkeaward@falmouth.ac.uk

Quantum Dragon Theatre (San Francisco) submission guidelines

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Right now, there is a tragic shortage of sci­fi/fantasy plays in the world, but you can help change that by writing for Quantum Dragon! We have an open submissions policy- read our mission statement, submit any play that fits our style, and we’ll check it out.

We are open to considering any genre ­appropriate play of any length for production, but at the moment we are particularly interested in full-length plays set in worlds unlike our own— distant futures, alternate presents, and non-Tolkienian fantasies. Plays that are written with small­-scale, budget-conscious theatres in mind will be given special consideration, but don’t let that limit your creativity. We’re especially interested in plays with strong roles for woman and non-binary actors and with radical racial and ethnic diversity.

If you've got an original idea that you haven't quite started writing yet, but you think we'd love, you might be an excellent candidate for The Forge (Where Plays Are Wrought), our developmental program which supports playwrights with private and public readings to help them reach a completed first draft of a brand-new speculative genre play.

We’re also strongly interested in adaptations of genre novels, stories, comics, etc. If you’ve got an idea you’re itching to adapt for the stage, contact us with a pitch and a writing sample, and if we fall in love we’ll see what we can do to help secure the rights to produce it.

Submissions are only accepted electronically (send to info@quantumdragon.org with the words PLAY SUBMISSION in the subject line), and must include:

1. A cover letter with your name, contact information, and a short biography and/or resume.

2. A one-­page synopsis including a brief description of the play, a character breakdown, and an explanation of outstanding production requirements. If the play has been previously produced, please also include past production credits. If you are seeking development support from The Forge, please indicate that.

3. A complete script (if it exists), or  a ten­-page dialogue sample (either from the script or in a style that reflects it).

Anticipated time for a full response is six to nine months, but we will do our best to send a confirmation of receipt within two weeks.

Submissions are open year-­round. 

​7TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL PLAYWRIGHT FESTIVAL

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Second weekend in October, 2018

The Warner International Playwrights Festival recognizes the work of emerging and established playwrights from across the country and around the globe.  The Festival gives playwrights a forum for production of their one-act plays that engage and entertain audiences through exploration of the human experience and the human spirit.

CALL FOR SCRIPTS

Please read submission policy carefully:
  • We invite playwrights to submit plays via electronic script submissions, in standard Samuel French playwriting format - 12 point font, character name centered or 3.5 inches from left margin, 1” margin all around.  
  • Plays should be emailed to:  warnersubmissions@gmail.com 
  • Submitted plays should be one-act plays of no less than 12 and no more than 30 pages long, not including your cover page.
  • Submissions will be limited to the first 150 scripts received.
  • Scripts will be accepted internationally but must be written in English. 
  • Previously produced scripts are accepted. 
  • There is no submission fee.

Please remove all playwright identification from the script including name, mailing address and telephone/e-mail.

In the body of the email include:

  • Script Name
  • Playwright Name
  • Playwright Email
  • Playwright Telephone Number
  • Playwright postal mailing address. 

Please do not send a synopsis or playwright resume.

Only one submission per playwright will be accepted.   Scripts will not be returned.

If your play is selected, you will be notified, via email, of the readers’ selection on/about August 1.

Selected scripts will receive minimal-set (table, 4 chairs, 2 cubes), minimal-tech production (lights up, lights down, 2 sound cues) production.  Please be sure your play will adhere to these parameters for production.

Selected playwrights receive two free tickets to the festival.

Selected playwrights are invited to attend the festival by their own means.  Accommodation recommendations are available.

To be considered for the Warner International Playwrights Festival scripts must be RECEIVED by 11:50pm Eastern Standard Time on June 1; late entries will not be read.

For additional information, contact warnersubmissions@gmail.com​

Friday, May 18, 2018

Fundamentals of Playwriting at Primary Stages ESPA

If you’re just stepping into the world of playwriting, welcome! In this 5-week class at Primary Stages ESPA, Kara Lee Corthron will help you build a toolbox of the fundamentals, so your first play (and each play you write after that!) can be built on a strong foundation.

Fundamentals of Playwriting
Instructor: Kara Lee Corthron (Writer, AliceGraceAnon at New Georges)
Thursdays from 6:30pm – 9:30pm
June 28, July 12, 19, 26, August 2

This class might be for you if you are:
  • A budding playwright who wants to get down to basics. 
  • A theater artist boldly crossing the line from one discipline to another and ready to start writing! 
  • A novelist or poet searching for a new form.
In this class you will:
  • Build a toolbox of the fundamentals, including discussions of structure, character, and dialogue. 
  • Complete writing exercises to gain an understanding of the form and generate ideas for material. 
  • Start to write your own play by the end of the semester.
By the end of this class you will:
  • Have a strong grasp on writing for the stage, armed with the confidence you need to declare yourself a playwright and get to work on your script. 
  • Be ready for The First Draft!
Our award-winning faculty, comprised of working professionals in the field, provides practical skills and expert guidance in a collaborative community atmosphere.


Primary Stages ESPA provides students easy and convenient payment plans to break up tuition. For more information, call 212.840.9705 x215 or email espa@primarystages.org.

CoHo Lab

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CoHo Lab launched in August 2016 for CoHo Productions to provide dedicated space, time and resources to theatre artists developing new works of performance.

As studio spaces become less accessible, and methods of collaborative theatre-making become more project-specific, CoHo Lab provides a crucial service and extends CoHo’s mission to nurture and support exceptional Portland-based theatre artists.

Selected artists receive a 20-30 hour workshop residency to develop their work and artist stipends are provided. Each Lab includes a private/invited showing for the artists to receive professional feedback, then culminates in a ticketed showing for a public audience.

For audiences who enjoy new work mini-festivals like Risk-Reward and JAW, these casual showings are a rare chance to see a sampler of solo performances, original plays, ensemble devising, one-on-one performance encounters and other exciting performance.

UPCOMING COHO LAB OPPORTUNITIES

August 6 – 19, 2018

Selected artists will receive a 20-30 hour workshop residency at CoHo to develop their work between August 6 and 19.
Artists will receive professional peer feedback in a private/invited showing prior to a ticketed public showing on August 19.
Artist stipends are provided.
To apply, please submit one document including the following:

Lead Artist name, contact information, and bio
Project Title (and author’s name if applicable)
Vision Statement (including why you are motivated to workshop this project)
Description of Lab hours (include what key element of the project you would explore and how you might spend your time)
Describe the scale and content of a curated feedback session and possible public showing (How many people/who would you like to invite and what might the focus of that feedback session be? List names of people you would invite to the feedback session)
Key Artists (if any in addition to Lead Artist) with bios
Email completed applications or questions to coho@cohoproductions.org

Proposals for the August CoHo Lab are due June 1, 2018

Tuesday, May 15, 2018

Theatre Evolve: BEYOND THE CURTAIN (Chicago)

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Theatre Evolve is seeking new play submissions for our first ever new works festival.

We are looking for an inclusive group of voices to address the theme BEYOND THE CURTAIN.

Two 90-minute plays will be selected to be performed as staged readings and six to eight 10-minute plays will be produced in a festival style.

Plays must be a PDF with "Play Submission" in the subject. Include a cover letter and character breakdown. Submit to:​

Submit your play to submissions@theatreevolve. com by midnight on Sunday, May 27th with a cast breakdown and a statement on how your piece reflects the theme.

We can’t wait to read your work!



Sunday, May 13, 2018

BoxFest Detroit Festival 2018

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BoxFest Detroit is an annual theater festival that showcases and creates opportunities for female-identifying directors. It has served and continues to function as a springboard for many women and their directing careers. Directors who have participated in past festivals have gone on to pursue graduate studies at highly competitive universities, become directors at professional theaters, and form their own successful theater and production companies. Proceeds from the event are given to one or more directors as through a mentorship program to help lesson the challenges for directors associated with the cost of education and travel. The winner of the audience vote competition is given the opportunity to direct a show with Planet Ant Theatre’s One-Act Series.

BoxFest Detroit is the only festival of its kind in the country and focuses solely on providing female-identifying directors opportunities to showcase their work and to gain necessary experience required for success in the field. The festival seeks directors of all skill levels to participate, and early career and established directors are invited to participate. The festival is also accepting submissions from playwrights and actors. Directors and playwrights must submit by June 1. Actors must submit to audition for directors. Auditions will be announced at a later date. More information about submissions and the festival is available at www.boxfestdetroit.com.

Plays should be 5-50 minutes in length
You may submit up to three plays for our directors’ consideration
You will be contacted if you play is selected for the festival
There is no financial compensation for participating playwrights, actors, or directors

Submission form

THE THEATER COLLECTIVE is seeking submissions for Sugartown Shorts

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THE THEATER COLLECTIVE is seeking submissions for Sugartown Shorts, a play festival featuring site-specific bookstore plays to be held June 28th-30th at Spoonbill & Sugartown Booksellers (99 Montrose).

The Theater Collective is a cooperative artistic project that produces theatrical works by and about underrepresented and misrepresented people in society. We understand the necessity of commercializing such works in order to break barriers outside of our cultural echo chambers. We bring not a new definition to inclusion, but the true definition - including all and creating a dialogue in which we can grow and better understand each other; this first and foremost involves uplifting the voices and stories of women, people of color, individuals with physical disabilities, LGBTQ+, immigrants, and more. The Theater Collective is dedicated to providing theatre that explores sexuality, gender, race, religion, politics, and all things that formulate culture in an accurate and progressive way.

We are excited to team up with Spoonbill & Sugartown Booksellers for our first short play festival! The festival itself will take place over the course of three days at 99 Montrose Street in Bushwick. We aim to create an immersive theatrical experience by having all of the plays be set in a bookstore to allow for an organic, real-time experience.

Submission guidelines:

  • Plays must be no more than 10-12 minutes run time in length
  • Submissions must be set in a bookstore
  • Submissions can not contain any large props and should utilize minimum tech and/or lighting if necessary

We are selecting a total of 12 short plays for the festival. Each night of the festival will feature four plays. Audiences from each night will vote to determine their favorite play. The three winners will receive a prize package, including a gift card to Spoonbill & Sugartown Booksellers, 2 free tickets to a play produced by The Theater Collective, and a cash prize of $20.

The Theater Collective and Spoonbill are NOT responsible for conducting castings and rehearsals for the plays, but we will provide one day for tech rehearsal on Sunday, June 24th at the bookstore.

To submit, please e-mail a copy of your script and brief artist statement to thetheatercollective@gmail.com

THERE IS NO SUBMISSION FEE! DEADLINE TO SUBMIT IS MAY 23RD

Friday, May 11, 2018

The Monologue Project at the Dramatists Guild 2018 National Conference

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The Monologue Project aims to increase the number of audition-length monologues available to women and girls of the African Diaspora. All current public high school students are invited to submit an original 250 word fictional, historical, or autobiographical monologue depicting a woman or girl belonging to the African diaspora.

Prizes
$300 First Prize
$200 Second Prize
$100 Third Prize

10 finalists will have their monologues performed at the Dramatists Guild of America in June 2018.
50 participants will be invited to attend the Dramatists Guild of America National Conference in New York in July 2018.

The Monologue Project at the Dramatists Guild 2018 National Conference
Hilton Midtown, New York, NY 10019
Friday, July 27, 2018 – 7pm

SUBMIT HERE by JUNE 8, 2018

Thursday, May 10, 2018

Edgemar Center for the Arts seeking play submissions

web site

"Edgemar Center for the Arts is still currently seeking play submissions for our 2018/2019 season. We are accepting any one act and full length plays. Please send all materials, including synopsis, bio of author, full work, etc. to edgemarliterary@gmail.com. You may submit as many works as you wish.

We will be producing selected work here in our theatre in Santa Monica, CA. Our deadline is March 31st, 2019. To learn more about Edgemar Center for the Arts please check out our website! http://www.edgemarcenter.org/

Expand Your Short Play Portfolio at Primary Stages ESPA

Developing a strong portfolio of short plays is one of the fastest ways to become a produced or published playwright. In this 8-week class at Primary Stages ESPA, you’ll learn how to distill a compelling story into the shortest possible dramatic form, think outside of the box of structure, and have some fun.


Instructor: Adam Kraar (Writer, New World Rhapsody at MTC, Wild Terrain at EST)
Thursdays from 6:30pm – 9:30pm
June 21, 28, July 12, 19, 26, August 2, 9, 16


This class might be for you if you:
  • Are a playwright of any level who wants to explore the unique storytelling principles of the short form. 
  • Want to present your work-in-progress to a supportive community of writers.
In this class you will:
  • Bring a short play to each class and receive feedback from your fellow writers and Adam, working as if you are a part of one of the many coveted writers groups in NYC (think Ars Nova Playgroup, EST’s Youngblood, Primary Stages Dorothy Strelsin New American Writers Group, The Public’s EWG). 
  • Use that feedback to tackle rewrites, and bring back a second draft in the class to follow. 
  • Read and discuss assigned 10-minute plays (from Rachel Bonds to Beckett and David Ives to David Henry Hwang) to learn strategies for building a short play.
By the end of this class you will:
  • Be well on your way to compiling a portfolio of 3-4 submission-ready short plays. 
  • Have comprehensive research on different avenues of submitting these short plays. 
  • Take away the skills to craft surprising pieces of theater, regardless of length, that reflect something deeper about the world at large.


Our award-winning faculty, comprised of working professionals in the field, provides practical skills and expert guidance in a collaborative community atmosphere.


Primary Stages ESPA provides students easy and convenient payment plans to break up tuition. For more information, call 212.840.9705 x215 or email espa@primarystages.org.

EVCT Aspiring Playwrights 2018

web site

East Valley Children’s Theatre is searching for aspiring playwrights to become a part of the theatre’s future seasons of performances. Contest rules and prizes are listed below.

  • All plays must be submitted to East Valley Children’s Theatre no later than March 1, 2019.
  • Playwrights must include a cover sheet with name, address, phone number and email address
  • Plays must be suitable for children to perform and for an audience of children. (Plays with small casts are not as likely to be chosen for performance; casts of 15 or more are preferred)
  • Plays must be 60-90 minutes in length. Shorter plays may be submitted but will not be considered for a seasonal theatrical production.
  • Plays and musicals must not have been previously performed. They must be original and unpublished.
  • Musicals must include a copy of the music in either manuscript or audio recording format.
  • Playwrights are not required to pay an entry fee.

* The first place entry will receive a $500 cash prize, a stipend for travel, and will be produced by East Valley Children’s Theatre in its upcoming season, if it meets all the criteria for performance. Second and third place winners will be announced and recognized.

• Winner will be announced in April 2019.

Send entries to:
East Valley Children’s Theatre
P.O. Box 20514
Mesa, AZ 85277-0514
Or email them to: Karen@evct.org
For more information or questions call EVCT at 480-756-3828.

Monday, May 7, 2018

Barrington Collective freedom plays

web site

The Barrington Collective is seeking new play submissions for our 6th night of readings in our holiday series in New York City. This round is inspired by the theme of “freedom”. Look at freedom as a broad topic, be creative and don’t feel bound to literal interpretation. Before freedom there is bondage, persecution, racism, heroism, activism and those who oppose it. Tell us about freedom from your perspective, tell us a diverse story and feel free to look beyond “americana”. The Barrington Collective believes that theatre is a powerful tool for introspection and change. We are dedicated to bringing new and underrepresented voices to the stage in unexpected ways, leaving joy behind in our wake.

Script Guidelines:
  • 10-15 min in length
  • No more than 4 characters 
  • Email scripts to: barringtoncollective@gmail.com
  • Subject line of your email should read: 
  •     “FREEDOM SUBMISSION MAY 2018: (And then the title of your play)”
  • Submission deadline is MAY 18th at midnight.
There is no reading or submission fee.

We look forward to hearing from you!
The Barrington Collective

Sunday, May 6, 2018

Manhattan Rep's SUMMER NEW WORKS 2018


Come present your play in Times Square this Summer!
And we make it easy.
We supply the technician for lights and sound.  We supply the poster and the ticketing pages.
We curate, organize and orchestrate the program with 3 or 4 other short plays... 
And we supply our beautiful new theatre space on West 45th St. right next to Broadway and more! 

Please come join us for some amazing theatre in New York City!

Seeking fully produced plays
10 TO 50 MINUTES
(cast, directed and ready to be performed June 29 - August 2018) 
for Manhattan Rep's
SUMMER NEW WORKS 2018
at the New Manhattan Repertory Theatre, 17-19 West 45th St.

Each 10 - 50 minute play will be given:
A tech rehearsal with our technician to run your sound and lights, 
a full dress rehearsal with the other plays participating, 
a poster and ticketing page on our site,
a minimum of 2 performances, (even more if your show is selling well),
at the brand new Manhattan Repertory Theatre on 45th St. in Midtown Manhattan! 

To submit your 10 - 50 minute play production please email: 
The complete script of the play as a .pdf, 
a synopsis of the play,
the character breakdown, 
the set and lighting requirements, 
the play's history (readings etc etc.)
your mailing address, and a creative team leader contact email address to:

manhattanrep@yahoo.com by June 5, 2018

Please put “SUMMER NEW WORKS” in the subject heading. 

We will contact you within a couple of days, if not sooner, as to your acceptance. Plays that we love will be accepted on a First-Come First-Served basis. The earlier you submit the better chances you have of being accepted for we may end submissions before June 5, if we fill up all available performance slots.
There is no submission fee.

Once accepted, there is a $59 participation fee.

NON-EQUITY ONLY. 

For more information: www.manhattanrep.com 

Medicine Show Theatre LAB First Annual Queer Fest

web site

Medicine Show Theatre LAB seeks submissions for its First Annual Queer Fest, by Monday, May 7.

The two-week festival will feature plays and multi-media storytelling by queer authors exploring themes not often addressed by the mainstream community. Queer Fest will run from June 6-15, before Gay Pride week, and will feature 10 plays, with each one running four times.

Each play can run NO LONGER than 90 minutes.

If you are chosen to participate in the festival, there will be a $150 fee, to defray personnel costs. The playwright is expected to do much of the producing, but MST LAB can recommend actors and technicians, if needed.

Playwrights may submit more than one play, previously produced material fine.

Plays may be submitted to queerfestmst@gmail.com

medicineshowtheatre.org,

facebook.com/medicineshowtheatrenow/

The New York New Works Theatre Festival 2018

web site

APPLICATION DEADLINE: July 15TH, 2018
SUBMISSIONS ARE FREE

IF your project is chosen to participate in the festival there will be an $897.00 participation fee that is used to defray a portion of the costs.

The New York New Works Theatre Festival has aggregated  leaders in the television and theatre communities who donate their time to review and work with the leading writers of tomorrow.

Performing in the heart of Times Square's celebrated theatre district (2017 took place at the Duke Theatre), NYNW has made a point of selecting  pieces that are considered of the upper echelon of talent that the industry has to offer; participants range from those still in school, to television celebrities, to Broadway stars, to Broadway revivals.  All styles are represented i.e. plays, musicals, and comedies.  Several of our applicants have even adapted screenplays for the stage to expose their writing to Festival attendees whose work focuses on film and television.

Performance lengths are to be between 10 and 26 minutes as the feedback has been that investors can tell within moments if it is a piece of work that they wish to participate in and appreciate being able to see several investment worthy performances in one evening.  Many past performances are full length in nature however, were abbreviated for this showcase; many are one acts.

Great lengths are taken to create an environment that is conducive for developing relationships with various producers.  In 2017, the Festival absorbed the expense for four gatherings that included some semblance of food, open bar, and legitimate decision makers in the industry.  Our success page speaks for itself and represents the relationships that have developed.

Several shows have seen success.  From last season alone, multiple participants are heading to Off Broadway and 2 have been partnered up with Producers from the Festival to assist them on their journey to Broadway;  since inception over 25 NYNW participants are progressing to the next level.  This year a documentary team will be chronicling the Broadway / Silver Screen journey of many NYNW participants.  Please identify in your application interesting, "story worthy" notes that make your submission special.

Once your application has been submitted please remember to email your script / cover letter / photos to nynwtheatrefestival@gmail.com .  "Like" our FaceBook page and follow our Instagram account for updates!

The Festival commences late Summer / early Fall of 2018!

Saturday, May 5, 2018

Write Now New Plays Competition and Workshop seeks scripts for young audiences

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The purpose of this biennial workshop is to encourage writers to create strikingly original scripts for young audiences. It provides a forum through which each playwright receives constructive criticism and the support of a development team consisting of a professional director and dramaturg. Finalists will spend approximately one week in workshop with their development team.  At the end of the week, each play will be read as a part of the Write Now convening.

If you would like to be added to the Write Now mailing list for competition updates, please contact Jenny Millinger.

Plays should be intended for young audiences aged 2-14 (no play is expected to appeal to all ages simultaneously). Playwrights must suggest the appropriate age category on the official entry form.

  • Scripts must not be committed to publication at the time of submission. Commissioned works that are not in development are eligible.
  • Scripts previously produced in an educational or vocational setting are eligible, if playwrights are eager to pursue development of the script.
  • Scripts previously produced professionally are NOT eligible. (i.e., productions in which the director and actors have been paid — this includes fully produced youth theatre productions).
  • If the play is an adaptation or dramatization, written proof must be provided that the original work is in public domain or permission of the holder of the copyright has been granted.
  • Musicals will not be accepted for the 2019 contest.
  • While there is no required length, short plays (e.g. 10 minute plays) have historically proven less competitive unless there is clear intent to develop the script into a full-length play.
  • Only ONE submission per playwright will be accepted.
  • Playwrights must be 18 years or older and citizens or current residents of the United States.
  • Playwrights give permission for their work or portions of it to be read at the Write Now convening and to be archived in the Child Drama Collection, Hayden Library, at Arizona State University.
  • Finalist playwrights are expected to be in residence in Tempe, AZ throughout the workshop and Write Now convening.
  • Any future production or publication of a finalist play must give the following credit:
  • _____________ was a winner at the 2019 Write Now and was featured in a rehearsed reading at Childsplay in Tempe, Arizona.
  • Manuscripts must be submitted electronically as editable digital files (no scans; Word Documents preferred).
  • Author’s name MAY NOT APPEAR in any manner on the manuscript, synopsis or cast list.
  • Each submitting playwright must also complete and send an entry form electronically. All submissions MUST include a brief synopsis and a cast list. The synopsis should be no more than one page and should include:
  • list of unusual effects or technical requirements
  • list of characters noting age and gender (and possible doublings).
  • Supporting materials (reviews, publicity, etc.) SHOULD NOT accompany the submission.
  • All submissions will be acknowledged via email.
  • Playwrights whose work is being considered for full development (ie a potential finalist) will be asked to submit a brief history of the work and goals for the week of development. Subsequently, each playwright will be expected to confer with his/her director and dramaturg prior to casting.
  • Submissions must be received by midnight PST on May 31, 2018.  Late submissions will NOT be accepted. Winners will be contacted in October 2018.
  • Submissions not following the guidelines will be considered ineligible.

The Relentless Award 2018

web site

The Relentless Award, established in honor of Philip Seymour Hoffman and his pursuit of truth in the theater, is the largest annual cash prize in American theater awarded to a playwright in recognition of a new play.

What we are looking for:
• Plays that are challenging.
• Plays that exhibit fearlessness.
• Plays that are not mainstream.
• Plays that exude passion.
• Plays that are relentlessly truthful.

The American Playwriting Foundation encourages submissions by first-time playwrights, playwrights of color, and playwrights of all gender identifications.

Prize:
• The author of the Relentless Award-winning play will receive $45,000.
• The winning playwright will have the option to have the winning play published by the Dramatists Play Service.
• The winning playwright will have a week-long residency at SPACE on Ryder Farm, an artist residency program housed on a working organic farm in Brewster, New York. The author can elect to have a director, a dramaturg and actors join him or her while in residence on the farm.
• The selected play will have a national roll-out through the Ed Vassallo Relentless Reading Series, established to help bring to life and develop the winning play by presenting a series of staged readings at some of the top theaters across the United States.
• When the winning play is selected, Finalists and Semifinalists will also be named.

Deadlines:
Submissions will be accepted from March 1, 2018 – May 15, 2018 through Submittable.com, see link at bottom of this page.

Eligibility/Criteria for Submission:
• Play must be unproduced.
• Authors must have either United States citizenship, possess a green card, or currently reside in the United States and have lived here for at least four years.
• Plays with a producer, producing organization, or theater attached for future production are not eligible.
• One-act plays, musicals and plays for children are not eligible.
• The author must be at least 21 years old.

How to submit your play:

When submissions open, there will be link to Submittable.com at the bottom of this page that you can use to submit your play.

• NOTE: please DO NOT have your name or other identifying info (email/phone number) on any of your manuscript pages. Please also exclude agent info, development info, and dedications. This will preserve the author's anonymity for the judges.
• Please provide your script file in pdf (rather than Word documents), with the title format: TITLE OF PLAY.pdf. Do not include your name in the file script title.
• You'll receive confirmation that your script has been received. As submissions are processed manually, please allow up to two weeks to receive this confirmation.

For even more information please see our FAQ here.

​Submit your play.

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