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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.

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