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Thursday, January 27, 2022

Springville Center for the Arts Artsapalooza playwright commission


Deadline: January 31, 2022

Springville Center for the Arts (SpringvilleArts.org) is seeking to commission a playwright to create a script for a program touring the summer of 2022. Artsapalooza is a free, outdoor, multi-arts program for families with younger children. The two-hour program brings interactive art-making stations, a chance to explore drums and ukulele, theater games and more to rural audiences, culminating in a performance that incorporates giant puppets and live music.

Springville Center for the Arts is a multi-arts center located in Western New York State. Typical programming includes theater, gallery exhibits, concerts and workshops. Our main facility is an 1869 former church. Art’s Cafe is a secondary performance space, workshop, artist residency and public green roof centered around a bakery-cafe environment. 

The commission requires writing a 40-minute performance piece for children and their families that includes audience interaction, use of live music and song, and the incorporation of large scale, multi-operator puppets. 

The piece should lead to highly engaging visuals and the playwright need not avoid pathos, horror, or challenging subject matter as long as it engages young audiences. We are not interested in saccharine retellings of cute fairy tales.

THE SCRIPT
  • Assume a performing troupe size of eight or less plus musicians
  • Piece may be original or an adaptation of a public domain work
  • Piece will be performed outdoors in a mini-arts-carnival atmosphere 
  • Must be ready for pre-production in May 
  • Playwright retains all rights to the material, but allows SCA an nonexclusive option to tour the show for one season (10–15 shows) 
  • Should the play be published, credit for the development and commission must be given to SCA 

RESIDENCY OPTION
SCA believes in the power of artistic residencies for both the creation of new work and to foster community appreciation for the arts. An ideal scenario places a playwright within the community for a period of time dedicated to creating work. The community is engaged with writing workshops or during initial rehearsals while refining the work. Housing is provided in our AIA award-winning space at Art’s Cafe. Additional funding is available for artists who engage in this residency program. Local artists may commute.


COMPENSATION
The playwright will receive a minimum stipend of $2000 with increases based on experience, attendance of rehearsals or performances, participation in community engagement programs, and full residency participation.

To apply, please send SCA:
  • A proposal for your play of no more than 1000 words, but includes your basic premise as well as how it will incorporate the required elements
  • A ten-page sample of your writing, preferably something that has been intended for a youth/family market 
  • Your bio or resume 
  • A statement as to why you think you are a good fit for this project
  • A description of your proposed timeline, participation and fees 
  • If you have interest in the residency program, outline your ideal duration and possible community activities 
Send materials to Attn: Seth Wochensky, Executive Director, scaseth@gmail.com or Springville Center for the Arts, PO Box 62, Springville, NY 14141

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