12th Annual National Jewish Playwriting Contest

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Deadline: June 15, 2022

Artistic Director David Winitsky and Contest Dramaturg Heather Helinsky are proud to announce that submissions are currently open for the 12th Annual National Jewish Playwriting Contest.

Submissions are accepted on a rolling basis, but the current review cycle closes on June 15, 2022. Plays submitted after this date will be held for the next cycle.

Full guidelines can be found at www.jewishplaysproject.org/guide. Please note that while we accept plays in many formats, we prefer the Dramatist’s Standard Format. We ask that names and identifying information be removed, as we read scripts blind, but please include a character breakdown on the 2nd page and the total cast size clearly indicated.

We are currently seeking unproduced full-length (65+ minutes) plays and musicals that focus on aspects of 21st Century Jewish identity, culture, and ideas, and the complex and intersectional nature of contemporary Jewish life.

While we value history, we will always lean toward plays that tackle vibrant strands of today’s world: social, racial and economic justice; strong women in Jewish life; diverse stories of Jews of Color; LGBTQIA inclusion; new perspectives on Israel, environmentalism, and interfaith relations in addition to deep conversations about our complex and multifaceted identities.

There is no submission fee. Writers may submit more than one script. Submissions from previous years are accepted, particularly if there is a new draft of the script.

The following must be true of a submitted play or musical:

1. It contains significant Jewish themes, characters, content, or points of view.
2. It does not deal directly with the history of the Shoah or the World War II period generally.
3. It does NOT fall into the beloved category of "ethnically stereotypical comedy".
4. It is in English, or primarily in English – we love plays that play with languages.
5. It is full length, meaning over 65 minutes or 60-70 pages.
6. It has not had a full production in the NY Metro region, or a major regional theater (LORT C or above).
7. The play has never been published in any form.

Submitted plays and musicals will be considered for the Jewish Playwriting Contest, our national, community-powered search for the most exciting new Jewish plays; as well as other developmental opportunities, including Artist Shabbats, Renegade Readings and OPEN: Festival of New Jewish Theater.
For more information, or any writing or submission questions, email heather@jewishplaysproject.org.