Deadline: April 21, 2023 (for email submissions)
May 5, 2023 (for paper submissions)
OR until maximum submissions are reached:
75 full-length plays- they have reached the limit75 one-act plays -they have reached the limit125 10-minute plays -they have reached the limit
The Chameleon Theatre Circle (located in the Twin Cities area in Minnesota) is seeking original works that have never been produced. All styles and genres are welcomed (i.e. one-acts, musicals, full-length dramas, etc.). The winning plays are tentatively scheduled to be read in a concert-format festival in the fall of 2023. All shows submitted will automatically be placed on the slate of shows in consideration for future seasons.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
We are proud to announce that for the 24th consecutive year we are not charging a submission fee! Entries may be made either via email or on paper but not both. Submissions will be limited to one play per playwright when submitting a full-length play and two plays per playwright when submitting non-full-length plays. A maximum of 75 full-length plays, 75 one-act plays, and 125 10-minute plays will be accepted.
To submit via email, send a copy of the script in pdf or word format to jim@chameleontheatre.org. If submitting a musical, also send a copy of the music in mp3 format or a link to a public website where we can download the music in mp3 format. Also send a completed and signed entry form. Do not include any author identification information on the submitted scripts.
To submit via paper, complete and sign an entry form, and send it along with three (3) copies of each script to the address below. We request that copies of the plays be printed double-sided to save on paper, mailing costs, and storage. If you are submitting a musical, also include 3 copies of the music in mp3 format on a CD or flash drive. Do not include any author identification information on the submitted scripts.
The Chameleon Theatre Circle
24th Annual New Play Contest
7287 153rd St W # 240069
Apple Valley MN 55124
We will distribute the scripts "blind" to our readers for complete objectivity. Include the show's title on at least the first page. Once the winning scripts have been chosen, we will disclose the playwrights' identity to our readers (and the world).
We do not accept plays that have been previously produced. We do accept plays that have only had workshops and other readings. Receipt of play(s) will be acknowledged by e-mail only upon request. Scripts are non-returnable.
As in past years, this year's contest will have multiple categories.
TEN-MINUTE (SHORT) PLAYS
Winners will receive $25 each plus a reading at the New Play Festival. All short plays will be entered in this contest. Generally, scripts with 20 pages or less of dialog fall into this category.
ONE-ACT
Winners will receive $50 each plus a reading at the New Play Festival. Any play that can be joined with one or two other plays of similar length to make up a complete evening of theatre will be entered in this contest. Generally, scripts with more than 20 and up to 60 pages of dialog will fall into this category.
FULL-LENGTH - do not send, they have reached the limit
Winners will receive $100 plus a reading at the New Play Festival. Any play that can constitute a complete evening of theatre will be entered in this contest. Generally, scripts of over 60 pages of dialog will fall into this category. It is important to note that these plays can be only one act if it makes up a complete evening of theatre.
MUSICALS
If five or more musicals are submitted, Chameleon reserves the right to create a "musical" category. Musicals are defined as any original play using original or rights permitted musical dialogue to further the story and/or the characters. Winners, if any, will be awarded a prize amount based on the length of the musical i.e., full-length, one-act, or 10-minute. In the absence of enough qualifying scripts, or if Chameleon decides not to create an additional category, musical submissions will be entered into the appropriate category as defined above./p>
THEATRE-FOR-YOUTH
If five or more plays intended for and/or by youth are submitted, Chameleon reserves the right to create a "theatre-for-youth" category. Theatre-for-youth plays are defined as any original play intended for young audiences, young participants, or both. Winners, if any, will be awarded a prize amount based on the length of the play i.e., full-length, one-act, or 10-minute. In the absence of enough qualifying scripts, or if Chameleon decides not to create an additional category, theatre-for-youth submissions will be entered into the appropriate category as defined above.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
We are proud to announce that for the 24th consecutive year we are not charging a submission fee! Entries may be made either via email or on paper but not both. Submissions will be limited to one play per playwright when submitting a full-length play and two plays per playwright when submitting non-full-length plays. A maximum of 75 full-length plays, 75 one-act plays, and 125 10-minute plays will be accepted.
To submit via paper, complete and sign an entry form, and send it along with three (3) copies of each script to the address below. We request that copies of the plays be printed double-sided to save on paper, mailing costs, and storage. If you are submitting a musical, also include 3 copies of the music in mp3 format on a CD or flash drive. Do not include any author identification information on the submitted scripts.
The Chameleon Theatre Circle
24th Annual New Play Contest
7287 153rd St W # 240069
Apple Valley MN 55124
We will distribute the scripts "blind" to our readers for complete objectivity. Include the show's title on at least the first page. Once the winning scripts have been chosen, we will disclose the playwrights' identity to our readers (and the world).
We do not accept plays that have been previously produced. We do accept plays that have only had workshops and other readings. Receipt of play(s) will be acknowledged by e-mail only upon request. Scripts are non-returnable.
As in past years, this year's contest will have multiple categories.
TEN-MINUTE (SHORT) PLAYS
Winners will receive $25 each plus a reading at the New Play Festival. All short plays will be entered in this contest. Generally, scripts with 20 pages or less of dialog fall into this category.
ONE-ACT
Winners will receive $50 each plus a reading at the New Play Festival. Any play that can be joined with one or two other plays of similar length to make up a complete evening of theatre will be entered in this contest. Generally, scripts with more than 20 and up to 60 pages of dialog will fall into this category.
Winners will receive $100 plus a reading at the New Play Festival. Any play that can constitute a complete evening of theatre will be entered in this contest. Generally, scripts of over 60 pages of dialog will fall into this category. It is important to note that these plays can be only one act if it makes up a complete evening of theatre.
MUSICALS
If five or more musicals are submitted, Chameleon reserves the right to create a "musical" category. Musicals are defined as any original play using original or rights permitted musical dialogue to further the story and/or the characters. Winners, if any, will be awarded a prize amount based on the length of the musical i.e., full-length, one-act, or 10-minute. In the absence of enough qualifying scripts, or if Chameleon decides not to create an additional category, musical submissions will be entered into the appropriate category as defined above./p>
THEATRE-FOR-YOUTH
If five or more plays intended for and/or by youth are submitted, Chameleon reserves the right to create a "theatre-for-youth" category. Theatre-for-youth plays are defined as any original play intended for young audiences, young participants, or both. Winners, if any, will be awarded a prize amount based on the length of the play i.e., full-length, one-act, or 10-minute. In the absence of enough qualifying scripts, or if Chameleon decides not to create an additional category, theatre-for-youth submissions will be entered into the appropriate category as defined above.