Native Voices 14th Annual Short Play Festival

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Deadline: September 15, 2023

Who You Calling “Stoic?”: Not Your Cigar Store Indian

There are many stereotypes that Native Americans - living and dead - have had to contend with. One of the most pervasive in film, history, and wooden statues: the stoic, wise leader.

He never smiles. He rarely speaks. He is always a he.

But we know better. And for Native Voices 14th Annual Short Play Festival, you will, too!

We’re asking our writers to dive into the image of the “Stoic Indian.” Let’s flip that stereotype on its head.

Will you…

Showcase that brilliant wit lurking behind that stoic facade?

Tackle the stories of the very real (and wise)?

Regale us with the playfully mischievous?

Surprise us?

Instead of playing stoic, Native Voices’ 2024 Short Play Festival is asking for stories that play with stoic. Come, make us laugh, teach us a lesson, or show us stoic as we join together for the Autry for our 14th Annual Short Play Festival.

Please keep your plays under 10 minutes! Plays selected to participate in the 14th Annual Short Play Festival will also be entered to win the Thomas Studie Gadugi Audience Prize of $500 and the Von Marie Atchley Excellence in Playwriting Award of $1,000.

Scripts longer than 15 pages or read aloud at longer than 10 minutes will not be accepted. Fresh, surprising perspectives are welcome!

Checklist for All Submissions 

• Please label script attachment as follows: PlayTitle_Author’s Last Name, First Initial (Example: MyNewPlay_Doe, J.doc). 
• All submissions must conform to a standard play-script format (one-inch margins, #12 Times or Courier font, all pages numbered). 
• Include a title page with full contact information (mailing address, phone numbers, e-mail address) and a draft or revision date. 
• Include a character breakdown at the beginning of your script. 
• Provide a biography of 75–100 words. Please label attachment as follows: Bio_Author’s Last Name, First Initial (Example: Bio_Doe, J.doc). 
• Provide a press ready photo of at least 300dpi. Please label attachment as follows: Photo_Author’s Last Name, First Initial (Example: Photo_Doe, J.doc). Provide development history for the play. Label attachment as follows: DevHistory_PlayTitle_Author’s Last Name, First Initial (Example: DevHistory_MyNewPlay_Doe, J.doc). 
• To submit, fill out our online form and upload your submission materials here: Native Voices Script Submission Form