Deadline: March 1, 2024
SUBMISSION FORM
This marks the fifth anniversary of the collaboration between IndyFringe and ARTI and the 14th staging of OnyxFest – the first and only theater festival in Indiana spotlighting exclusively works of Black writers. Grants will cover all expenses required to bring scripts from the page to the stage, says OnyxFest Director Vernon A. Williams. “This is an event designed to empower Black artists to create their own narrative and to tell their own unique stories.”
This marks the fifth anniversary of the collaboration between IndyFringe and ARTI and the 14th staging of OnyxFest – the first and only theater festival in Indiana spotlighting exclusively works of Black writers. Grants will cover all expenses required to bring scripts from the page to the stage, says OnyxFest Director Vernon A. Williams. “This is an event designed to empower Black artists to create their own narrative and to tell their own unique stories.”
Entries must be original one-act plays between 45 minutes and an hour in length. There may be no more than five characters per cast.
Organizers say judges this season will look for variety. In addition to drama and serious topics, creative comedy, romance, mystery, spoken word, musical and even dance productions are welcomed! Playwrights will receive royalties along with stipends to pay actors, directors, lighting assistants and sound technicians. The grant will include funds for set design, props, costume and makeup as well as the complete cost of theater rental for both rehearsal and performances.
“This is an opportunity of a lifetime for serious new playwrights with talent but inadequate financial resources,” Williams said, adding that OnyxFest 2024 will also provide playwrights script development assistance, marketing and advertising, along with video recordings and internet streaming of plays.
Scripts should be submitted to https://go.iu.edu/4RJu. All scripts must be downloaded no later than 11:59 pm Fri., March 1, 2024. Entries will then be submitted to a jury of theater professionals who will read each and determine winners. Recipients will be notified no later than the end of April. Entries must be original one-act plays between 45 minutes and an hour in length. There may be no more than five characters per cast. Williams recommends that writers avoid stereotypes, degrading or disrespectful portrayals of Black life and culture, and gratuitous violence or sexual content.
Organizers say judges this season will look for variety. In addition to drama and serious topics, creative comedy, romance, mystery, spoken word, musical and even dance productions are welcomed! Playwrights will receive royalties along with stipends to pay actors, directors, lighting assistants and sound technicians. The grant will include funds for set design, props, costume and makeup as well as the complete cost of theater rental for both rehearsal and performances.
“This is an opportunity of a lifetime for serious new playwrights with talent but inadequate financial resources,” Williams said, adding that OnyxFest 2024 will also provide playwrights script development assistance, marketing and advertising, along with video recordings and internet streaming of plays.
Scripts should be submitted to https://go.iu.edu/4RJu. All scripts must be downloaded no later than 11:59 pm Fri., March 1, 2024. Entries will then be submitted to a jury of theater professionals who will read each and determine winners. Recipients will be notified no later than the end of April. Entries must be original one-act plays between 45 minutes and an hour in length. There may be no more than five characters per cast. Williams recommends that writers avoid stereotypes, degrading or disrespectful portrayals of Black life and culture, and gratuitous violence or sexual content.