Deadline: December 31, 2024
To encourage the development of quality theatrical materials for the educational, community and children’s theatre markets, Pioneer Drama Service is proud to sponsor the annual Shubert Fendrich Memorial Playwriting Contest.
Submissions will be accepted on an on-going basis with a December 31 cutoff each year. All eligible plays accepted for publication will be considered contest finalists, from which the winner will be selected by April 30 of the year following submission. The contest winner will receive a $1,000 royalty advance in addition to publication.
Contest entries must meet all general guidelines and submission requirements.
Individuals currently published by Pioneer Drama Service are not eligible for this contest. Pioneer Drama Service employees and their families are also excluded.
If you are a faculty member at an accredited K-12 public or private school in the US or Canada, you may also qualify for our A+ Playwriting Contest for Teachers.
Before sending a manuscript, playwrights should begin the process by sending a query using our submissions contact page. A proper query will include the title, a short plot synopsis up to 200 words, an approximate running time, and details on the complete cast of characters.
Be sure to read our submission overview first.
Submit your work...
Electronic submissions via email are preferred. To submit via email, please query first using the link provided above. If we respond favorably, we will provide the email address for your electronic submission.
Hardcopy manuscript submissions are accepted at this address:
Pioneer Drama Service
Attn: Acquisitions Editor
109 Inverness Dr. E
Suite H
Englewood, CO 80112
Whether submitting a hardcopy or a digital manuscript, the following information must accompany your submission. Some of this duplicates information from your query, which ensures that we process your submission properly.
Cover letter and/or resume. This can explain your theatre involvement and why you were inspired to write this play.
100-200 word synopsis.
Cast list. It should indicate the number of female roles, the number of male roles, and the number of roles that can be performed by any gender. We do not accept one-person shows.
Running time.
CD and/or score for musicals. We appreciate the opportunity to hear the music, if possible.
Set design(s). Please feel free to provide diagrams, photos, and/or sketches.
A DVD or a link to a past performance is ideal, though not required.
For hardcopy submissions, a self-addressed envelope of sufficient size with appropriate postage for the return of any materials you wish returned. We will NOT return any material if this is not included.
Please be patient. Queries will be answered within approximately one week. Submissions may take up to three months or longer.
Manuscripts written in part or in whole by A.I. will not be considered.
100-200 word synopsis.
Cast list. It should indicate the number of female roles, the number of male roles, and the number of roles that can be performed by any gender. We do not accept one-person shows.
Running time.
CD and/or score for musicals. We appreciate the opportunity to hear the music, if possible.
Set design(s). Please feel free to provide diagrams, photos, and/or sketches.
A DVD or a link to a past performance is ideal, though not required.
For hardcopy submissions, a self-addressed envelope of sufficient size with appropriate postage for the return of any materials you wish returned. We will NOT return any material if this is not included.
Please be patient. Queries will be answered within approximately one week. Submissions may take up to three months or longer.
Manuscripts written in part or in whole by A.I. will not be considered.