Lab Theatre Project seeks full-length plays

Website

Deadline: April 30, 2025 at midnight

Tampa, Florida

LAB Theater Project is officially seeking bold, original new works for our 11th season—running January to December 2026.

We are on the hunt for powerful stories that spark conversation, challenge perspectives, and reflect the world around us. How do we live, feel, and respond to the times we’re in? What truths are you ready to reveal? Show us the mirror you’re holding up to society and the ways your work can inspire change and ignite cultural shifts.

Above all—captivate us with a story we won’t forget.

Are you ready to make your mark? We can’t wait to read what you’ve got.

Format: PDF only, please.
Limit: One script per playwright. Make it count!
No AI: Your words, your ideas, your voice. Let’s keep it human.

If you’ve got questions, drop us a line at submissions@labtheaterproject.com.

We are currently accepting new work. We will accept one submission per playwright for a full-length work and comedic short. Sending multiple scripts to us will result in none of them being read. We want to read what you feel is your best work that you seek for us to produce. Unproduced work only. Staged or even concert reads are acceptable in the production history. Produced, even in community theater, makes the work ineligable for submission to LAB.

LAB runs on a calendar year season, January to December.

For all submissions, please provide in the body of your email a 100 word playwright bio, a 100 word synopsis of your play, and production/development history of the work. You may submit directly to submissions@labtheaterproject.org.​

For full-length work, please provide: A PDF document with the title page, scene breakdown, character breakdown and only the first 20 pages of your script. Submissions received after the deadline will be held for consideration for the following season.

For comedic short submissions to our annual LAB Laughs/Comedic Short Festival, please submit a PDF of the full play. Submissions received by August 1st will be considered for the next production of LAB Laughs, usually in the following summer. All received afterwards will be held for the next season.

321 Plays for Trans Futures Submissions

Instagram site

Deadline: May 1, 2025

 SUBMISSION FORM

321 Plays for Trans Futures is an 11-hour long performance art show centering work & artists within the gender expansive community. You do not need to identify as trans/gnc/nonbinary in order to submit, but we will prioritize work centering trans+ experience for this piece.

We are seeking writers, artists, and musicians to submit work responding to the following prompts: Birthplaces, Homes, Memorials, Creation for Survival, & Futures. These prompts are the themes of each ~2-hour long movement within the show. We are specifically seeking work that can be performed in 2-5 minutes, but are also open to longer and non-temporal works. These prompts are meant to serve as an inspiration-- if your work lives outside the scope of these themes, please submit it anyways.

We will cast an ensemble to perform all 11 hours of content. If you live in the Chicago area & would like to perform your own piece, please indicate that in the form below. If you're a performer, keep an eye on our social media for a casting call for the ensemble.

Please submit a piece that you'd like to see featured in this project by May 1st, 2025. We will accept submissions on a rolling basis. After submitting, PLEASE keep an eye on your email.

We will pay each selected artist $15. You may submit as many pieces as you'd like for consideration, but you will receive a flat $15 if any of your work is selected for 321 Plays for Trans Futures.

2025 International Playwriting Prize Carlo Annoni

Website

Deadline: April 30, 2025

Send your submission to info@premiocarloannoni.eu

1000 € awarded to two best plays (one in English and one in Italian)

The Carlo Annoni International Playwriting Prize is now open for submissions with topics concerning the LGBTQ+ community, including love, diversity, and identity in a time of gender fluidity. 

We accept full-length or short plays even if already represented.

Award ceremony in Milan, September 2025.

The Loop Festival seeks playwrights

Website

Deadline: none given

Submission form

Click here to complete the interest form to be a playwright for the 2025 Loop Festival experience. 

Video of presentation and all feedback transcribed will be provided.

Requirements include:

have a new play or musical written for young artists 13-20 to perform.

eagerness to hear responses from young adult artists and other audience members in order to to make revisions as needed.

be willing to participate remotely via video conference tools and during the Pacific Standard time zone of 9 AM - 4 PM.

Thrown Stone Theatre Company CT Short Play Fest

Website

Deadline: May 5, 2025

SUBMISSION FORM

Thrown Stone Theatre Company invites playwrights to submit short plays for the inaugural CT Short Play Fest, hosted in conjunction with the SoNo Arts Festival on Saturday, August 2, 2025.

The CT Short Play Fest gives playwrights the opportunity to see their work performed and adjudicated before a live audience at the SoNo Arts Festival. In its inaugural year, the Fest will feature five plays in the afternoon session focused on teen and young adult playwrights, the winner of which will advance to the evening session to compete against five additional selections.

Please read the complete guidelines below before submitting, as multiple submissions are not allowed. If you have any questions prior to submitting, please contact us.

THE FEST IS PERFORMED IN TWO SESSIONS:

AFTERNOON SESSION

Five short plays written by high school- and college-aged playwrights. The winner of this session will advance to compete in the evening session.

EVENING SESSION

Five short plays by practicing playwrights who have had at least one previous professional or academic production, plus the winner of the afternoon session.

All plays will be adjudicated by a panel of industry professionals, who will provide feedback and select winners from each session.

Please Note: All selected plays will be presented as script-in-hand staged readings.

FEST DETAILS

Date: Saturday, August 2, 2025

Afternoon Session: 2pm
Evening Session: 6pm
Venue: The Crystal Theatre, 66 Bayview Ave, Norwalk, CT 06850

REQUIREMENTS

Playwrights should submit the following via our submission form:

• Script: The complete short play in PDF format.
• Synopsis: A brief (150-word max) synopsis of the play.
• Character Breakdown: A description of all characters, including any specifications for race, age, gender, etc., if applicable.
• Playwright Bio: A brief bio, including your experience as a playwright.

GUIDELINES

• Length: Submissions must be between 7 and 12 minutes in performance time and a maximum of 15 pages in length.
• Format: Scripts should be formatted in standard playwriting style and submitted as a PDF.
• Eligibility: Submissions must be original and not previously published, produced, or performed at any prior festival.
• Cast Size: Scripts must feature a cast of no less than two and no more than six actors. While the script can include more than six characters, the roles must be covered by no more than six actors. Solo shows will not be considered.
• Actors: Plays will be read by a dedicated house cast of 8-10 professional actors, selected and managed by Thrown Stone Theatre Company. This ensemble will perform all roles and stage directions for the festival. Non-traditional casting is likely, and will be handled respectfully according to the requirements of the play.
• Staging Requirements:Scripts should be suitable for a minimalist staging format, with actors reading from music stands.
• Minimal or no use of props, lights, sound, or other technical elements is required.
• Stage directions will be read aloud by members of the house cast unless otherwise specified in the script.
• Language: There is no restriction on the language, but if not in English, accurate translations must be provided with the submission, and the material must be reasonably understood by an English-speaking audience.
• Originality: Scripts must be original; unpublished; not previously produced; not previously selected or adjudicated in any festival; owned entirely by the playwright; and not generated in whole or in part by artificial intelligence.
• You Belong: Thrown Stone Theatre Company encourages submissions from playwrights of all backgrounds and identities.

SUBMISSION PROCESS

Please note that we will accept and review up to 100 submissions for each session. Early submissions are encouraged as the review process will close once this limit is reached.

THROWN STONE THEATRE COMPANY WILL PROVIDE A venue at the Crystal Theatre, including a basic lighting plot, pre-set general lighting cues, and basic sound equipment.
A professional house cast for all roles and stage directions, as well as music stands and chairs for use during staged readings.
Front- and back-of-house personnel, including a board operator if needed.
Recognition of the selections and winners on Thrown Stone Theatre Company’s website.

PLAYWRIGHT RESPONSIBILITIES

Playwrights are encouraged to: Attend rehearsals
Collaborate with the creative team on any necessary script updates

TIMELINE

Submissions Open: March 5, 2025
Submission Deadline: May 5, 2025
Selection Notification: June 16, 2025
Fest: August 2, 2025

EVALUATION CRITERIA

Submissions will be evaluated on:

• Originality: Does the play present a unique perspective or idea?
• Theatricality: How well does the play use the tools of live performance?
• Central Dramatic Question: Is there a clear and compelling central dramatic question driving the play?
• Feasibility: Plays should be adaptable for performance by the house cast, with consideration given to flexible casting within the ensemble.
• Fun: Short plays for a festival should be fun. If your play isn’t fun, there should be a fun reason it isn’t.

FEST RECOGNITION

Selected plays will be recognized on Thrown Stone Theatre Company’s website under the categories:Fest Selections TYA: 

Afternoon Session (Teen/Young Adult) Selections.
Fest Selections: Evening Selections.
Winners from each session will also be indicated on the website. Selections may be linked to their corresponding pages on newplayexchange.org if applicable.

ABOUT THROWN STONE THEATRE COMPANY

Thrown Stone Theatre Company is the only professional theatre in Connecticut exclusively dedicated to new work from commission to development to production. Learn more and book tickets at thrownstone.org.

Union County Playmakers 10 Minute Play Festival

Website

Deadline: May 15, 2025

Monroe, North Carolina

Send to: email info@unioncountyplaymakers.org

or

· To Attn: Terrie Sloan, P.O. Box 1382, Monroe NC 28111

Writers ages 15 and older may submit one original work (no adaptations) that has not been previously published or performed and is suitable for general and youth audiences.

Interested in trying your hand at playwriting or already an accomplished writer? Start writing now or dust off that draft that needs editing. Submit a 10-minute play for an opportunity to have it produced if it is selected for Union County Playmakers’ New Play Event. Performances will be held at the Union County Community Arts Council on Sunday, June 22 and 3 p.m. 

Writers ages 15 and older may submit original work (no adaptations) that has not been previously published or performed and is suitable for general and youth audiences. Submissions may be rejected if they are determined to be inappropriate or if they cannot be produced under the production restrictions of time and space. No more than two scripts per playwright may be submitted.

Playmakers will provide the space for auditions, one technical rehearsal, and performance, and may also provide minimal set pieces. Playmakers will also promote the event, hold auditions, and assist with identifying a director.

· Write a ten-minute play using the standard script format that can be performed on a bare stage or with limited staging and props. Please format your script using the Samuel French formatting style, which can be found at: https://www.scribd.com/.../Samuel-French-Formatting-Guide...

For more information, please email: info@unioncountyplaymakers.org

Hello Godot - FreshWords' One-Minute Existential Play Anthology

Website

Deadline: May 5, 2025

1. Theme and Tone

Plays must explore existential themes such as meaning, futility, waiting, hope, despair, or the absurdity of existence.

Tone can range from darkly humorous to poignant or tragic, but should align with the spirit of existential literature (e.g., Beckett, Camus, Sartre).

Submissions should resonate with the idea of "waiting for Godot" or the search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe.


2. Format and Structure

Each play must be exactly one minute in length when performed. This typically translates to 1-2 pages of dialogue or action.

Plays should be minimalist, with a focus on concise, impactful dialogue and action.

Maximum of 2-3 characters per play to maintain simplicity and focus.

Stage directions should be minimal but clear.


3. Originality

Submissions must be original, unpublished works.

Plays should not infringe on any existing copyrights or intellectual property.

Adaptations or reimaginings of existing works (e.g., Waiting for Godot) are acceptable as long as they are transformative and original.


4. Submission Details

Submit your play as a PDF or Word document with the file name: HelloGodot_YourName_PlayTitle.

Include a cover page with:

Play title

Your full name

Contact information (email, phone number)

A brief bio (50-70 words)

Email your submission to dramaanthologyfreshwords@gmail.com with the subject line: Submission: Hello Godot – [Your Name].

5. Rights

Playwrights will retain copyright to their individual works.

6. Deadline

Submissions must be received by May 5th, 2025. Late submissions will not be considered.

7. Selection Process

Submissions will be reviewed by a panel of editors and theatre professionals.

Selected playwrights will be notified via email by May 10th, 2025.

We look forward to receiving your one-minute existential masterpieces! Let’s explore the absurd, the profound, and the fleeting moments that define our existence together.

Read & Rant Submissions July 2025

Website

Deadline: April 30, 2025

SUBMISSION FORM

Athena Project’s Read & Rant program seeks to combine the sharing of theatrical work with the wider public and aspects of new play development while also fostering collaboration between playwrights and dramaturgs. We operate this program with the goal to create digital opportunities for early and mid-career playwrights, uplift writers and dramaturgs overall, and highlight artists who identify as an underrepresented gender. At Athena Project, we want to create a safer space for expression and growth for artists that identify as woman or nonbinary. 

Submissions are now open to be considered as a featured script at Read & Rant on July 21, 2025. The event will be on Zoom from 6:30pm-8:30pm MST. Tickets to attend the event are free and open to the general public through online event registration.

How does it work?

-Submissions are open until April 30, 2025.

-Once submissions are closed, we will select four playwrights via RANDOM LOTTERY. Those four will be asked to submit full copies of their scripts. 

(*Note you do no need to submit your script now, we will be reaching out if selected)

-These scripts will be read by a small cohort of dramaturgs. These dramaturgs will assess each scripts then select two scripts to be featured at the Read & Rant event. (The two scripts not selected to feature will still receive written feedback from our dramaturgical team)

-If your play is selected to be featured, it will be provided in advance to attendees of Read & Rant, who are expected to read it prior to the event.

-At the Read & Rant, a dramaturg will guide an open discussion with the audience to answer questions and provide feedback on your work.

Please keep in mind that rather than providing a platform for a reading or a dramaturgical deep-dive consultation, it works more like a Book Club! A general audience receives and reads the scripts in advance of the event, then a dramaturg uses their expertise to guide a discussion around the play. It is designed to give early-stage scripts audience feedback, and the dramaturg helps guide that discussion to ensure the feedback is productive and helpful.

If you have any questions, please contact Em Perez at literarymanager@athenaprojectarts.org. Thank you!

Eliot Hayes Award 2025

Website

Deadline: May 1, 2025 at 11:59 PM ET

To Submit: Use the online form to upload your essay without identifying information in PDF format and a separate PDF with all of the identifying information outlined here using the form below.

Named in honor of Elliott Hayes, the former dramaturg and literary manager at The Stratford Festival and a dual citizen of Canada and the USA, this award recognizes excellence in dramaturgical work on a specific project over the past two years. Eligible projects may include, but are not limited to, production, season planning and implementation, educational programming, or advocacy for the profession.
Application Information

The recipient of the 2025 Elliott Hayes Award, presented at the annual LMDA conference, will receive $1000 USD and a $500 USD travel stipend to the LMDA conference held in San Diego, CA, USA/Tijuana, Mexico.

There is no application fee. Applications will be evaluated through an anonymous application process. The application is open to all.

All applicants will be notified of the panel decision and the winner will be notified by May 16, 2025. However, the public announcement will be kept private until the presentation of the award at the LMDA Conference in Summer 2025.

For the purposes of this application, if you self-identify as a dramaturg, you are a dramaturg. If you come from a culture that does not view dramaturgy as separate from other parts of the creative process, or does not have a word for dramaturgy, and you feel your work fits within the rubric above, please contact us at admin@lmda.org to speak further.

All applications must meet the above-mentioned standards for eligibility.

Only one application per person.

Although we welcome applicants from anywhere in the world, the application must be in English.
The application must be a minimum of 500 and a maximum of 4000 words. There will be no reward for brevity nor punishment for length. Within the already stated boundaries, the essay should be exactly as long as it takes for you to make a strong, clear, and cogent argument for the nomination you are putting forth.

At this time, we do not have the capability to review secondary materials such as videos or slideshows. Although their inclusion will not disqualify an application, they will not be reviewed. No letters of reference are needed - nor will they be read if sent. As well, please do not include a resume in your application, as we are concerned with only the strength of your proposal and what currently engages you, not your history.

In order to facilitate the anonymous application process, you must provide two separate documents in PDF format:The first discussing the work with no identifying information (including the name of the work, your name or the name of the person you are nominating, or the city, state or country in which the event took place. In other words, nothing can be included which is searchable on Google or any other search engine. The phrases "the work", "the director", and "the process" are all fine substitutes.
The second document will include all of the identifying information not present in the first, including your name and contact info or the name and contact information of the person/work you are proposing. Your application will be reviewed by a panel of dramaturgs who represent the extraordinary talent and diversity found within our profession. Only the Executive Director, who collects applications, will see the identifying information. The panelists will not know the identity of the winner until after a decision has been reached.

Although you are welcome to propose the work of others, that other person must be known to you, you must have had a real-life interaction with said person, and you must be able to provide contact information for them.

Any project you propose cannot have been completed before July 1, 2024. It is fine if the project is still underway. Ideally, it should be completed by December 31, 2025, though exceptions may be made for extraordinary work.

Each project may only be proposed once for the Elliott Hayes Award. While there is no limit to the number of years in a row one can apply (see note below), each year must feature a new project.

The winner of the award must appear at two conferences, either in person or virtually (using an application such as Zoom.) The first appearance would be to accept the award, and the second to present it to the next year's winner.
The winner of the Elliott Hayes Award is required to sit on the next year's adjudication panel.

Note: If you have won or received a special commendation for the Elliott Hayes Award, you may not reapply for three years.

If you have any further questions, feel free to contact Lindsey R. Barr, Executive Director, at admin@lmda.org

If you don't receive an acknowledgement of your application within 72 hours, please contact awards@lmda.org.

We look forward to your consideration!

Barter Theatre Appalachian Festival of Plays and Playwrights 2026

Website

Deadline: May 1, 2025

Please send play and a brief synopsis to:  apfestival@bartertheatre.com

Six new Appalachian plays are chosen from the submissions to be given public readings by Barter’s company.

The playwrights are brought in at the beginning of the festival week to be a part of the rehearsal process. Each play is given about 8 hours of rehearsal time with the focus being on clarity of story.

After each reading, there is a moderated discussion between a panel made up of three regional theatre professionals and, most importantly, the audience, for their feedback. That way, the playwright receives feedback from three separate groups: artists, panelists, and audience.

Playwrights have found this to be a very useful step in developing their plays, as well as a wonderful opportunity to meet other artists, make new friends, and enjoy the beauty of Southwest Virginia!

Plays must be written by an Appalachian playwright (currently living in a state that contains the Appalachian Mountain Range— which, for our purposes, run from New York to Alabama.)

OR 

• The plays must be set in the Appalachian region.
• Plays must be unpublished and must not have had a full professional production.
• Plays must be full length.
• Plays must be submitted electronically.

Roving Peregrine seeks short plays

Website

Deadline: June 30, 2025

Google Form: https://forms.gle/Me5RFCwbvQg2Mkb79 

Shepherdstown, West Virginia

Roving Peregrine is seeking submissions for an event supporting Trans Lifeline being produced in October. The Roving Peregrine Theatre Company isn't taking any money from the tickets, it's all donated and were looking for playwrights to donate their time and talent to the cause. The shows are not fully produced, they are staged readings. We're looking for short plays (20 minutes or less). 

Must:

• be no more than 20 minutes long (roughly 20-25 pages or less)

• Feature and highlight joy in the Queer Community (Its doesn't have to specifically be about Coming Out)

• be an original work by me (we are not accepting adaptations at this time, you can use public domain characters, but it must be in a new story)

• be a new work that has had no more than two (2) professional productions

• have 5 characters or fewer

HINDSIGHT 2025 International Short Play Festival seeks 10-minute plays

Website

Deadline: May 1, 2025

Left Edge Theatre, Santa Rosa, California

How to apply:

In fewer than 100 words, tell us how your play addresses the theme “Tyranny.”

Email your answer together with your play (in Word or pdf format only) to: jenny@leftedgetheatre.com 

Two Staged Readings of 10 x 10-minute plays

Saturday, July 19 and Sunday, July 20 at The California Theatre, Santa Rosa, CA

Left Edge Theatre is calling for submissions of new short plays for its annual Hindsight Festival, now in its fifth year. Left Edge is located at The California Theatre in downtown Santa Rosa, Sonoma County - the heart of wine country and just an hour’s drive north of San Francisco.

Playwrights from around the world are invited to send in submissions. Winners will have the opportunity to meet and discuss their work with the director and cast before the performance, online or in person.

The Theme: TYRANNY

Hindsight plays focus on events happening now or within the last 12 months. Our theme this year is tyranny in all its forms – political, domestic, or any other version you feel truly passionate about. Your play can be in any genre, but it must be new, current, and demonstrate the theme “Tyranny” in creative and imaginative ways. We are looking for plays that challenge and inspire us to think, feel and act.


The Rules:

Your play must be no longer than 10 minutes.

Your play must not have been previously performed in Sonoma County, CA.

Playwrights may only submit up to two plays each.

Small casts preferred.

Stage directions will be read aloud during performance and are encouraged to help set the scene and explain the action.

Playwrights must include a brief explanation of why the play fits the theme “Tyranny.”

Why you should apply:

10 winning plays will receive two live staged readings by Left Edge actors at The California Theatre, a performing arts venue in downtown Santa Rosa.

Winning plays will be published in a print collection.

The performances will be filmed and a free link of the recordings made available to you.

Winning playwrights will gain exposure and new relationships with the Left Edge artistic community and Sonoma County audiences.



Questions? Email: jenny@leftedgetheatre.com

2025-26 PlayGround-NY Writers Pool

Website

Deadline: May 31, 2025

Submission form

– 25 early-career playwrights as well as 3 alternates will be competitively selected from applications to form the Writers Pool.
– Members of the Writers Pool may submit scripts to be considered as part of the Monday Night PlayGround-NY staged reading series. Four times each season, September through March (see tentative schedule below), PlayGround-NY will announce a prompt and Writers Pool members have just four-and-a-half days to generate an original short script (max. 10 pages) inspired by the prompt. The top six scripts each round will be staged publicly with leading local directors and actors. Those not selected may submit their scripts to Recess for cold readings via zoom (see below).
– From the plays staged throughout the season, up to six will be selected for Best of PlayGround-NY (produced in April 2026).
– Writers Pool members can gain peer feedback on their work by participating in Recess cold readings (one week after each Monday Night PlayGround-NY and generally via Zoom) as well as through a staff one-on-one session (available upon request). New this year, Writers Pool Alternates will have full access to Recess.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

– Writers must reside within the five boroughs of New York City
– NEW THIS YEAR: Writers Pool members must commit to submitting for ALL FOUR Monday Night PlayGround-NY events in a given season (see below for schedule, subject to change). Writers failing to meet the eligibility requirements must sit out the remainder of the season and one additional full season. Alternates are asked to submit each round and may be admitted to the Pool should there be an opening during the season.
– The submission of a script to Monday Night PlayGround-NY grants PlayGround-NY the exclusive option to stage the play as part of the Monday Night PlayGround-NY and, should it be so selected, to present the world premiere as part of Best of PlayGround-NY and non-exclusive option to publish the script in a “Best of PlayGround” anthology.
– Current members of the Writers Pool must reapply in order to be considered for the following season.


WHAT TO SUBMIT
– Playwrights must submit a 10-page max, properly formatted script as PDF attachment. Both previously produced and unproduced scripts are eligible. See below for formatting examples.
– The script must have the playwright’s name, address, email and phone number at the top of the first page and include a detailed cast breakdown, and all pages must be numbered.
– The script title must be labeled by Lastname, Firstname_Title (e.g., Shakespeare, William_The Tempest).
– Excerpts from longer works are not accepted but short plays that meet the above requirements and are derived from a longer work are accepted.
– BIPOC, trans/gender-non-conforming & playwrights with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
– Applications must be received by 11:59pm PT on Saturday, May 31, 2025.

To view sample script formats, click the link(s) below.
Submission Format #1
Submission Format #2

WRITERS POOL ANNOUNCEMENT
– Applicants will be notified of selections on or before August 1, 2025.
– Selected writers must attend a mandatory company meeting on Sunday, August 24 (time to be announced).

2025-26 SCHEDULE (subject to change)
MNP1 Topic Announced: September 19, 2025
MNP1 Scripts Due: September 23, 2025
MNP2 Topic Announced: October 31, 2025
MNP2 Scripts Due: November 4, 2025
MNP3 Topic Announced: December 19, 2025
MNP3 Scripts Due: December 23, 2025
MNP4 Topic Announced: January 30, 2026
MNP 4 Scripts Due: February 3, 2026

Chaotic Merge Issue 9 Submissions

Website

Deadline: May 10, 2025 11:59 PM

SUBMIT VIA SUBMITTABLE

*Note: We don’t have themes for Issues. We believe all art forms and genres can beautifully collide into a Chaotic Merge.

Chaotic Merge is looking for submissions from all different forms of artists. We seek work that is adventurous and test the border of art and structure. Don’t be afraid to mess with everything you have ever learned. We encourage the voices of people of color and members of the LGBTQIA+ community to submit their work.

General Submission Guidelines
All work(s) should be submitted through Submittable with either Garamond or Times New Roman 12pt. Font. Please look below to see if the section(s) you are submitting to have specific guidelines. We have the right to refuse the right to read your work if submitted otherwise.

Disclaimer:
As a Magazine, we do not tolerate and reserve the right to reject or not to respond to work that contains racism, homophobia, violent themes, etc. content.

Content Warnings:
Please include content warnings for any sensitive material after the title of your piece or by messaging us directly. If you do not know if it should have a trigger warning or not, put it in there anyway. It can only help.

Note:
All our zine are all online only. Our regular issues are print & online.

SCREENPLAY/ PLAYSWe accept up to 2 unpublished Screenplay or Play totaling to 10 Pages.

Famous Plays Who We Feel Are Very Chaotic Merge: Wolves by Sarah Delappe, Wives by Jacklyn Backhaus, and The Flick by Annie Baker

FAQ

WHAT IS YOUR RESPONSE TIME?
Our response time is 1 month – 3 months for print issues. If you haven’t received word back from us by then, you may send us a query to our email chaoticmergemagazine@gmail.com or through submittable. Please remember we are doing the best we can to get back to you as quickly as possible.

HOW MANY TIMES CAN I SUBMIT PER READING PERIOD?
A person can submit up to one time per category (poetry, fiction, nonfiction, etc.) per submission period.


DO YOU PUBLISH ALREADY PUBLISHED WORK?
Chaotic Merge Magazine publishes only unpublished work, unless we ourselves request for them. By submitting your work, you affirm that you are the sole author and maintain all rights for your work. By submitting your work, you authorize Chaotic Merge Magazine to publish your work in both its e-journal, online platforms, and print.

DO YOU ACCEPT SIMULTANEOUS SUBMISSIONS?
While we accept simultaneous submissions, please notify us on our email (chaoticmergemagazine@gmail.com) or through submittable immediately to withdraw your work once it has been accepted elsewhere.


DO YOU PAY YOUR CONTRIBUTORS?
We offer a small $3-$5 payment for each work(s) accepted. Currently, that is the best we can do for our writers, and we are working on improving this amount in the future. Also, all works will be considered and nominated for The Pushcart Prize.

Rainy Day Artistic Collective "But Make It Gayer" Monologue Showcase

Facebook page

Deadline: May 3, 2025 at 11:59 PM PST

Seattle Washington

SUBMISSION FORM

• Submissions can only feature one speaker.
• Each monologue must be approximately 1-5 minutes in length.
• The piece(s) must be on the theme of "...But Make It Gayer," taking a familiar story/concept and adding and/or exploring a Queer element to the work.
• No more than two submissions per playwright, please! (NOTE: if you are submitting a second piece, please fill out the form a second time and submit that one separately.)
• Please list any content warnings and an MPAA rating.
• Our mission at Rainy Day Artistic Collective is to "make the theatre you wish to see." We are an inclusive; LGBTQIA+, minority, and disabled-run; hybrid company based out of Seattle, Washington. We ally against racist, sexist, classist, xenophobic, homophobic, transphobic, ableist, and otherwise bigoted practices. As such, we will not consider submissions that contradict our values. 

This is an entirely volunteer event and we will not charge admission; this means that we are not able to offer stipends to artists at this time. We understand if this is a deal-breaker.

The "[ ]...But Make It Gayer" Monologue Showcase will live-stream on Saturday, June 21, 2025.

This will be a free-to-attend and entirely volunteer-run virtual event; any donations (always appreciated but never required) will go towards funding Rainy Day's 2025 Season.

Kingdom Theatre 10 Minute Harvest Festival

Website

Deadline: June 30, 2025

Submit to-kingdommtctheatre@gmail.com

Convening November 2025 Kingdom Theatre presents Harvest Festival. Featuring a series of Diverse 10 minute plays 

Calling Emerging and Experienced playwrights showcase your play before Industry professionals and live audience.

We provide the following,

• Theatre venue with 2 large dressing rooms, spacious auditorium theatre 
• Catered Food and Reception 
• Creative staff and Actors to produce your play.
• Rehearsals and Readings for your play 
• Promotions for your play.
• The Harvest Festival will convene the 1st three Saturdays in November with live performances and Reception 

Zero Submission Fee

If you are selected you must pay registration fee $80

Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning (JCAL) 5th Annual Meet the Playwright (MTP2025) program

Website

Deadline: April 28, 2025

SUBMIT VIA SUBMITTABLE

Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning (JCAL) is pleased to open its application portal for the 5th AnnualMeet the Playwright (MTP2025) program. JCAL seeks four new, unpublished, unproduced plays by grassroots, early-career, and/or emerging playwrights for MTP2025.

MTP2025 spotlights emerging theatre writers identifying as BIIPOC (Black, Immigrant, Indigenous, People of Color), with an emphasis Queens-based playwrights. Each month, from November 2025 to February 2026, each of this year’s playwrights will present at least 25 minutes, and no more than 35 minutes, from their play as a professional staged reading for a live audience. The performance concludes with a moderated Q&A between the audience, playwright, director, and creative team.

In MTP2025, each selected playwright receives a $2,000 stipend. With this stipend, each playwright covers the cost of engaging directors, actors, and any other collaborators (e.g., dramaturgs, designers) they wish. Each playwright also receives at least one, but up to two, private readings of the play at JCAL, and will meet monthly with the MTP Program Manager.

While MTP prioritizes Queens-based writers identifying as BIIPOC, any NYC-based BIIPOC playwright is eligible to apply. Applicants will be selected by a jury of cultural leaders representing the diversity of NYC’s theatre community.

Application Process

After submitting Application Materials (see below), the jury will ask semifinalists by Monday, May 5, 2025,to submit their complete, full-length scripts. The jury will notify finalists for MTP2025 on Monday, May 26, 2025, after which interviews with the MTP Program Manager and JCAL leadership will take place during the week of May 26, 2025. Playwrights selected for MTP2025 will be formally notified on Monday, June 2, 2025.

Application Materials (PDF or Word Only)

A. Script Sample

Please upload a 10-page sample of the script from a full-length play. The pages don't have to come from the beginning of the play, but they must be 10 consecutive pages (the title page and character breakdown do not count toward the 10 pages).


B. Letter of Interest

Please answer the question, "How will MTP further the development of your play and advance your goals as a playwright?” in no more than 250 words. Use this opportunity to introduce yourself and your goals, writing, accomplishments, and anything else you'd like JCAL to know about you.


C. Bio

Please upload your approved bio.


D. Resume (Production History, If Applicable)

Please upload your professional resume and/or production history of your work, if applicable.


All applications and materials must be submitted via Submittable.com. Applications received by other methods will be disqualified.

Application deadline:  Monday, April 28, 2025

Selected artists announced: Monday, June 2, 2025

For questions about the application, please contact Program Associate David Smith, Dsmith@jcal.org.


MTP2025 is supported by the Mellon Foundation and Howard Gilman Foundation with additional support from New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, New York City Council Members Nantasha Williams and Selvena Brooks-Powers, and general operating support from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs through the Mayor’s Office.

About JCAL

Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning (JCAL), founded in 1972, is a multidisciplinary arts center based in the diverse community of Southeast Queens. Our mission is devoted to offering quality visual and performing arts, and to providing accessible education programs to encourage participation in the arts. JCAL is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10am to 6pm; closed Sundays, Mondays, and major holidays. For additional information, call JCAL at 718-658-7400 or visit www.JCAL.org.

BBC World Service & British Council International Audio Drama Competition 2026

Website

Deadline: June 4, 2025 11:00 GMT

SUBMISSION FORM

Welcome to the BBC World Service & British Council International Audio Drama Competition 2026. To enter, you’ll need to complete the  online submission form and supply us with:

The script for your 40-50 minute audio drama with up to six central characters. This should be submitted as a PDF file

A written synopsis outlining the complete story of your audio drama. This should be no more than 400 words long and submitted as a PDF file.

The competition closes at 11.00 GMT 4 June 2025, and is only open to writers outside of the UK. 

Entrants must also be over the age of 18 as of 4 June 2025.

We will be unable to enter into any correspondence, except with shortlisted entries, and we are also unable to acknowledge receipt of scripts.

Please do not send us amendments or further drafts once your place has been submitted.

Please do not send cassettes, CDs, DVDs, mp3s, videos or sheet music with your play – it is not necessary at the entry level and they cannot be returned to you.

If you would prefer to enter via email or post, you may download an entry form here.

Page 73 Development Programs 2026

Website

Deadline: April 27, 2025 by 11:59 PM 

SUBMISSION FORM ON THE WEB PAGE

Each year Page 73 meets the talented playwrights we work with through this free application.

Applications for the 2026 programs are now open. The deadline to submit is April 27, 2025 by 11:59 PM EST.

On Tuesday, April 1 at 6pm ET, Page 73 will host an application information session via Zoom with Artistic Director Michael Walkup, Associate Artistic Director Kari Olmon, and 2025 Playwriting Fellow Lori Felipe-Barkin. RSVP here.


Applicants for both programs:

1. The applicant must be a US resident at the time of participation;

2. The applicant must have completed at least 2 full-length plays or at least 3 one-act plays;

3. The applicant must have made a commitment to playwriting as a professional goal;

4. The applicant must have never received a production in New York City that is fully contracted with Actors Equity Association and ran for at least four weeks or twenty-one performances;

5. The applicant must not be enrolled in a full-time degree/certificate program at the time of participation.

Writers Group applicants:

Attendance at all Writers Group sessions is extremely important. Please do not apply for the Writers Group if you will be unable to attend meetings in New York City on a regular basis. Priority is given to writers who are not involved in other similarly supported institutional writing groups.

We understand this application occurs well in advance of 2026. If you are not sure about your plans for 2026, you are welcome to apply for the Writers Group and update us regarding your eligibility.

Purple Light Productions seeks monologues

Facebook page

Deadline: April 21, 2025 

Or once they have received 300 submissions. 

SUBMISSION FORM

We are seeking 1-2 page monologues of all stylings and genres to be published in an anthology as a part of Purple Light Productions new publication, “Type Cast”, an anthology composed of monologues inspired by the nine enneagram types.

Submissions may be in any stage of development and priority consideration will be given to pieces with limited exposure.

Submissions can be a part of larger pieces or a stand alone monologue.


REQUIREMENTS:

- All theatrical pieces are welcome

- The piece must be an original work of the creative and be inspired by one of the nine enneagram types.

- Submissions must be 1-2 pages in length.

- Scenes and short plays will not be considered.

- Please include a page with character name and casting info (age, identity, ect.) at the beginning of your submission. Please also include any production notes or circumstantial info that is necessary on that page.

*Please note, if chosen, your piece will be published as a part of the anthology and time will be given for final revisions.

PLAYWRIGHTS MAY SUBMIT MULTIPLE SUBMISSIONS. PLEASE SUBMIT ONE FORM FOR EACH SUBMISSION.

All profits go to supporting Purple Light Productions mission to empower new voices and foster theatrical community in NYC.

Enneagram types:


Type 1: The Reformer

The Idealistic Type, Rational, Principled, Purposeful, Self-Controlled, and Perfectionistic

Type 2: The Helper

The Interpersonal Type, Caring, Demonstrative, Generous, People-Pleasing, and Possessive

Type 3: The Achiever

The Pragmatic Type, Success-Oriented, Adaptive, Excelling, Driven, and Image-Conscious

Type 4: The Individualist

The Withdrawn Type: Sensitive, Expressive, Dramatic, Self-Absorbed, and Temperamental

Type 5: The Investigator

The Cerebral Type: Intense, Perceptive, Innovative, Secretive, and Isolated

Type 6: The Loyalist

The Security-Oriented Type: Committed, Engaging, Responsible, Anxious, and Suspicious

Type 7: The Enthusiast

The Fun-Loving Type: Busy, Spontaneous, Versatile, Distractible, and Scattered

Type 8: The Challenger

The Dominating Type: Powerful, Self-Confident, Decisive, Willful, and Confrontational

Type 9: The Peacemaker

The Self-Effacing Type: Easygoing, Receptive, Reassuring, Agreeable, and Complacent

The Inkwell Theater Development LAB fellowship

Website

Deadline: April 30, 2025

SUBMISSION FORM

A unique program in Los Angeles, the LAB aims to bring the writer out of their office, or coffee shop, and into the rehearsal room. While we recognize the necessity for writers to work on their own, we believe that nothing benefits works-in-progress more than artistic collaboration.

The LAB is focused on developing new plays through a collaborative workshop process. We believe that by working in a rehearsal setting with a director and actors, a playwright can best further their plays. Playwrights tell us often how they gained new insights from simply seeing their work with a cast, not to mention the constructive input from directors and other artists.

We begin with a writer and their first draft. During a 3-week intensive process, writers will not only see and hear that draft as written but will also see their rewrites, changes, and inspired ideas come to life. This is aided by introducing an experienced and versatile director, bringing their own unique insights to the play. Mixing in a cast of talented performers only adds to the volume of artistic brainpower being brought to bear upon the play. And pulling the playwright into the rehearsal room brings the whole thing together.

The playwrights selected for each LAB season are the recipients of The Lerner Fellowship, which provides financial, logistical, and artistic support. 

Eligibility

• Anyone is eligible to submit. There are no restrictions based on age, experience, representation, formal training or union-affiliation.
• Please submit only full, completed scripts. It can be an early draft, but we do require a compete script in order to evaluate the submission.
• Submitted work cannot have been previously produced. (Private workshops and readings are not considered productions).
• Commissioned work is not eligible for submission.
• Previous applicants may re-apply, but only with new material. We do not accept plays that have been previously submitted.
• Submissions from writers outside of the LA area are accepted, but the writer is responsible for transportation and accommodations (if selected).
• Please limit your submissions to one every six months

If selected for the Max K. Lerner Fellowship, playwrights will be offered a rehearsal and presentation slot during the LAB season and a $1000 honorarium. The Inkwell Theater Development LAB will provide a professional team of artists (director, actors, dramaturge, etc) and production support, as well as rehearsal and production space. For more information, you can contact us at lab@inkwelltheater.com

Neukom Literary Arts Award for Playwriting 2025

Website

Deadline: May 1, 2025 at 5PM

Submission form 

The Neukom Institute for Computational Science at Dartmouth College – in collaboration with Northern Stage – is excited to announce the 2025 Neukom Institute Literary Arts Awards for Playwriting, for full-length plays and other full-length works for the theater addressing the question “What does it mean to be a human in a computerized world?”. The award comes with a $5,000 honorarium as well as a weeklong workshop and public reading produced by Northern Stage (https://northernstage.org/) in early 2026. Note that works that have received a full production are NOT eligible for the competition.

Details are as follows:

Questions? Email Brandy (Yijin) Zhang bzhang@northernstage.org and Mandi Benjamin mbenjamin@northernstage.org.

Submissions must include

An anonymized (blinded) copy of the piece
Playwright resume/bio
Production history of the piece

1 page statement of purpose that answers the following questions:A. How does your piece address the theme of exploring humanity in our computerized, digital world?

B. The winning play will have a weeklong workshop and public reading at Northern Stage in White River Junction, VT in early 2026. What are your developmental goals for the play and how would this workshop serve those goals?

Go Try Play Write April 2025

Website

Deadline: April 30, 2025

SUBMISSION FORM

We're proud to announce a new monthly playwriting contest in collaboration with Bamboo Ridge Press. Every month, Kumu Kahua's artistic director Harry Wong III will select a writing prompt on the first day of that month. 

We're looking for 5-page monologues or 10-page scenes based on that prompt; the due date for submissions are always the last day of the month. 

All entries must be written in traditional play format; instructions on this format can be found here (https://www.dramatistsguild.com/script-formats), courtesy of the Dramatists Guild.

There will be one winner each month. Scripts will be submitted to the judges anonymously. Winners will receive $100 and a subscription to Bamboo Ridge Press. Woo!

The prompt for April 2025 is:

Do opposites attract? Write a 10-page maximum scene of two people on a first date who are polar opposites on the political spectrum. Neither gives an inch on their beliefs, though the temptation to acquiesce and give up one’s beliefs should be powerful.

KDC Theater 9th Annual Full Stack new writing competition seeks short plays

Website

Deadline: April 21, 2025, 18:00 UK time zone

Please fill out the form linked here. As part of this, you will be asked to upload your script in pdf format.

Writers wanted for our 9th annual Full Stack new writing competition, our yearly invite to writers experienced and new to get out their keyboards and start a-tapping! We’re looking for short scripts for an anthology show to be staged in summer 2025 (likely second half of June 2025).

The theme for our Full Stack Summer 2025 show is…SOLSTICE.

Solstice
A solstice marks a moment of extreme: the longest day or the longest night. It is a turning point in the calendar year, observed across centuries and cultures as a time of ritual, reflection, and change. But beyond its astronomical roots, solstice carries powerful symbolic weight – evoking cycles of growth and decay, hope and loss, light and shadow.

We’re looking for new plays that explore transitions: between seasons, states of mind, relationships, political eras, or phases of life.

Any genre is welcome (and we’d love to see a variety of different approaches that we can combine into a balanced show).

We’d love to see plays that explore turning points, rituals, extremes, light and dark, endings and beginnings, and/or a clear sense of mood or shift – whether political, personal, environmental, emotional or spiritual.

Some ideas to spark your thinking:

• A character facing a moment they can’t come back from
• A story set over the course of one long night (or day)
• A community waiting for light to return or reckoning with its absence
• Personal transformation that mirrors seasonal change
• Time as an unseen force in the story

Maximum length: 15 minutes – your play can be shorter, of course!

Cast: 1-3 actors – more characters are possible if actors double (or triple) up.

Staging: As this is an anthology show, we are looking for plays that can be staged with minimal set and props which could be quickly brought on and removed by the actors. Scenic projections are not possible and there should be minimal lighting and sound cues.

Please note: This is an amateur production and not a paid opportunity. By submitting your script to us, you are giving us permission to perform the script in our Full Stack 2025 show.

Next steps: We will notify all writers if their scripts have been chosen for the show or not by mid-May 2025.

Any questions, please contact James Taverner on james@kdctheatre.com.

ReOrient 2026 Call for Short Plays

Website

Deadline: April 30, 2025

UPLOAD SUBMISSION VIA THIS FORM

Golden Thread Productions is seeking short plays for consideration in ReOrient Festival of Short Plays 2026. ReOrient Festival showcases the diversity of voices and aesthetics from the Middle East and its worldwide diaspora in a curated festival of short plays produced biennially in San Francisco.

Length: 10-30 minutes
One submission only per playwright

Eligibility:

• Playwrights of Middle Eastern heritage writing about any topic
• Playwrights of all backgrounds writing about the Middle East
• The plays must be in English (Translations of plays originally written in other languages are also welcome)

Areas of Interest include:

• Plays that engage with urgent contemporary issues, reflecting the social, political, and cultural landscapes highlighting the Middle East and its diaspora
• Plays that center Palestine and the Palestinian diaspora
• Plays that experiment with non-realistic forms, non-linear or physically-based storytelling and innovative performance styles
• Comedies
• Plays that explore and demonstrate aspects of daily or family life
• Adaptations of classical texts and or historical figures
• Exploration of Middle Eastern performance traditions

Production Expectations:

5 to 7 plays will be selected for development and production in the fall of 2026.
Each play is supported by a director and a dramaturg.
All plays are performed as part of one evening with an ensemble that is shared amongst different productions.
The design elements for all plays are handled by one design team.

For questions, please email:
submissions@goldenthread.org
Subject Line: ReOrient 2026

Redlands Theater Festival

Website

Deadline: April 25, 2025

Email: cleversloopy49@gmail.com with "New Works Collection" in the subject line.

Looking for Six 10-Minute Plays and Three-Four Monologues (1-3 pages max) to present in a readers theatre event - supported by skilled actors, a well-versed director and simple but meaningful tech. 

Special Consideration will be given to Californian authors. 

Themes based on family, friendships and self-discovery and all the conflicts that come with them, are welcomed.

Eligibility:

Who can submit: Anyone! However, if you are local to California, great!

Young or seasoned with life, skilled or green, we want to hear from you!

Required materials: Script/monologue and a cover letter letting us know a little bit about

Notification of acceptance: May 23, 2025

Show date: July 22, 2025 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM

• Contact Information:

Carol Damgen- New Works Collection Artistic Director-Redlands Theatre Festival cleversloopy49@gmail.com

Sesame Workshop Writers’ Room fellowship 2025

Website

Deadline: April 14, 2025

Sesame Workshop Writers’ Room is a writing fellowship from the creators of Sesame Street. And we’re looking for YOU!

Fresh new writing talent that reflects our vast audience. Emerging storytellers who are selected to join the Writers’ Room will receive hands-on writing experience guided by Sesame Street veterans and other media industry leaders. Each participant will develop and write a pilot script for their own original kids’ program. Past fellows have gone on to develop their own original content with Sesame Workshop, as well as write for Sesame Street and various programs at Nickelodeon, Disney, DreamWorks, and more! Application window opens March 10th thru April 14th.

• Up to 6 writers will be selected 
• Sessions are expected to take place virtually from August to November 2025
• Learn from industry writers, producers, agents and executives 
• Learn and complete all steps of creating an original pilot episode script
• Includes eight, three-hour sessions; and 12, one-hour office hours sessions on creating original children’s content 
• Up to two participants will have the opportunity to receive creative development deals and further mentorship

Parity Development Award 2025

Website

Deadline: April 16, 2025

or when they receive 150 scripts

Submission Form

Parity Productions champions women, trans, gender-expansive, and intersex writers at the intersection of race, economic status, age, ability, and other identities within our constituency.

Every year, Parity presents the Parity Development Award to one woman (cis or trans) and one trans, gender-expansive, or intersex playwright who have both demonstrated a dedication to the craft of playwriting and a singular talent for storytelling and whose work is in harmony with our artistic mission. The selected playwrights receive $2,500 each and extensive developmental support for their play, including one “closed door” reading with the Parity team, and at least one public reading, with an option for Parity to produce the Awarded work.

We believe the next great play can come from anywhere; we read all eligible applications and make no judgments based on a playwright’s education or age.

Full-length plays for consideration must be new and may not have had a previous professional production (either Equity or non-Equity). Plays that have been previously produced will not be read. However, we will consider works that have had prior readings or workshops.

Full-length plays for consideration may not be musicals. Parity loves musicals and recognizes the many talented book writers and lyricists and composers in our community, but doesn't currently have the resources for the proper development (and production) process of a musical.

All scripts must be neat and in an easily readable format. Some suggested formats are Sam French, Dramatists Guild, or Final Draft format.

If playwrights apply in multiple award years, Parity prefers them to apply with a new work every year. If playwrights do choose to reapply with the same piece, Parity strongly encourages playwrights to have developed the play considerably in between application periods.

Applications for the 2025 Parity Development Award will only be accepted through The Parity Database. In order to apply, please make sure to have a free profile. To create or update your profile, click here. Please note the Parity Database is currently in beta testing. Applications are open until Wednesday, April 16th or when we receive 150 scripts – whichever comes first. 

Playwrights on Park seeks full-length plays

Website

Deadline: April 16, 2025

Submit through this Google Form.

Playwrights on Park's mission is to develop and produce original plays, to foster emerging and established playwrights, and to become a leader in new play development. This event includes a reading of a new play by professional actors, a talk back following the reading with the playwright, cast, and director, and an opportunity for audience members to complete a response card for each play/musical.

IMPORTANT INFO: Playwrights MUST be able to come to West Hartford to attend the staged reading and the audience discussion that follows. There will be a rehearsal on the day of the reading in which attendance by the playwright is optional but strongly encouraged. Transportation may be provided from NYC or New England locations by the Playhouse. Readings will be on select Sunday nights throughout the season at 7:00 pm. 

BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, womxn, Latinx, and differently-abled artists are strongly encouraged to submit

We are seeking FULL LENGTH plays. No musicals or One-Acts at this time

We are only seeking plays with small casts (4 or less actors), particularly 2 or 3 character casts

Include any production or workshop history, as well as biographies of the playwright, and any collaborators 

Playwrights may self-submit or go through a literary agent.

Connecticut-based and NYC playwrights are strongly encouraged to submit 

Please do not submit any plays that have already been submitted to Playwrights on Park in the past.

Any submission that goes against the above guidelines will be automatically disqualified.

RiffRaff Theater seeks 10-minute plays

Instagram

Deadline: April 18, 2025

Seeking 10-minute plays exploring the immigrant experience in America for our upcoming festival! 

Length: 10 minutes 

Characters: Max 4 

Casting: At least one actor must be an immigrant in America 

Language: English must be primary, but other languages can be included 

Performance Fee: Selected plays must submit a $200 performance fee 

Submit: PDF of your script Short play synopsis (max 200 words) Playwright bio

Send to  riffraff.nyc@gmail.com

Voices of Color, the 2025 One Act Play Festival

Website

Deadline: April 11, 2025 by 5PM EDT

To begin the script submission process, please click HERE.

Carrollwood Players Theatre, Tampa’s longest operating non-profit community theatre, announces a call for submissions of original short plays for Voices of Color, the 2025 One Act Play Festival.

From July 11th – 19th, 2025, Carrollwood Players Theatre will present 8 original short plays focusing on the stories, perspectives and experiences of the BIPOC community.

At each of the 6 performances, audiences will experience all 8 short plays in one theatrical presentation.

We are looking for comedies, dramas, fantasies, mysteries, thrillers, farces, the avant garde, and everything in between.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Plays must be no shorter than 10 minutes performance time and no longer than 15 minutes performance time.

The subject matter of the play must fit within the theme of the festival. We are seeking to tell stories about all aspects of the BIPOC experience.

Submission deadline is 5 p.m. eastern on Friday, April 11th, 2025. Late submissions will not be considered. Early submissions are encouraged!

We will accept a maximum of two short plays from each playwright.

There is no submission fee.

We will accept submissions of English language scripts from anywhere in the world.

Due to the large number of submissions we receive, we regret we cannot individually acknowledge the receipt or status of your submission. Writers of plays selected for the festival will be notified.

The selected plays will be announced by Carrollwood Players Theatre in early May of 2025.

Plays must be submitted electronically in PDF format. We will not accept any scripts by mail.

We prefer plays with a cast requirement ranging from 3-6 people and the ability to be performed on a simple, representational stage.

We prefer submissions written by members of the BIPOC community, but we will consider all submissions.

Your PDF script submission must include a cover page with the playwright’s name, city/state/country, phone number and email address as well as a 1 paragraph description/synopsis of the play (sell us your play!) and a character/casting breakdown.

Carrollwood Players Theatre will select plays to be presented in the festival.

If selected, Carrollwood Players will appoint a director and organize the casting and production of your play at our festival.

Carrollwood Players does not pay a royalty for performances of your short play in the festival, however there is a cash prize for the first and second place plays as determined by audience voting. There is a $100 prize for first place and a $50 prize for second place. Playwrights will also receive complimentary admission to attend a performance if desired.

OnyxFest 2025

Website

Deadline: April 27, 2025 at 11:59 PM 

Submit via this Google Form.

Scripts must be submitted by new playwrights. The Africana Repertory Theatre of IU-Indianapolis defines a new playwright as: someone that has not had more than 1 full-length play professionally produced (i.e. by a professional theatre company with paid actors and crew; readings and workshops do not constitute as a professional production); someone that has not been published professionally by a recognized play publisher; someone who has not received high-level awards or recognition in the playwright field.

Playwright may submit multiple scripts but only one script per playwright will be selected.

Playwrights must have production rights for this play.

Playwrights must self-identify as Black. The Africana Repertory Theatre of IU-Indianapolis defines a Black person as someone who is a descendant of and/or identifies with the specific community within the African diaspora.

Scripts submissions should be relevant to experiences, themes, stories, perspectives, issues, challenges, and celebrations that relate to Black life, history, social and/or cultural impact. However, we support and encourage representation from all ethnicities and allow for some of that to be incorporated in submitted material.

Playwright agrees and understands that if their script is selected for production, then the show will be produced in Indianapolis, Indiana. Playwrights are highly encouraged to hire Indiana based cast and crew. (*Note: Whereas Black artists worldwide are welcome, any travel expenses and arrangements will be solely the responsibility of the playwright’s party and not be covered by the festival in any form of grant or reimbursement.)

Judging and Selection Process:

All scripts will be read and rated by a minimum of two readers.
Positively rated scripts will be passed on to the board for final decision.
Judges will make final decisions based on readers’ reviews criteria/areas here.

Your scripts will be housed via google documents, and we will change the sharing/permissions to be view only so readers nor anyone with the link is unable to download, copy, or print your script.

Event Timeline

• March 20-April 27: Submissions open on March 20th and soft close on April 27th.
• April 27-May 4th: The first round of received submission readings will begin with a hard close on incoming submissions on May 4th.
• May 19th: The second round of received submissions will be completed.
• June 19th: Winners of the stage play competition are announced.
• November 7-16th: OnyxFest Performances will take place.

Finalist Details:

Selected playwrights will receive a production stipend to bring their vision to life. 

Playwrights will have the opportunity to engage with audiences and industry professionals through post-show discussions. 

Each selected play will be performed twice per weekend.

Let us know your questions at africanarepertorytheatre@gmail.com.

Missed the Boat Theatre New Works Festival

Website

Deadline: April 30, 2025 at 11:59 PM

SUBMIT VIA GOOGLE DOCS

Missed the Boat Theatre’s inaugural New Works Festival will take place with staged readings in September 2025 at a venue to be determined in the Twin Cities, Minnesota. This festival is an opportunity designed to support and encourage the development of new plays and musicals from a Catholic Christian worldview. 2-4 scripts will be selected to receive a rehearsal workshop with a director and performers culminating in a public staged reading followed by a moderator-led talkback. Notification of selection will be made by June 1, 2025.

The mission of Missed the Boat Theater is to foster, vibrant, Catholic community by producing quality, artistic creations on the stage. Playwrights do not necessarily need to be Catholic or write about religious topics; however, submissions that draw conclusions of defiance or hostility towards the teachings of the Catholic Church will not be considered. 

We are open to works that grapple with the challenging realities of human existence, but works should ultimately present a Catholic worldview in their totality. If you have questions about this, feel free to reach out to newworks@missedtheboattheatre.com.

Document Formatting Criteria

Submitted as a single PDF—one file only (with the exception of musicals, which can be uploaded in two files: one for the book and one for the score). No hard copies accepted. 

Submissions must be blinded: any script (or score) that contains personal information about the playwright, including their name, will not be considered.

Page 1 MUST include: a brief summary of the play’s plot (200-word maximum), the setting, and a cast list that includes each character’s name, along with a brief description.

Works must be the original work of the submitting playwright(s), and must include written permission from any contributing writers for submission.

Works must be a full-length play or musical of at least 80 minutes. If submitting a musical, you must include the book and score, for at least piano accompaniment, as well as recorded audio files of 2-3 demo songs.

Casts can be of any size in the script, though please be aware that extra doubling or consolidation of ensembles may occur for the Festival staged reading if your script is selected.

Works may include sections of dialogue in other languages, however the majority of text must be in English.

Work must never have been performed as a full production (previous staged readings are acceptable).

Limit one submission per author. If you do submit more than one piece, only the one submitted first will be read.

Keegan Theatre Boiler Room Series commission

Website

Deadline: April 15, 2025

SUBMIT VIA SUBMITTABLE

Submissions are now open to become a Keegan Theatre Boiler Room Series supported (commission, play development, and production royalties) playwright for our 29th and 30th seasons. 

Keegan Theatre, a professional non-equity theater in Washington, DC, is now accepting submissions from playwrights for a unique opportunity that includes a commission, development process, and full production of a new work. Two playwrights will be chosen to either create a brand-new play or complete an unfinished work to reach a workshop-ready draft. This process will include a workshop leading to a public reading, interview, and audience talkback, culminating in a world premiere full production as part of Keegan's highly anticipated 30th Anniversary 2026-2027 season.

Submissions should include four (4) samples of your written work, which can be excerpts from completed pieces, works in progress, or even a pitch for a brand-new idea. The goal is to understand your style, interests, and areas of focus through these submissions. Each sample should be no longer than 10 pages, but multiple samples can be taken from the same larger work.

Your work samples and pitches should reflect the theater’s mission and our dedication to equity, diversity, and inclusion: To immerse audiences in the essence of theater through extraordinary artists in an intimate setting, delving into the human experience. We aim to build connections and inspire positive change within our community through dynamic, inclusive, and empowering education and outreach initiatives.

Submitted samples should not have undergone significant development, such as beyond a reading or closed feedback session, nor have they received a full production at another theater. We are seeking genuinely NEW material and ideas.

Submissions will be evaluated by Keegan Theatre's Artistic Development Team along with a panel of independent playwrights, directors, and editors. In May 2025, twenty (20) playwrights will be shortlisted for further consideration, from which the two (2) official BRS Playwrights for Cohort #8 will be chosen.

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications that do not fully or accurately address the prompts will also not be reviewed.

Thank you for your interest in creating, developing, and premiering a new play with Keegan Theatre's Boiler Room Series. We look forward to learning more about you and your work.