Deadline: June 30, 2025 11:59 PM
SUBMIT VIA SUBMITTABLE
All playwrights, regardless of military affiliation, are invited to enter Salem State University’s 10-Minute Playwriting Contest. However, preference will be given to those with a direct military connection. This includes active-duty military, reservists, National Guard, Veterans, and direct family of any of these.
The theme of the play should directly touch on military service and/or how military service affects a community. The contest and festival look to recognize and celebrate those that have served and currently serve. We are looking to bring together a variety of voices exploring both the challenges and the victories and positive influences that Veterans have on our community.
Judges will select finalists, whose plays will be part of a series of staged readings in November 2025.
Important Dates
June 30, 2025 - Entry deadline
August 15, 2025 - Notification of finalists
November 2025 – Staged readings with post-performance discussions. Additional details forthcoming.
Contest Rules
Judging Criteria
StoryPlot seems fresh, intriguing and original
Something happens; sufficient conflict and tension throughout the play
Plot is active, vital and dramatic on stage
Story moves along; pace is engaging
VoiceStrong, interesting writing style
Clear viewpoint that’s well integrated into the play
CharactersInteresting and compelling characters
Characters seem credible and real
Main character evolves or develops through the course of the play
DialogueDialogue suits the characters
Dialogue sounds natural and credible for the plot and location
Each character has own unique voice
Dialogue seems fresh and compelling (not dull, boring, or generic)
AppropriatenessThe play can be staged in the 10-minute time allotment in a black box theatre with limited set, sound, and design.
Overall effectPlay is transformative and memorable
Submitting Your Work
The script must be in standard playwriting format with 12-point Courier font. Use double spacing when changing from one character to another. Use single spacing everywhere else. If you are unfamiliar with standard playwriting format, please check out this example.
PLAYS THAT FAIL TO MEET THESE CRITERIA WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.
Questions: email arts@salemstate.edu
All playwrights, regardless of military affiliation, are invited to enter Salem State University’s 10-Minute Playwriting Contest. However, preference will be given to those with a direct military connection. This includes active-duty military, reservists, National Guard, Veterans, and direct family of any of these.
The theme of the play should directly touch on military service and/or how military service affects a community. The contest and festival look to recognize and celebrate those that have served and currently serve. We are looking to bring together a variety of voices exploring both the challenges and the victories and positive influences that Veterans have on our community.
Judges will select finalists, whose plays will be part of a series of staged readings in November 2025.
Important Dates
June 30, 2025 - Entry deadline
August 15, 2025 - Notification of finalists
November 2025 – Staged readings with post-performance discussions. Additional details forthcoming.
Contest Rules
- Only submissions through Submittable will be considered.
- One submission per playwright.
- Only original plays, not-yet produced or published, are eligible.
- All plays are judged blind. Do not include any personal, identifying information anywhere on your submission.
- Musicals and adaptations are not eligible.
- Simultaneous submissions are allowed. If your play is accepted elsewhere, please let us know immediately. If your play is chosen to be performed, you agree to withdraw your play from all other places where it is under consideration.
- By submitting, you agree to allow Salem State University to produce the first staged reading of your play.
- Scripts meeting the rules and submitted by the deadline will be reviewed by judges.
- Judging will be done by SSU faculty and members of the SSU Veterans’ community.
Judging Criteria
StoryPlot seems fresh, intriguing and original
Something happens; sufficient conflict and tension throughout the play
Plot is active, vital and dramatic on stage
Story moves along; pace is engaging
VoiceStrong, interesting writing style
Clear viewpoint that’s well integrated into the play
CharactersInteresting and compelling characters
Characters seem credible and real
Main character evolves or develops through the course of the play
DialogueDialogue suits the characters
Dialogue sounds natural and credible for the plot and location
Each character has own unique voice
Dialogue seems fresh and compelling (not dull, boring, or generic)
AppropriatenessThe play can be staged in the 10-minute time allotment in a black box theatre with limited set, sound, and design.
Overall effectPlay is transformative and memorable
Submitting Your Work
The script must be in standard playwriting format with 12-point Courier font. Use double spacing when changing from one character to another. Use single spacing everywhere else. If you are unfamiliar with standard playwriting format, please check out this example.
PLAYS THAT FAIL TO MEET THESE CRITERIA WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.
Questions: email arts@salemstate.edu