Windmill Arts Blueprint short play & film festival

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Deadline: August 30, 2025 by 11:59 pm EDT

SUBMISSION FORM

In the spirit of Windmill Arts’ effort to create and advance new work, Windmill Arts Production presents blueprint, a short play & film festival running April 16-19, 2026 at Windmill Arts.
The festival is open to any new, unproduced short plays & films.

Beginner to seasoned writers are welcome to submit their plays for production consideration.

Windmill Arts Production will provide a producer, director, actor(s) and technical support for all selected short plays. Short films will be screened at blueprint venues during the festival run.

There is no entry fee for this opportunity. Additionally, there is no compensation if your play or short film is selected.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Play/film should be original, unpublished and it should not have been performed or screened in the Atlanta area as of the day of submission.

Play/film should have a running time of no more than 15 minutes. Ideally, short plays will have a small cast and single set environment. (Plays with no more than 3 cast members are given preference)

Play may have multiple writers, but you will have to pick a single representative for your team and use their information in all correspondence with us.

Play should be in English, although some parts may be in another language.

 
Please make sure a translation of such parts is offered within the body of the play.

Submissions containing copyrighted material that does not belong to you will not be accepted.

Musicals are not accepted currently.

Please include the full name and email address of representative we should correspond with.

Submissions are limited to two (2) per individual.

Script submittals should be sent in PDF format.

Please, ensure your play is properly formatted. 

Click here for Writer’s Guild format guidelines

Short film submittals should be in .mov or .mp4 format.

Accepted applicants will be notified by November 3, 2025.

Please Note: written notification will only be provided to those plays/films that are accepted to the festival.

All submission decisions are final.

11th Annual Pyro PlayFest 2026 Call for Plays Theme: "Spark of Creation: Humanity, Invention, and Expression"

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Deadline: January 12, 2026

 SUBMISSION FORM

Paris Junior College Department of Drama's 11th Annual Pyro PlayFest is now accepting submissions!

In a season celebrating new voices, we are looking for bold, original short plays that explore the heart of creativity — the human spirit, invention, imagination, and the drive to express. Whether you tackle these ideas literally, abstractly, or metaphorically, we want to experience the spark that fuels your storytelling!

The chosen submissions will receive a full production on our 3/4 thrust stage space performed by students and community members in late April 2026, right here in Paris, Texas, on the Duane Allen Stage in the Ray E. Karrer Theater.

Please note: This is a non-paying opportunity. While we are unable to offer financial compensation at this time, selected playwrights will have the opportunity to have their work brought to life in front of a live audience by a dedicated team of emerging artists and community members.

Submission Guidelines

• Unpublished, minimally produced plays (readings okay; no full productions).
• Length: 10 minutes or less.
• Page Limit: 10 pages max (standard format, 12-pt font, with page numbers).
• Cast: No more than 6 characters.
• Technical Requirements: Keep it simple — minimal sets, basic lighting, and modest props.
• Theme Connection: Must explore creation, humanity, invention, or expression in some form.

Content Note: Please keep language and themes suitable for a general adult audience.

Important Dates:
• Submission Deadline: January 12, 2026
• Festival Dates: April 22-26, 2026

How to Submit:
Please submit your scripts (Up to three) in PDF format through this Google Form: New Works Submissions

Include a cover page with the following information:
• Play title
• Playwright's name
• Contact email
• Short synopsis (2-3 sentences)
• Character breakdown

Please make sure that your name is not on any part of the play except the Cover Page as we submit our shows to a panel, blind.

Children's Museum + Theater commission

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Deadline: August 30, 2025

Please send proposals to hiring@kitetails.org with the subject line “Playwright RFP Submission.”

The Children’s Museum & Theatre (CMTM) is dedicated to creating transformative arts experiences that set the stage for every child to imagine and learn through play. We are excited to commission a new theatrical adaptation that will celebrate Black and Brown voices in children’s literature and theatre.
About Project

CMTM will commission a playwright to adapt Thank You, Omu! by Oge Mora for the stage. The story was selected from the Beautiful Blackbird Children’s Book Festival library in collaboration with partners Indigo Arts Alliance and I’m Your Neighbor Books. This play will become a cornerstone production in our 2026-2027 Children’s Theatre Season at the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine.
Project Goals

Adapt a children’s book by a Black or Brown author into a play that centers themes of belonging, community, and imagination.

Engage in a collaborative new play development process, culminating in a fully produced production during the 2026-2027 season.
Project Timeline

September 2025
RFP closes; proposals reviewed

October 2025
Playwright selected, writing begins

November 2025
Initial conversation with creative team

January 2026
Draft 1 due; internal workshop reading

May 2026
Draft 2 due; workshop reading with invited community members and educators

September 2026
Draft 3 due; public workshop reading

November 2026
Production draft finalized

February 2027
Full production
Compensation

Commission Fee: $5,000 for the completed play adaptation

Travel and Accommodations: Reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursable for travel incurred in connection with this project, up to a maximum of $500. Any expenses exceeding this amount must be approved in advance by CMTM.

Submission Requirements

Interested playwrights should submit the following materials:

Letter of Interest: Describe your interest in the project and how your background aligns with the goals of the commission.

Work Samples: Provide up to two samples of previous plays or scripts, preferably for young audiences.

Resume/CV: Highlight relevant experience in playwriting, particularly for young audiences.

References: Contact information for two professional references familiar with your work.
Selection Criteria

Submissions will be evaluated on the following:

Alignment with CMTM’s mission to inspire children through play and imagination

Demonstrated experience or interest in creating work for young audiences

Strong storytelling skills and ability to adapt literary work into engaging theatrical narratives

Commitment to collaborative play development with diverse creative teams
Submission Deadline

All proposals must be submitted by August 30, 2025.
Submission Instructions

Contact Information

For questions or additional information, please contact:
Reba Askari
Theatre Artistic Director
Children’s Museum & Theatre
reba@kitetails.org
(207) 828-1234 x250

DQT Classics in Color 2025-26

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Deadline: September 2, 2025

SUBMISSION FORM

Classics in Color (CiC) is a new play development and public engagement program for BIPoC writers developing plays that blend the BIPoC lived-experience with global classics.

CiC is conducted via Zoom and uses an instructor-led curated classroom format with the goal of working constructively toward advancing each matriculant’s vision for their play.

Since public engagement is an equally important component of both the CiC experience and the DQT mission, up to three excerpts of pieces developed in CiC are chosen by the artistic and executive directors for presentation in an online showcase.

To be eligible for CiC, you must identify as BIPoC, have an early draft of a play that fits the description above, and submit the required materials by deadline. Additionally, participants must be able to attend all 8 sessions in their entirety.

Up to 12 matriculants will be selected based on early drafts of their plays, interviews, and other submission materials (i.e., artistic statement, resumes, etc.)

Classics in Color will be conducted via Zoom Wednesday November 5th, then Mondays November 10th-December 22nd 6:30-9:30pm EST. DQT is proud to announce this season's CiC instructor will once again be OBIE Award winner and recent Guggenheim Fellow recipient Caridad Svich. 

New Dramatists 7-Year Residency

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Deadline: August 4, 2025 at 11:59 EDT

APPLICATION FORM

Any playwright who is a U.S. citizen or who resides in and has the legal right to work in the United States may apply for the 7-year residency at New Dramatists as long as they can meet the submission requirements of 2 full-length plays and a biography or resume.

It is in your best interest to gather the documents required to upload to the application—two "blind" scripts and your bio/resume—early in the window, and submit your application in one session. You may be able to pause and return to your application as long as you continue working in the same browser, but this is not our recommendation. Once you complete the final step to “Submit Your Application”, you will no longer have access to your application.

The button to “Begin Application” will be posted on this web page at 10am EDT on Monday, July 21, 2025.

The application window closes automatically at 11:59pm EDT on Monday, August 4, 2025. Sessions will time out at this point and NO ADDITIONAL APPLICATIONS, including those in progress, will be accepted after the window closes. PLEASE DO NOT WAIT TO SUBMIT YOUR MATERIALS UNTIL THE LAST DAY.

Please email our Literary Services Manager Connie Hall admissions@newdramatists.org with any questions.

Apricity Magazine seeks short plays for the 2026 issue

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Deadline: January 4, 2026 1AM

SUBMIT VIA SUBMITTABLE

Apricity accepts submissions from the performing arts, including but not limited to original music, short film, short play, and dance. Scores, scripts, and screenplays count although live versions are encouraged. Please upload or include a link (of a Youtube video, a webpage, or a Google Drive file) to your submission as well as a brief description of your piece and how you arranged your performance. The maximum time allotted for videos is 15 minutes each. Simultaneous submissions are permitted.
Before you submit, please note the following:

NOTIFICATION: You may expect notification of your acceptance or rejection within three months of submitting your piece. As our staff is composed entirely of university students, however, we do not operate from the end of May through the end of August. Any pieces submitted in April and May may not receive a response until August. 

 NON-PROFIT: We are a non-profit student organization. We intend to direct all net proceeds towards publication improvement and charitable donations focused on education.

FEES: There is no submissions fee, nor is there any payment for publishing your work (currently). However, should you be published in the print publication, you will receive a free contributor’s copy. If you are published online and would like to receive a print edition, you will receive a 60% discount.

We welcome comprehensive use of English and other languages. If your piece contains non-English languages, please include an English translation. Though we are an international magazine, our staff’s common language is English.

We also welcome works previously published elsewhere. If a piece you submit has been accepted by another publication, we will credit the other publication.

If we accept your piece before it has been accepted by another publication, we request that the other publication credits Apricity Magazine upon publication of the piece.

If a piece you submit is accepted by a publication that claims sole publishing rights, please let us know so that we may remove it from consideration. (Do note, however, that most publications allow re-prints as long as the original publisher is credited.)

Works are considered on a rolling basis. All pieces submitted will be considered for online publication. After the deadline for print publication passes, we will consider all pieces submitted before the deadline that were accepted for online publication for print publication.

Kindly keep author bios to under 50 words.

Please note that Apricity Magazine is not active during the summer (from late May to late August). Any pieces submitted during this time will not be evaluated until the fall.

We will not tolerate any form of plagiarism.

ryga's submission window is open

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Deadline: August 1, 2025

ryga welcomes submissions of previously unpublished poetry, prose and short plays from emerging writers. Writers interested in submitting must have no more than three previous publications in other journals or magazines, and must not have published any book-length works to date.

Our reading period is May 1 - August 1. Submissions received outside of this timeframe will not be considered.

Submit your work by email to rygaeditor@okanagan.bc.ca. 

Submissions should adhere to the following guidelines:

Include a cover letter in the body of the email with your name, email address, date of submission, and the title(s) of your piece(s). You may also include a short bio (no more than 100 words). 

Attach your piece(s) as a single document in .doc or .rtf formatPoetry should be single-spaced. Prose and plays should be double-spaced.

A standard, readable font should be used, in 12-point type.
Each page should be numbered and include the author’s name and the title of the piece in the header.

Prose and play manuscripts must not exceed 6,000 words, and should indicate a word count on the first page.

We will strive to respond to your submission within four weeks, but our response time will vary according to the volume of submissions. Please don’t contact us about the status of your submission unless you haven’t heard from us for two months.

If your work is accepted, ryga buys First North American serial rights and non-exclusive WWW rights. Payment is $50.

Note from the editor: At ryga, we aim to create a space for all up-and-coming writers no matter their sex, age, ethnicity, religion or belief, health status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. In an effort to offset cultural imbalances and to provide equal opportunity, we appreciate you informing us if you identify as BIPOC, LGBTQIA2S+, or of any other marginalized group in the body of your email. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

The Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center for Scholars and Writers Fellowship 2026

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Deadline: September 26, 2025, 5 p.m. EDT

Notification: March 2026
Award Period: September 8, 2026–May 28, 2027
Stipend: $90,000

Online registration required to submit

The Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center for Scholars and Writers supports projects that draw on the research collections of The New York Public Library's Stephen A. Schwarzman Building (formerly the Humanities and Social Sciences Library). The Center seeks top-quality writing from academics as well as from creative writers and independent scholars. Visual artists whose projects require extensive use of Library collections are also encouraged to apply. Visit www.nypl.org/research-collections for detailed information about the collections of the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building at Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street.

The Library expects Fellows to work at the Cullman Center five days a week, Monday through Friday, for the duration of the Fellowship term, which runs from September through May. Successful candidates will need to work primarily at the Schwarzman Building rather than at other divisions of the Library. Applications from those working in languages other than English are welcome; however, the applicant must be conversant in English, and application materials must be in English. Fellowships will not be granted for academic projects to post-doctoral fellows or to applicants doing graduate-school dissertation research.


The Center seeks diversity in race, ethnicity, age, gender, field, and type of project. The Center aims to promote dynamic conversation about the humanities, social sciences, and scholarship at the highest level—within the Center, in public forums throughout the Library, and in the Fellows' published work.


In order to avoid real or apparent conflicts of interest, the Cullman Center does not accept applications from New York Public Library staff members or their partners, or from people active on the Library’s Board of Trustees, Board Advisory Committees, or Library Council.


Fellows may not accept other major professional obligations during the term. Fellows may have a few prior commitments but must limit research trips, attendance at scholarly meetings, and speaking engagements to short periods of time. Anyone who needs to be away for more than two days must notify the Center's Director or Deputy Director. The Library will pro-rate stipends for Fellows who spend excessive time away from the Center

Write It Out! seeks full-length plays from playwrights living with HIV

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Deadline: July 30, 2025 at 11:59 EDT

SUBMISSION FORM

Founded by award-winning Poz playwright and HIV/AIDS advocate Donja R. Love, Write It Out! (WIO!) is dedicated to providing a safe and empowering space for people living with HIV to explore and express their stories through playwriting.

THE PRIZE:

The Prize is a groundbreaking initiative that supports a playwright living with HIV. 

Selected from an open application process that requires a statement of intent and a full-length play for review, The Prize's recipient is given $10,000 and partnered with a dramaturg for one year to help skillfully develop a new full-length play. (At this time, musicals are not accepted.) 

The process culminates with the recipient working with a professional director and actors to stage a public presentation of their work. Believing in its purpose, the inaugural year of The Prize was supported by Billy Porter.

WIO! supported through the generosity of ViiV Positive Action, The Terrence McNally Foundation, Broadway Cares/ Equity Fights AIDS, and GLAAD.

Strict confidentiality will be given to each applicant, and the utmost privacy will be maintained as it relates to the application process and beyond.

Eligibility:

• The Write It Out! Prize is intended to support a playwright living with HIV.

• The applicant must be a United States resident in order to be eligible for the Write It Out! prize.

• The applicant must be 18 or older.

• The applicant must have a full-length play (60 pages or more) ready to submit. At this time, musicals will not be considered.

• Playwrights may not submit a co-authored work.

• The work submitted should be primarily in English.


Guidelines:

• Please submit a full-length play (60 pages or more) that you think best represents your work as a playwright.

• Please make sure the work being submitted is at least 60 pages.

• Please type your entry in a reasonable font and include stage directions where necessary.

• Please submit a .pdf of your entry so that all formatting will remain intact and no edits can be accidentally made while your submission is being reviewed.

• Submissions must be received by the deadline to be considered. The deadline is Wednesday, July 30th, at 11:59 EST.

• Submissions will be adjudicated by a panel of theatre artists, who will honor the confidentiality of each applicant.

• The recipient will be notified by December 2025.

• The applicants applying for the Write It Out! Prize can also apply to the Write It Out! Program. Note: though the applicant can apply to both the Prize and Program, the applicant will not be selected for both.

Go Try PlayWrite July 2025

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Deadline: July 31, 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 July 2025 is:

A deadly dating. Write a 10-page maximum scene of two praying mantises out on a date, a female and a male. The date should end with “making a baby.” Make sure you look-up mantis mating techniques. This should be a fun one.

Masque and Spectacle seeks short plays for its September 2025 issue

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Deadline: July 31, 2025

Send drama submissions to masqueandspectacle@gmail.com. Attach written submissions in a single Word doc or docx file, and include the word “DRAMA” in the email subject line.

Masque & Spectacle reads submissions for its bi-annual issues November 1 – January 31 and May 1 – July 31. Submissions received outside of this time period will be automatically deleted. Responses can be expected within a month. Acceptance rate is around 10%. Submissions not titled/tagged or formatted or properly under the Submissions Guidelines will not be considered for publication. We only consider one submission per author/format during any given reading period.

The theme for our September Issue is magic.

We do not accept previously published work, and we ask for First Electronic Rights and Non-Exclusive Archival Rights upon acceptance. Unfortunately, we are unable to pay contributors at this time.

Simultaneous submissions are accepted, but please let us know if your work has been accepted elsewhere. Additionally, we do not typically publish the same authors in back-to-back issues.

For any queries, please contact us at masqueandspectacle@gmail.com.

Drama

We welcome 10-minute plays (up to approximately 10 pages in length). No full-length plays will be considered at this time. Shorter plays are also welcome.

While traditional plays are welcome, we are particularly interested in innovative and/or interdisciplinary texts that break new ground, either in relation to their subject matter, or in how the text itself is performed/written/represented on stage.

Playwrights may submit one previously unpublished 10-minute play for consideration. The script should be accompanied by a cover letter, which includes your name, address, phone number, and email address. Proper playwriting format should be used. If you are uncertain about this format, several examples can be found online.

Mystic Players Revival Spooky One Act Play Festival

 Website

Deadline: August 3, 2025 at 11:59 EDT

SUBMISSION FORM

The event will be held at McGlynn Middle School in Medford, MA. Tickets to attend the event are free and open to the general public through online event registration.

Submission Guidelines:

-Script must be 8-10 pages.

-Script must have 3 characters or less.

-Minimal lighting, sound, costume, and set requirements.

-Only unpublished plays are eligible. Scripts with prior workshops, readings or academic productions are accepted, but we recommend submitting a version that has been revised.

-Spooky/Halloween themed with a focus on Comedies, but Dramas will also be considered. Whatever spooky means to you... we'll happily read!

-Each playwright may submit up to 3 plays - Please submit all of your plays in one form!

-All work must be totally original and the author's own work (no adaptions).

-Playwrights whos plays have been selected will receive a $75.00 Stipend .

-We will not accept musicals at this time. 

Mystic Players Revival is a new theatre company in Medford, MA and we are so excited to bring some new theatre to the area!

The Phoenix Theatre Company’s 2026 28th Annual Richard P. Stahl Festival of New American Theatre

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Deadline: August 1, 2025

 They will be capping submissions in each category at 300 applicants

PLAY SUBMISSION FORM

MUSICAL SUBMISSION FORM

Fees are waived for members of WGA, Dramatists Guild, or New Play Exchange (please provide photo/copy of your membership card when submitting your script).

The Phoenix Theatre Company’s 28th Annual Richard P. Stahl Festival of New American Theatre will run January 9, 2026 – January 25, 2026. The 2026 Richard P. Stahl Festival of New American Theatre will feature both curated and submitted works including: one play reading, two musical readings, a composer lyricist cabaret (featuring two different artists or writing teams), and the Choreography Lab which will set movement to musical material featured in the Festival selections. Please note that we will be capping submissions in each category at 300 applicants, so please submit early to ensure you will be considered.

All eligible submissions are welcome, and we are actively seeking submissions from artists with an Arizona connection. Limit one submission per artist per category please. 

Please note that finalists from the 2025 Richard P. Stahl Festival of New American Theatre will remain in consideration and current submissions will be considered for both the 2026 and 2027 Festivals. 

The submission window is July 15, 2025 – August 1, 2025 and selections will be made some time in late October or early November 2025. Please see below for instructions and additional details.

The Phoenix Theatre Company is accepting submissions for the following:

1. Full Length Plays: Both dramatic and comedic. Selecting one for the 2026 Richard P. Stahl Festival of New American Theatre.

• Plays should be original, un-produced, full-length scripts.

• To be eligible to submit, playwrights must have:

i. At least one previous work that has been performed (fully or as a reading) in another festival or at a professional theatre. Must provide documentation proof (playbill, press release, etc.)

• To champion local artists, special consideration will also be given to works where at least one member of the creative team has a connection to Arizona (current resident, studied in Arizona, etc)

• A blind copy of your script should be submitted (no names).

• Plays that have received more than two development processes (i.e. festival participation) or a professional production are not eligible.

• No screenplays please.

• No Theatre for Young Audience pieces please.

• Cast size must be limited to 6 actors or less (actors may play more than one role).

• Submission fee: $10.00

Fees are waived for members of WGA, Dramatists Guild, or New Play Exchange (please provide photo/copy of your membership card when submitting your script).

We recognize that this fee may pose a barrier to interested artists and offer a fee waiver on a first come, first serve basis. If you would like to request a fee waiver, please complete the Fee Waiver Request Form before submitting your application.

• PDF attachments ONLY. Must be submitted via the submission link.

• A notice of receipt will be sent by email once your script has been received.

• Plays selected will receive a development process with a director, dramaturge, and actors. This includes a 48-hour process with about 40 hours of rehearsal time and three performed readings, with script in hand, in front of an audience.

A guided feedback session with the audience will follow the performance of the play. Questions for the talkbacks are developed with the playwrights and are facilitated by the festival director or assistant festival director.

• If selected, you must be available to be in residence for the duration of your rehearsal process during the festival. The play selected will rehearse and perform January 5 - 11, 2026. Dates subject to change.

• Airfare and lodging are provided for the festival, as well as a small honorarium. Travel to and from your home airport not included.

Full Length Musicals: Both dramatic and comedic. 

Selecting two for readings for the 2026 Richard P. Stahl Festival of New American Theatre.

• Musicals should be original and un-produced.

• To be eligible to submit, composers/book writers must have:

i. At least one previous work that has been performed (fully or as a reading) in another festival or at a professional theatre*

*Must provide documentation proof (playbill, press release, etc.)

• To champion local artists, special consideration will also be given to works where at least one member of the creative team has a connection to Arizona (current resident, studied in AZ, etc)

• A blind copy of your script and score should be submitted (no names).

• Please submit a full libretto and demos of at least three songs (more are recommended and do not need to be fully produced). Sheet music/score will be asked for after the first round of readings.

• No Musical Revues please.

• Jukebox Musicals are accepted but proof of rights to the songs must be provided.

• No Theatre for Young Audience musicals please.

• No more than 3 collaborators (book writer, lyricist, and composer) for each work.

• Cast size must be limited to 8 actors or less (actors may play multiple roles).

We recognize that this fee may pose a barrier to interested artists and offer a fee waiver on a first come, first serve basis. If you would like to request a fee waiver,3. please complete the Fee Waiver Request Form before submitting your application.

• PDF attachments ONLY or provide link to Dropbox, Google Drive, or other sharable platforms. Must be submitted via the submission link.

• A notice of receipt will be sent by email once your script has been received.

• Musicals selected will receive a development process with a director, music director, dramaturge, and actors. This includes a 48-hour process with about 38 hours of rehearsal time and three performed readings, with script in hand, in front of an audience. A guided feedback session with the audience will follow the performance. Questions for the talkbacks are developed with the playwrights and are facilitated by the festival director or assistant festival director.

• If your musical is selected, all collaborators must be available to be in residence for the duration of the rehearsal period during the festival. Exact timing will be determined after selection. The musical readings for the 2026 Richard P. Stahl Festival of New American Theatre will rehearse and perform either January 12 – 18, 2026 or January 19 – 25, 2026. Dates subject to change.

• Airfare and lodging are provided for the festival as well as a small honorarium. Travel to and from your home airport not included.

Original Songs for our Composer/Lyricist cabaret. Selecting two composers/lyricists for our 2026 Richard P. Stahl Festival of New American Theatre.

• Please submit piano sheet music and demos of 5 complete, original songs.

• Songs can be from an existing musical (of your own in development) or be standalone pieces. We are looking for a sampling of your work.

• If selected, the composer and lyricist must be available to be in residence for the week the cabaret is scheduled: January 12 – 18, 2026.

• Composers/Lyricists will receive airfare, housing, and a small honorarium. Travel to and from your home airport not included.

• No more than 2 artists per team can be eligible for housing.

Submissions for SPF BOO! 2025

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Deadline: July 25, 2025

Things that go bump in the night? Ghost, goblins, and monsters? Nightmares of showing up to work naked? What puts the SCARE in you? We are seeking plays that have an element – or a heaping cup – of fear. Scare us or force us to laugh till we die with horror plays and musicals, including a great spoof. Plays must be BOO–themed, which means scary, eerie, or horrifying in some way. 

Plays must have a running time of 15 minutes or less (which roughly translates to 15 pages) to qualify for the weekly contest. Each week a winner – selected by audience vote – receives the honor of “Best of the Week” and $100 prize.

The shows are produced entirely by the playwright and their team, are non union, and are presented at the Steve & Marie Sgouros Black Box Theatre – located on the 3rd floor of the historic Players Theatre in the heart of Greenwich Village – NYC. There is one-time $50 tech fee for any play that is chosen and decides to participate. There is NO submission fee.

Please DO NOT submit plays that are for LUV or NYC. They will be rejected automatically–remember, this is for SPF BOO so we are looking for things that send a chill or thrill up your spine!

Please also check out this page for details that will improve your play’s chance on getting selected. You can also find our handbook click here: SPF TIPS

L'Esprit Literary Review submission window is open for Issue Seven

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Deadline: August 4, 2025 3:00 AM

SUBMIT ONLINE

L’Esprit Literary Review publishes writing that is fearless, risk-adept, and revolutionary. We accept short fiction, creative non-fiction, novel extracts, drama, literary criticism, autotheory, and book reviews. Pieces incorporating research, footnotes, and/or a works cited page are welcome.

We invite simultaneous submissions and work in translation. Please do let us know if a piece is under consideration elsewhere, and if it is accepted; it is the translator’s responsibility to secure all necessary permissions before submitting.

L'Esprit does not discriminate based on the background, education, or identity of those who send work to us. All work is evaluated solely on merit, without regard for any other consideration whatsoever. We encourage those of all backgrounds and experiences to send in their work, and look for writing exploring the range of the human condition.

Please include the following with each submission:

• A third-person bio, to be used as the contributor’s note should your work be accepted.
• Social media handles (Bluesky and Instagram), if you’d like to be promoted online.
• An optional cover letter to introduce the work, yourself, or provide some context to your submission; please note that this in no way impacts the likelihood of publication.
• Finally, we would appreciate knowing how you found the journal (social, ad listing, database search, reference, etc), and your answer to the following: What is the most overlooked novel of all time?

All submissions will be considered for both Issue Seven which will be published in print, digital, and online formats, and upcoming Quarterly Features, which will appear online only. Accepted pieces will be placed in one of these releases, with all such decisions made at the sole discretion of the editors.

See our complete guidelines, including genre-specific notes and details about personalized feedback options, on our website.

MANIFEST MINIFEST 6 seeks short plays

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Deadline: July 25, 2025 at 12am CDT

SUBMISSION FORM

New Manifest is seeking short plays (20 pages or fewer) that respond to the festival theme: "The revolution will not be televised," inspired by the iconic Gil Scott-Heron poem and song.

A curated selection committee will review all submissions and select 5 short plays to be fully staged during the festival.

Festival Dates: Sep 29 – Oct 4, 2025

Location: Ground Floor Theatre – Austin, TX

If you have any questions, contact us at newmanifesttheatre@gmail.com

For more information visit newmanifesttheatre.org

LAAFTRRRRR Anthology seeks one-minute plays

Website

Deadline: August 20, 2025

Call for Submissions: LAAFTRRRRR – An Anthology of 1-Minute Comic Plays (Volume 2)

Lights. Action. Absurdity. Repeat.

We’re thrilled to announce LAAFTRRRRR , a fast-paced, genre-defying anthology of 1-minute comic plays that pack a punch, tickle the funny bone, and leave audiences laughing out loud — or at least scratching their heads in delight.

LAAFTRRRRR (Loosely Arranged Anthology of Fast, Twisted, Hilarious, Ridiculous, and Reckless Reads) is looking for short, sharp, and wildly creative one-minute plays that defy expectations and embrace the absurd, the darkly comic, the satirical, and the surreal.

If you’ve ever wanted to write a play that starts with a sentient toaster, ends with a breakup via interpretive dance, or features a corporate meeting for interdimensional beings — this is your moment.

Submission Guidelines

Genre:
Comic / Humor / Satire / Dark Comedy / Absurdist / Parody / Experimental Drama.

Length:
Exactly 1 minute when performed.

Cast Size:
Up to 5 characters (no large ensembles, please — this is a 1-minute play, not a musical).
Solo performances are welcome.

Setting & Staging:
Keep it simple and flexible — minimal props, no elaborate sets. These plays should be easily producible in a variety of spaces, from classrooms to black box theaters to Zoom calls.

Format:
Submissions must include:

• Title
• Character list
• Stage directions in italics or parentheses
• Dialogue

Content:
All themes welcome — from the absurd to the absurdly real.
No hate speech, overt bigotry, or exploitative content.
We love edgy humor — but not at someone else’s expense.


Originality:
Submissions must be original works , not adaptations or parodies of copyrighted material.
Translations are accepted if you have permission from the original author.


Multiple Submissions:
Yes! You may submit up to 3 (three) plays.


How to Submit

Please send your submission(s) to: dramaanthologyfreshwords@gmail.com Subject Line: [LAAFTRRRRR Submission] – [Your Name] – [Play Title(s)]


In the body of the email, please include:Your full name (or pen name)
Location (city/country)
A short bio (50–60 words)
Your 1–3 plays , each clearly separated and labeled with title and character list


Attachments:
Accepted formats: .doc, .docx, or .pdf
Please do not send .pages or Google Docs links.


Important DatesSubmissions Open: July 21, 2025
Deadline: August 20, 2025
Notification of Acceptance: August 25, 2025
Publication Date: September 2025
Selection Process

A panel of playwrights, comedians, and theater lovers will select the funniest, fiercest, and most fearless plays. We're looking for:

• Wit
• Originality
• Strong comedic timing
• Clear voice
• A twist you didn’t see coming

Rights & Permissions

By submitting, you confirm that the work is your own and previously unpublished.
Selected authors retain all rights to their work.
We ask only for one time anthology rights for our anthology. After publication of our anthology, the copyright reverts to the authors concerned.


Questions?

Feel free to reach out at: dramaanthologyfreshwords@gmail.com

Ready to make us laugh, gasp, or question our life choices in 60 seconds or less?
We’re ready for you.
Submit your 1-minute masterpiece today

M. T. Pockets Theatre open for season submissions

 Website

Deadline: September 30, 2025 11:59 PM

Submit on the online form

Submissions are open for our 2026 season. 

We will continue taking submissions after this date for our 2027 season. 

Up to 4 selections will be made from the submissions, and authors will be notified by email on November 15, 2025. Announcement of the 2026 season will be made on Dec. 2, 2025 - the National Day of Giving.

Mission

To enhance the theatre community in Morgantown, West Virginia and surrounding regions by presenting live performances of classic, contemporary and new works that promote women and minorities in the arts; provide a venue for alternative theatre that addresses contemporary and sensitive issues through performance; provide a venue for new works and support the work of emerging playwrights and artists without bias; provide theatre accessible to those whom otherwise might not have the opportunity to experience live theatre due to physical, financial or geographical limitations.

Origins New Works Program seeks full-length plays for workshop

Website

Deadline: July 25, 2025

SUBMISSION FORM

Established in 2023, the Origins New Works Program at CVRep is a safe, creative, and collaborative environment for writers, directors, and composers to hear their work out loud and see their work reach its full potential.

Each season, four new, undiscovered works will be invited to participate in a 29-hour staged reading in the Coachella Valley, fully funded and produced by CVRep. One of these four projects will be selected to be produced the following theatrical season on our Main Stage. It is a true ‘page to stage’ program that is committed to seeing the full development of the next Broadway Show.

GUIDELINES

- CVRep is in pursuit of thought-provoking, innovative theater of substance and storytelling which highlights the diverse voices and experiences of the American culture.

- The Origins Program is open to any original, unpublished and unproduced FULL-LENGTH play or musical which is in line with our artistic vision and mission. The goal of the program is to help writers develop unfinished work in a collaborative environment.

- We are unable to consider plays and musicals which require more than 15 cast members.

Please be prepared to submit a synopsis and bio in addition to:

- 20 page sample of your script in PDF form (title page/cast breakdown do not count toward page count)

- Up to three demo tracks (if your project is a musical)

If we would like to request a full copy of your script we will contact you within 6-8 weeks. Due to the volume of submissions we receive, we are only able to respond to work that is in line with our artistic vision and goals.

We appreciate your patience as we give each submission ample time and careful consideration.

For additional information please email kgilligan@cvrep.org

The A Chronicles: A Ten-Minute Play Festival

Website

Deadline: July 25, 2025

Deadline: July 15, 2025

The A Chronicles invites submissions of ten-minute plays that take a wide-angle lens to reproductive rights.

We’re looking for work that ignites the stage—whether triumphant, tragic, or comedic—and illuminates the diversity of experiences surrounding reproductive rights.

Submission Guidelines

• Plays should feature 2 to 5 characters
• Must be performable in 10 minutes or less
• All are welcome to submit
• Previously published or produced work is accepted, as long as the playwright retains submission rights
• Include a 50-word synopsis with your submission

We’re interested in:

• Originality of plot
• Strong character development
• Engaging, authentic dialogue

Selected plays will receive:

• A $50 honorarium per production
• Billing credit in all programs, advertising, and publicity
• A professional staged reading at the Museum of Contemporary Art of Connecticut (Fall 2025)
• Playwright bio and contact info featured in the program

For more information, visit www.AChronicles.org or email Jennifer.Bangser@gmail.com or achronicles@gmail.com

Midnight Sun Theatre's Serial Bowl seeks short plays

Website

Deadline: July 29, 2025

Anchorage Alaska 

Submit episodes electronically to dblock@midnightsuntheatre.org. 

Writers must include a “treatment” of how the work will be expanded in future episodes (No more than 250 words.) Please use Open Office, Microsoft Word or PDF format.

The mission of Serial Bowl is to produce well rehearsed performances of well written episodic one acts where writers have opportunities for rewrites and edits while collaborating with teams of Directors and Actors, with the possible end result of a much longer piece of work.

How Does Serial Bowl Work?

• Teams of a Writer, Director and Actors rehearse well written pieces of episodic theatre that have a tantalizing “hook” which provides for a later continuation of the piece.

• The “one acts” are produced and performed over the course of a Friday and Saturday night.

• Audience members vote on which pieces will move on to the following episode.

• Writers of episodes selected to return write the next installment of their piece.

• Repeat this process leading up to a final performance which will see the top two winning serials performed in totality with a concluding final scene.

How does a show move on?

• The audience will vote on the pieces they would like to see continue to the next event through an online application that audiences access via their phones at the conclusion of the full performance,

• Round 1: 6 - 8 short (12-15 minute) performances. Four will be selected to continue to

Round 2.

• Round 2: Four previous winners perform. Each piece is composed of the original episode from Round 1, plus an additional episode. Combined they should be 20- 30 Minutes. Two will be selected to continue to Round 3.

• Round 3: Two previous winners perform. Each is now 45-60 minutes long which includes all of the previous performance with a continuation that finalizes the work. The Audience will vote one last time, selecting the Serial Bowl Champion!

Writers

Submit a FIRST EPISODE using the following instructions. Subsequent episodes will be requested if your script is voted to continue.

The Basics

• The first Submission should be 12-15 minutes long.

• Limit your play to no more than 4 actors.

• Scenes should anticipate very simple technical requirements - Props should be simple and few. VERY few. “Costume” should be limited to modern day clothing, other clothing actors might own personally or an extremely limited number of costume elements that might be added for effect (a crown, animal ears, etc) but NOT full costuming. Staging will allow for a table and chairs and two entrances. Do not expect anything more than a rep light hang (wash and 1-2 center specials) with no color options. Sound effects should be limited. This should be about the writing and acting, not tech.

• Your piece should be formatted for the stage, IE., no screenplays, short stories, etc. It should be printed (not hand written) in standard play format. Pages must be numbered. While it is not the only format out there, San Jose State offers a good guide based on the old CPF format at https://www.sjsu.edu/writingcenter/docs/handouts/Scriptwriting%20Format.pdf

Additional

• You may submit plays from any genre. Remember though, this is episodic theatre. Characters should be the primary focus followed by plot. If you are thinking of writing something that is a “statement,” make sure it can carry for a duration.

• Each episode should have a compelling angle to it that will cause audiences to want to see additional episodes. A good “cliff hanger” at the end of the episode is a typical method.

• Audiences should be able to enjoy any episode as a standalone work, but scenes should also be “open ended” enough that they may continue to a next Episode.

• The pieces do not have to be “for purpose” scenes. That is, the piece might be something you've written previously. Please make sure you own the rights to produce any previously written works.

• This will be an all ages performance with suggested age of High School age and up.

Consider this in your writing. Also consider your wish to be voted to come back. Language and topic material should be chosen appropriately.

• Each scene will be preceded by a selection of Bumper music. If you have a specific music requirement, please specify in your script, otherwise a piece of music will be chosen for you.

• Writers should be available to the producer should there be questions about their work.

• You may send multiple submissions. An Author may have more than one work in production at a time.

• You own your work. However, by submitting your play to this production you agree to allow the producers royalty free production rights for the duration of the Serial Bowl season. If your work goes on to bigger and better things, we hope you mention Midnight Sun Theatre's Serial Bowl as one of your initial performances. Writers are expected to write all episodes of their work. If a writer cannot continue or is unwilling to continue a successful series,

Producers retain the right to move forward with creative control of the concept for successive performances during the Serial Bowl season.

• Writers are expected to participate in the promotion of the event through social media.

• We expect Writers will conduct themselves at all times in a manner that positively reflects on the event, their work and the producing company.

More information

NOVA PLAYWRITING COMMISSIONS 2026

Website

Deadline: July 31, 2025

SUBMISSION FORM

NOVA is Tara Theatre’s flagship paid playwriting programme. We are looking to commission playwrights of South Asian heritage or connections that want to develop and showcase their work. 

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

As Tara Theatre approaches its 50th anniversary, we’re recognising and celebrating the rich history and vast tapestry of stories that have built British theatre.

This year we are paying homage to the past and exploring the hidden legacies that exist in British history. The untold or forgotten stories of South Asian diaspora communities – our ancestors that have indelibly left their mark on British society. 

KEY THEMES FOR NOVA 2025/26: 

Radical Revolutions Stories of revolution that radically shifted the political landscape

Stories that galvanised communities to action Hidden Legacies Stories of bravery, courage and autonomy Queer Lineages Hidden queer stories from the diaspora that have been lost to time 

OdysseysUntold migration stories about finding new homes / hopes

Stories about the process of travel Defiant Victories Untold stories of protest and victory.

We want you to go on a journey of discovery – trace back to the past and find the rarely told stories that need to be shared. Look into the history, find the stories, do the research.

We want to invite you to convert fact and history into fiction. Explore verbatim theatre, gather information about real people and their lives to create new plays, new stories and new original drama.

We want to uncover the stories we haven’t heard before. Talk to the people in your lives. Challenge your process. Think outside the box.

This year’s NOVA playwrights will be developing new, original plays platforming unheard voices and stories.

Give us the work that hasn’t been staged but needs to exist within the British South Asian canon.


WHAT IS OUR OFFER? A commission of £1,500

Writing Masterclass and dramaturgical support from our in-house artistic team and an acclaimed playwright. Past playwrights include Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti Opportunities to speak to our marketing and producing team In-kind space at Tara Theatre to write and develop your work A period of development for your work from page to stage, culminating in a public performance led by a professional director and actors at Tara Theatre Invited industry and facilitated audience feedback for future development of the work Networking and producing opportunities


HOW DOES IT WORK?

A window will open for submissions on Tuesday 8th July at 12PM for writers to send us their work through an online submission form.

Writers can submit their ideas in the form of either: A synopsis A pitch A script extract (no more than 10 pages long)

Please note: if you are submitting a synopsis or a pitch, please provide an example of your writing no more than 10 pages long.

This should be accompanied with thoughts around the following questions:Tell us about yourself. Please briefly include information about your background and your location. (150 words)
Why is this an unheard story that deserves to be told? (150 words)
Tara Theatre makes politically charged theatre. How does your play align with this ethos? (150 words)

Your submission can be sent to us as either a written, video or audio submission. (3 minutes maximum).

Please note, if you make a video or audio submission you will still need to include a sample of your writing.


WHAT CAN YOUR IDEAS BE?

Your ideas can be original ideas and adaptations.


SUBMISSION WINDOW

Our script submission window at Tara Theatre opens on Tue 8 Jul at 12PM and closes on Thu 31 Jul at 12PM.

Due to current limitations with funding, we aim to use our resources in the best way possible to support writers.

At present we only have capacity to receive scripts during this window. Our team will aim to read every script submitted to us within this window and you will hear back on whether you were successful or not within 8-12 weeks of submission.

If you would like to have an informal chat about NOVA, please email our Associate Director, Gavin Joseph at gavin@taratheatre.com


KEY DATES

Submissions open 12PM on Tue 8 Jul
Submissions close 12PM on Thu 31 Jul

NOVA Longlist announced W/C 15th Sep
NOVA Shortlist announced W/C 29th Sep
NOVA Playwrights announced W/C 27th October

Rehearsals and Showcase W/C 4th May 2026


ACCESS

If you would like to submit your application in a different format such as Large Font or another Accessible Format, we would be happy to accommodate this. Please contact shahreen@taratheatre.com

We actively encourage people from a variety of backgrounds with different experiences, skills and stories to join us and influence and develop our working practice. We are particularly keen to hear from candidates from Global Majority backgrounds and candidates who self-identify as disabled and neurodiverse. All candidates who self-identify as disabled who demonstrate that they meet the essential criteria will be invited for interview. Tara Theatre is committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, caring responsibilities, disability, gender, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, and sexual orientation.

Winding Road Theater 6th Annual Eight 10s in Tucson 10-minute Play Festival

Website

Deadline: July 31, 2025 at 11:59 PM PDT

Or the first 300 scripts

EIGHT 10S SUBMISSION FORM

​The submission period for our 6th Annual Festival is now open (as of 12:01 am PST, Monday, July 14, 2025) and will remain open through Thursday, July 31, 2025 at 11:59 pm PST. The first 300 scripts that meet all of the submission requirements will qualify for the blind selection process that we use to determine which plays are included in the festival. To ensure a fair and impartial selection process, our reading and scoring teams are never able to identify the playwrights.

Submissions will be accepted ONLY through the official Eight 10s Submissions Form. Scripts submitted through any other channels will unfortunately be rejected without further notification.

The BLIND SUBMISSION process requires that ALL identifiable playwright information MUST BE REDACTED from the script. 

Identifiable information includes: playwright names, addresses, titles, theater names, industry associations, production history, review quotes, endorsements, dedications, etcetera. Scripts that include identifiable information anywhere in the script cannot be considered for selection in the festival.

• A Title Page that contains only the title of the play is required
• A character synopsis and logline are required on a separate page that immediately follows the title page
• Script run-time should be a minimum of eight (8) minutes and a maximum of ten (10) minutes
• Submissions must be original works
• All themes/genres encouraged
• Legal clearance of third-party materials is the full responsibility of the playwright
• Standard Dramatists Guild play formatting is required--see link below
• Scripts must be submitted as PDF files
• Only one (1) submission per playwright will be permitted

DRAMATISTS GUILD OF AMERICA PLAY FORMAT GUIDELINES

UP Theater Company Seeks Previously Produced Plays for Second Chance Series

Website

Deadline: July 31, 2025

We at UP Theater Company believe that World Premieres are overrated. There. We said it. We know that all new plays that receive production runs of three weeks or less are just about ready to open by the time they close. That’s why we are putting out a call for new plays that have had a single production of three weeks or fewer. 

We will consider your script for an upcoming reading series and potential full production (ironically, of three weeks). 

You can send your Second Chance Plays to info@uptheater.org, with “Second Chance” in the subject line, and include in your message 

(1) where the play was originally produced, 

(2) the length of the run, and 

(3) the creative team. We also need you to confirm that you retain all rights to the play and that the original producing company has no claim, monetarily or otherwise, to the script. 

You should also learn a little more about us at uptheater.org. We are an awesome company that does good work, and we are great to work with (we swear). We look forward to reading your submissions.

Community Players Theatre seeks full-length plays

Website

Deadline: August 31, 2025

Deadline: July 31, 2025

Bloomington IL

Playwright will be notified of acceptance by October 1st, 2025

Submit to Playreading@communityplayers.org

Enhanced Staged Reading: There will be set, costumes, and props. It is a short rehearsal process which is why we are not requiring memorization.

Restriction: Story must take place in no more than 2 locations. Cast no larger than 6. Must be in English.

Playwrights are more than welcome to submit as many scripts as they would like.

There is no restriction on if a show has been performed before. We just ask that you let us know so it can be properly advertised.

The Playwright will not be required to pay any fees.

The Playwrights Group: Weekly Workshop

The Weekly Workshop

Join our nationwide community of playwrights on Zoom. 

It’s a great way to stay connected and motivated.

 

Participating in a weekly workshop can give you the kick you need to see your script through from beginning to end.  You can bring in anything you’re working on — a full length script, a musical, a TV pilot, whatever. And when your script is ready — we’ll present it in a Public Reading. We also bring in Guest Speakers, like Pulitzer Prize winner Margaret Edson (Wit). 

 

 

Sit in on a session and see for yourself!

Thursdays 7 - 9:30pm EST

 

Check out our website for more details and rates. 

 

Script Consultations

 

If you don’t have time for the workshop but have a script you’d like some feedback on — just send a PDF of your script and you’ll get a critique via email and/or video conference. See website for rates.

 

Richard Caliban has worked with  individuals on their scripts from all over the world — Indonesia, China, Greece, Australia, Serbia, as well as right here in New York. A script consultation will provide you with feedback on the structural soundness of your story, the dramatic arc of your protagonist, thematic unity and much more.

 

Online One-on-One Courses

 

If you’re looking for more, check out our One on One Online Playwriting Courses:

 

•       The Art of Playwriting

•       Write a Play in 10 Weeks

•       3 Hour Short Course

 

All are with instructor Richard Caliban, and since it’s One on One, the courses can be adjusted to fit your level of experience. 

 

Please visit our website for further Info and Rates: 

 

www.theplaywrightsgroup.com

 

Contact us at 

scripts@theplaywrightsgroup.com