Blue Ink Award 2025 seeks full-length plays

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Deadline: August 31, 2025 11:59 PM CT

SUBMISSION FORM

Each year, American Blues Theater accepts worldwide submissions of original, unpublished full-length plays. 

The winning playwright receives a monetary prize of $3,000.

Cash prizes are awarded to finalists and semi-finalists too.

There is no fee to submit.

Playwrights may only submit one (1) manuscript each year for consideration. 
Please see the next page for full competition rules and guidelines.

Please follow these guidelines in preparing your manuscript:

• There is no fee to submit.
• This contest is restricted to plays written predominantly in English. Worldwide submissions are accepted.
• Submissions must be original, unpublished full-length plays. Adaptations are accepted with proof of rights held unless source text is in public domain. Translations, musicals, and children’s plays are not accepted.
• Playwrights may submit only one (1) manuscript per year.
• Plays that have been professionally produced or published are not eligible. Plays that have had a workshop, reading, or non-professional production will be considered.
• Plays may not be under option or scheduled for professional production or publication at the time of award announcement.
• American Blues Theater reserves the Right-of-First-Refusal to produce the world premiere of the winning manuscript for one (1) year beginning on date of the public announcement of the winner.
• Plays must be submitted digitally as a PDF or Word Document via the submission form at AmericanBluesTheater.com.

If you need technological accommodations to submit your play, you may send scripts to American Blues Theater, 5627 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60659. Scripts are ineligible if received after Sunday, August 31.

Questions should be sent to info@AmericanBluesTheater.com.