Deadline: January 9, 2026
At The Rex Theatre, Manchester, New HampshireTo be eligible for the Palace Theatre Short-Play Festival you must be a United States Resident.
The 2026 Festival is seeking Short- Plays.
Each writer may submit no more than ONE Short Play.
All plays submitted for the festival must be between 8 and 15 Minutes.
Entries must be submitted in a PDF Document format.
Submitted plays should not have had a previous professional production (readings and workshops are OK).
Playwrights will be responsible for casting + Directing their own Plays.
Please note if you require casting assistance from local theatre partners, please indicate so on the casting questions on the submission form.
-Plays may not be written using any generative artificial intelligence (AI).
-Plays must be written primarily in English (the use of non-English words or phrases within the context of the play are allowed).
Playwrights will be responsible for the accommodation of their cast during the festival – The Palace Theatre will work with you to acquire discount rates with our Hotel Partners.
Accepted Short Plays will be notified: Monday February 2nd 2026
Chosen Playwrights are asked to pay a one-time $100 Pre-Production Fee.
There is No-Fee for the following: Theatre Rental, Audio Visual, Sound Technician, Lighting Technician, Rehearsal Space.
Plays will have access to a Video Wall upstage Center. The Video Wall is 25’ Wide and 13’ Tall. 1080i resolution and can run MOV and JPEG files.
Performances will be:
- Friday April 10th 2026 @ 7:30pm
- Saturday April 11th 2026 @ 7:30pm
Cash Awards for Best Play
Each ticketholder to the festival will have a chance to vote in Audience Choice.
Awards for the following:
Audience Award for Best Play 2026
Judges Award for Best Play 2026