Baylor New Play Initiative seeks full-length plays

Website

Deadline: May 1, 2026

SUBMISSION FORM

Questions? Contact bnpi@baylor.edu

The Baylor New Play Initiative at Baylor University in Waco, Texas is seeking submissions of full-length plays for development in preparation for the 2027 BNPI Festival of New Works. 

Plays must be no more than 120 pages in length and require no more than 8 actors. 

Any subject or genre is welcome.

Questions? Contact bnpi@baylor.edu

BNPI 2026/2027 Cycle

Selection and Development Calendar

2026

April 1 - May 1 —Submission window open

August –Finalist plays selected and playwrights notified (festival attendance is required)

2027

January - July—Playwrights work with assigned dramaturgs in monthly meetings

July - August—Directors added to the collaboration and professional actors cast

September/October—Rehearsals for staged readings, the BNPI New Play Festival

More About the Baylor New Play Initiative

The BNPI is a biennial program designed to assist playwrights in developing new works for the stage. The BNPI committee selects 4 plays and matches the authors with experienced dramaturgs and directors who support them in writing, revising and editing their works as they progress toward completion.  The BNPI culminates in a festival of staged readings with professional talent from across the nation, and representatives from at least a dozen professional theatres across Texas will be in attendance. Finally, each selected playwright will receive a stipend in addition to having all expenses paid for travel and attendance. 

The top adjudicated play will be awarded the Preston Kirk New Play Prize and a check for $15,000.