Blue Ink Award 2026

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Deadline: August 31, 2026 by 11:59 PM CT

SUBMISSION FORM

1) There is no fee to submit.

2) Each play must be submitted with a letter written by a qualified theater professional or teacher recommending the play. “Qualified theater professional” is defined as an artistic director, director, literary manager, agent, theater professor, or someone in a similar artistic leadership position.

3) This contest is restricted to plays written predominantly in English. Worldwide submissions are accepted.

4) Submissions must be original, unpublished full-length plays. Adaptations are accepted with proof of rights held unless source text is in public domain.

5) Musicals, translations, and children’s plays are not accepted.

6) Playwrights may submit only one (1) manuscript per year.

7) 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.

8) Plays may not be under option or scheduled for professional production or publication at the time of award announcement.

9) 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.

10) Plays and recommendation letters must be submitted digitally as a PDF or Word Document via the submission form at AmericanBluesTheater.com.

11) 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 Monday, August 31.

12) Questions should be sent to info@AmericanBluesTheater.com.