Premiere Stages seeks full-length plays

Website

Deadline: November 1, 2026

All plays must be submitted as a PDF via Submittable at premierestagesatkean.submittable.com/submit. Hard copies will not be accepted.

Premiere Stages will accept submissions of unproduced plays written by playwrights affiliated with the greater metropolitan area from September 1, 2026, through November 1, 2026. All plays submitted to the festival are evaluated by a panel of professional theatre producers, directors, dramaturgs, playwrights, and publishers. Four finalists are subsequently selected for public Equity readings in Spring of 2027.

Following the Spring readings, one play is selected for an Equity production in the Premiere Stages 2028 season and receives an award of $10,000. Another finalist receives a 29-hour staged reading and $3,000. The other finalists will each be awarded $1,000.

Submission guidelines can be found at https://premierestagesatkean.com/play-festival/guidelines/

- Plays must be full-length and have a cast size of no more than eight.

- Plays must be unpublished and unproduced (readings and workshops are okay), with no productions and/or publication currently scheduled through September 2028.

-Playwrights must have strong affiliations with the greater metropolitan area (New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Delaware). 

- Musicals, adaptations (of existing plays or other sources), and solo shows are not eligible.

-Submissions are limited to one script per playwright.

- Please contact Premiere Stages to inquire about submitting a script that has been previously submitted.     Generally we only accept re-submissions if the play has undergone significant revisions.

- Playwrights must be available for the development of their script (see the 2027 schedule table on our website).

- Submissions are accepted September 1, 2026 through 11:59 p.m. on November 1, 2026. Submissions sent early in the submission window are strongly encouraged.

- Names and contact information are welcome on cover pages of scripts.

• Premiere Stages now accepts full manuscripts from all submitters. Submissions must include:
• Brief synopsis of the play (no more than half a page)
• History of the play’s development (or statement that it has none)
• The playwright’s bio or resume

Members of the Premiere Stages literary team will read at least 10 pages of every play submitted and will decide if the play should be further considered by the Play Festival Panel.

All plays must be submitted as a PDF via Submittable at premierestagesatkean.submittable.com/submit. Hard copies will not be accepted.

All playwrights will be notified by e-mail OR Submittable message of their status by June of 2027.

The Jokes On Her Annual Comedy Prize seeks full-length comedies by women

Website

Deadline: October 1, 2026

SUBMIT VIA SUBMITTABLE

The Jokes On Her Annual Comedy Prize awards the winning playwright a $5,000 grant, an industry reading of her play in New York City in partnership with WP Theater and New Georges, and a featured appearance in a “Women Writing Comedy for the Stage” Q&A at The Drama Book Shop.

Jokes On Her will further support the playwright by identifying and facilitating future development opportunities.

Submissions are now open for original full-length comedies that have never been produced or published. Developmental readings and workshops are acceptable; however, plays under option or scheduled for production, licensing, or publication are not eligible. 

The Jokes On Her Comedy Prize is open to women (identifying & femmes inclusive) playwrights residing in the United States or Puerto Rico who are 21 years of age or older at the time of submission. Plays must be the author’s own work.

FAQs

Vidalia Theatre Company seeks 10-minute plays for Summer Harvest

Website

Deadline: September 7, 2026

The Vidalia Theatre Company in Atlanta, is accepting submissions for its annual Summer Harvest show of 10-minute plays to be produced in July 2027.

The theme for this show is “Dating… the Good, the Bad, & the Ugly.” We’re looking for plays that explore the full gamut that is the world of dating. Stories that deal with the fun and the pain in trying to find a romantic partner. We are only seeking plays that fit this theme at this time.

Submissions should contain 2-4 characters, simple set and prop requirements, and provide opportunity for diverse casting.

Adult language and content are permitted as long as it is relevant to the story and not gratuitous.

Submissions cannot have been previously produced in the Atlanta Metro Area.

Limit 2 submissions per playwright.

PAY: A $30 stipend is paid to the playwrights whose plays are selected.

***PLEASE READ THE SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS THOROUGHLY***

If submitting two plays, send each submission in a separate email

Email submissions to: vidaliatheatre@gmail.com

In the subject line type: Playwright Name - Title of Play - WY27

Be sure to include the following information in the body of the email:

your email and telephone
city, state (or country if outside USA) in which you reside
Number of characters
Comedy or Drama
A brief synopsis
All scripts must be attached as a PDF. No other file types will be accepted.

Note: *We do not utilize blind submissions in our review process*

**ANY SUBMISSION THAT DOES NOT FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED**

OPEN TO ALL NORTH AMERICAN PLAYWRIGHTS

(with special consideration for those who reside in Georgia)

MACH 33 Call for Submissions

Website

Deadline: September 14, 2026

Theater Arts Caltech invites Greater Los Angeles playwrights to submit to two science-driven play development programs for the 2026–27 season. 

MACH 33: The Caltech Festival of New Science-Driven Plays supports complete, full-length plays through collaboration with Caltech and JPL science advisors, culminating in public staged readings and post-show discussions. 

MACH 33 Launchpad: The Caltech Early-Development Lab for New Science-Driven Plays is designed for works in the earliest stages of development, providing playwrights with a collaborative environment to explore and strengthen the scientific ideas driving their plays. Both programs connect playwrights with scientists from Caltech and JPL to deepen the scientific dimensions of their work.

Submission deadline: September 14, 2026. For eligibility requirements, submission guidelines, and complete program information, visit the MACH 33 website: https://tacit.caltech.edu/mach33/

Eligibility and Submission Guidelines (for both programs):

• Playwright must reside in the Greater Los Angeles area.
• Only one submission per playwright.
• Plays must not be published or professionally produced. (Previous readings are acceptable.)
• Plays must center on real-world scientific, mathematical, or technological themes.
• Maximum cast size of 8. Doubling is permitted; include a doubling plan with the cast list.
• Scripts must be submitted in PDF format, with standard formatting (12 pt font, numbered pages, character names above dialogue).
• Science must be integral to the story, not just metaphor or setting. 

See below for more on what we mean by “science-driven.”

Your submission must include:

• Blind Script PDF – Title only, no author name
• For Launchpad only:
• a brief summary of unfinished scenes or ideas for how you’re imagining the play might develop
• if the play includes music, you may also attach sheet music or demo recordings
• Playwright Info PDF – Title, author name, contact info, date of most recent revision
• Artist Statement PDF – Brief explanation of how a science advisor from Caltech or JPL could help you develop the scientific dimensions of your play (blind – no author name)
• Provide cast list and doubling plan (if applicable)
• Synopsis (max 200 words)

What is a science-driven play?

• Places real science, math, or technology at the heart of the dramatic conflict
• Features characters—often scientists, mathematicians, or engineers—whose work and thinking are central to the story
• Helps audiences gain a better understanding of how science works, how it impacts our lives, and how it intersects with broader human concerns
• Broadens the cultural imagination around science, challenging clichés or assumptions
• Grounds its content in real-world inquiry rather than speculative or science fiction (no aliens, time travel, or futuristic tech)

These plays are driven by curiosity, grounded in research, and open up new ways of thinking about science and society. A panel of readers from both scientific and theatrical communities will review submissions. We look forward to reading your work!

For questions or submissions email:
MACH 33: arden.e.thomas@gmail.com
Launchpad: coleremmen@caltech.edu

New Dramatists 7-Year Residency

Website

Deadline: August 10, 2026 at 11:59 EDT
Or until a maximum of 700 submissions is reached, whichever comes first

UPDATE: As of 4:00pm on Friday, July 31, we have received 588 complete submissions. Please do not delay if you intend to apply.

APPLICATION FORM

This cycle, New Dramatists will recommend to the panel that they select a group of no more than 5 incoming writers, managing the size of the resident company in order to provide robust support.

ELIGIBILITY

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.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS

HOW TO SUBMIT

Before beginning your application, please download and read the Guidelines for Resident Company document at the bottom of this page.

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.

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

Vidalia Theatre Company seeks 10-minute plays

Facebook page

Deadline: July 31, 2026

Vidalia Theatre Company of Atlanta, Georgia is accepting submissions for its Winter Yield collection of 10-minute plays to be produced in January 2027.

The setting for this show is planes, trains & automobiles. We’re looking for plays that take place in the vessel itself. It can be while in motion or during boarding/unboarding. We are only seeking plays that take place in this setting at this time.

Submissions should contain a maximum of 6 characters, minimal prop requirements, and provide opportunity for diverse casting. 

Adult language and content are permitted, but it should be relevant to the story and not gratuitous.
Submissions cannot have been previously produced in the Atlanta Metro Area.

Limit TWO (2) submissions per playwright.
(Any playwright caught violating this will be disqualified)

PAY: A $30 stipend is paid to the playwrights whose plays are selected.

***PLEASE READ THE SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS THOROUGHLY***

If submitting two plays, send each submission in a separate email
Email submissions to: vidaliatheatre@gmail.com
In the subject line type: Playwright Name - Title of Play - WY27
Be sure to include the following information in the body of the email:

1. your email and telephone

2. city, state (or country if outside USA) in which you reside

3. Number of characters

4. Comedy or Drama

5. A brief synopsis

All scripts must be attached as a PDF. No other file types will be accepted.

Note: *We do not utilize blind submissions in our review process*

**ANY SUBMISSION THAT DOES NOT FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED**

OPEN TO ALL NORTH AMERICAN PLAYWRIGHTS
(with special consideration for those who reside in Georgia)

The 2026 Short Play Showcase looking for plays

Instagram Account

Deadline: August 31, 2026

Email submissions to shortplayshowcase@gmail.com

Seeking NYCPlaywrights for the 2026 Short Play Showcase - looking for plays of 12 minute run time or less, with 2 characters max dealing with the themes of unrequited love, roommates, or addiction. 

The chosen plays will be performed early December at The Attic and a winning production will be chosen by audience votes.

ASTORIA NEW PLAY FESTIVAL READING SERIES seeks full-length plays

Instagram

Deadline: August 1, 2026 by 1:59pm

or until we hit 60 submissions

THEY HAVE HIT THEIR SUBMISSION CAP - DO NOT SEND

If you’re ready to submit, please email astorianewplayfest@gmail.com with Full-Length Submission in the subject line. Please attach blind copies in PDF form (no contact info anywhere on the document) to the email, and include in the body of the email your contact info and a short playwright bio (and if you are not available for either performance night, if applicable).

The Astoria New Play Festival will present readings of up to 2 full-length plays and up to 6 short plays for the 2026 staged reading series by local playwrights.

PLEASE READ OVERALL GUIDELINES in addition to the guidelines for whichever length of play you’re interested in submitting for!

All playwrights should be current or former residents of Astoria! We will not require proof of residency at this time, but trust all submitting playwrights to respect the festival mission to give a platform to local playwrights.

There is no restriction language or adult content for submissions. We do want you to be aware that if there is potentially triggering material, ANPF may list a content warning on performance nights as well as director and performer submission notices. ANPF will not produce material that promotes hate speech or violence.

Scripts written with any usage of AI are not permitted!

Playwrights may submit to both opportunities

Playwrights from the 2025 reading series are welcome to submit for the ten-minute play reading series; we ask that you refrain from submitting for the full-length play reading series at this time

All submitted plays should be blind copies with no contact information anywhere on the document.

We are not accepting musicals at this time. Hopefully one day soon!

We aim to update everyone on their submission status by the second weekend of August.

If you have any questions before submitting, please email astorianewplayfest@gmail.com or DM us on instagram @astorianewplayfest

FULL-LENGTH PLAY READING SERIES - Friday, November 6th, and Saturday, November 7th, 7:30pm, at Q.E.D., 27-16 23rd Ave, Astoria, NY 11105

Full-length play submissions should be new, meaning no prior publications or full productions. Prior readings or developmental workshops are permitted. You will not be requested to credit Astoria New Play Festival as a premiere in future materials, publicity, announcements, etc.

Full-length playwrights will receive a stipend of $75 on performance night

Playwrights must be available in person for at least one night of the reading series, which will run November 6-7 at Q.E.D. in Astoria. Please indicate in your submission email if either performance night does not work for you.

Playwrights must be available for a talkback with the audience after the show with the audience, moderated by ANPF.

We are seeking plays that read for an estimated run time between 1-2 hours. We understand that since these are new works, a best guess is fine! 

ASTORIA NEW PLAY FESTIVAL READING SERIES seeks 10-minute plays and monologues

Website

Deadline: August 1, 2026  by 11:59pm

or until they hit 75 submission

If you’re ready to submit, please email astorianewplayfest@gmail.com with Short Play Submission in the subject line. Please attach blind copies in PDF form (no contact info anywhere on the document) to the email, and include in the body of the email your contact info and a short playwright bio.

The Astoria New Play Festival will present readings of up to 2 full-length plays and up to 6 short plays for the 2026 staged reading series by local playwrights.

PLEASE READ OVERALL GUIDELINES in addition to the guidelines for whichever length of play you’re interested in submitting for!

All playwrights should be current or former residents of Astoria (Queens)! We will not require proof of residency at this time, but trust all submitting playwrights to respect the festival mission to give a platform to local playwrights.

There is no restriction language or adult content for submissions. We do want you to be aware that if there is potentially triggering material, ANPF may list a content warning on performance nights as well as director and performer submission notices. ANPF will not produce material that promotes hate speech or violence.

Scripts written with any usage of AI are not permitted!

Playwrights may submit to both opportunities

Playwrights from the 2025 reading series are welcome to submit for the ten-minute play reading series; we ask that you refrain from submitting for the full-length play reading series at this time

All submitted plays should be blind copies with no contact information anywhere on the document.

We are not accepting musicals at this time. Hopefully one day soon!

We aim to update everyone on their submission status by the second weekend of August.

If you have any questions before submitting, please email astorianewplayfest@gmail.com or DM us on instagram @astorianewplayfest

THEMED SHORT PLAY READING SERIES - Thursday October 8th, 7:30pm, and Saturday, October 10th, 7:30pm at Our House Queens, 23-71 31st St, Astoria, NY 11106

All submitted works must somehow involve this one word theme: NEIGHBORS. How you follow this theme is entirely up to you!

There is no restriction on previous productions or publications; we welcome brand new scripts, ones performed multiple times, and everything in between.

Up to 6 playwrights will be presented in one night of performances. ANPF reserves the right to select fewer than 6 for the presentation!

Playwrights will receive a stipend of $50 on the first performance night

Submitted plays must be no longer than an estimated 15 minutes (or about 15 pages) and no shorter than an estimated 5 minutes

Monologues are welcome for submission

Playwrights are not required to be present in person for performance or tech rehearsal, but will be asked to be available via email for any questions from the creative team, and are welcome to participate more as they wish!

South Street Players seeks original, short plays

Website

Deadline: August 2, 2026, 11:59pm

Call for original, short plays by playwrights CURRENTLY living in the Tri-State area only (NJ, NY, PA).

South Street Players (southstreetplayers.org) is seeking original, short (10 mins preferred, 15 mins maximum) plays for its 16th Annual Tri-State Theatre Festival. The event will take place November 6-8, 2026 in Spring Lake, NJ.

The festival, which receives more than 300 scripts annually, is committed to presenting the finest and most unique original, short plays written by local playwrights from New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. The event also serves as an artistic fundraiser, with all proceeds going to SSP to help maintain its commitment to producing high-quality, extremely engaging theatrical experiences for our audiences.

Submission Rules and Process:

Plays must be 15 pages or less. Submissions of longer than 15 pages will not be considered.

Plays should include no more than 4 characters and be in standard playscript format.

Playwrights may submit more than one play, but please be sure your name and email address is on the title page of each script.

SSP is a family theatre – no excessive swearing, no nudity.

No royalties or payment will be provided to playwrights should their play be chosen for the festival.

Plays will only be accepted via email: southstreetoneacts@gmail.com

Origins New Works Program at CVRep 2026-2027

Website

Deadline: July 25, 2026

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

- 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.

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

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

- Playwrights must reside in the United States and be able to attend rehearsals.

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 8-12 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

15 Minutes of Frame 4th Annual Playwrights Competition: Battle of the Plays

Instagram

Deadline: July 7, 2026

SUBMISSION FORM

We are looking for 7 original 15-minute plays, along with 50 potential actors (Equity + Non-Aquity) and 7 directors.

All genres are welcome in the creation of theatre.

Submitted plays must be original works created by playwrights living in the Tri-State area who are available to participate in the competition.

The Winning play will be developed into a full-length production

Rules:

• Original short plays, including drama, comedy, musical theatre, or dance theatre, submitted by a living playwright
• Maximum length: 15 minutes
• Cast size: maximum of 7 performers
• All selected plays will be performed during the competition
• Audience votes will determine the winner
• The winning play will be developed into a full-length production

• Please include:

• Name

• Resume

• Headshot

• Bio

• Social media links

If you are a playwright, submit your play attached as a PDF file.

Submit your materials via. the link below.

Join us! Be part of it all
15 Minutes of Frame 2026
Thank you,
15 Minutes of Frame
Lucky’s Lighting Inc. & 24 Bond Arts Center

Queer Speech writers cohort

Instagram 

Deadline: July 5, 2026 11:59 PM 

SUBMISSION FORM

To Apply:
Submit a 300-word pitch describing your project, your artistic background, and your creative vision. Fill out the form.

ARE YOU A PLAYWRIGHT?
DO YOU LIVE IN/NEAR NYC?
APPLY TO QUEERSPEECH SEASON 2: 2026-2027 !

QUEERSPEECH is a writers cohort for early-career queer artists developing new theatrical work. Running from October 2026 through Summer 2027, this cohort-based program offers hands-on support at the very beginning of the writing process.
Rooted in collaboration and community, QUEERSPEECH provides structured, bi-monthly check-ins where selected artists will share progress, exchange feedback, and set goals—from table reads to development workshops. In addition to creative guidance, artists will receive producing support and assistance identifying and applying to relevant opportunities, ensuring their work reaches the audiences it deserves.

The program culminates in a showcase in Summer 2027, offering a platform to celebrate the cohort’s evolving works in front of a wider public.

Who We’re Looking For:
-Early-career queer artists working in any form of theatrical expression
-Projects must be at the early stages (a pitch, an idea, a scene, a 10 minute play)
-Artists seeking both artistic and producing support
-NYC-based or able to travel to NYC regularly. 

THE HUMAN SIDE OF HEALTH, A Virtual Public Health Play Series seeks 10-minute plays

Website

Deadline: June 30, 2026

Complete the submission form and upload:

• Play script (PDF)
• Brief playwright bio
• Current CV or résumé​

We are seeking submissions for the inaugural season of The Human Side of Health, a virtual play series that uses theatre to humanize the data behind today's public health challenges. Through storytelling, this series aims to raise awareness, educate the public, reduce stigma, and spark meaningful conversations about issues affecting individuals, families, and communities.

Three plays will be selected for Season One.

​THEMES

We are seeking 10-minute plays that explore one or more of the following topics:
• Substance Use/Recovery
• Depression/Mental Health
• Diabetes

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES​
• Maximum 10 pages

• Written in standard play format (include page numbers)
• 2–3 characters only
• No monologues

• IMPORTANT: For your play to be considered, it must be written specifically for a virtual platform as the setting in the script. Virtual format = Zoom, FaceTime video call or similar using a virtual modality as the setting.

Any work submitted that does not incorporate use of a virtual platform will not be considered.

• Artificial Intelligence Disclaimer: Plays must be original.

Plays written with artificial intelligence will be automatically disqualified.​

• Plays must be written primarily in English. The use of words or brief passages in another language is welcome; however, the majority of the script must be in English.

​Examples of virtual settings include:

• Telehealth appointments
• Virtual support groups
• Zoom meetings
• FaceTime conversations
• Video calls between a case manager and client
• Online recovery meetings
• Virtual family conversations
• Other stories that naturally unfold through technology and virtual communication

ELIGIBILITY
​
• New, unproduced, some development history and world-premiered plays are welcome.
• Diverse characters and perspectives are encouraged.
• Playwrights with educational, professional, and/or lived experience in a health-related field, such as public health, healthcare, behavioral health, mental health, recovery services, human services, social work, community health, disability services, caregiving, or related areas preferred.
• Playwrights must have access to Zoom and be able to participate virtually.
• Playwrights must be available to participate in a live post-show discussion following the presentation of their play.
• U.S. based playwrights


SELECTED PLAYWRIGHTS WILL RECEIVE

• $100 honorarium
• A virtual performance of their play
• Participation in a live discussion about the public health themes explored in their work
• Public presentation on YouTube as part of The Human Side of Health

*Please note that all recorded readings and discussions will remain publicly available on YouTube as part of the series archive.

SELECTION

If your play is selected, you will receive an email confirming the selection by mid-July 2026.

Selected plays will be presented in the Fall of 2026.

The Emerging Artists Theatre Spark Theatre Festival NYC

Website

Deadline: June 14, 2026 at 11:59 PM

SUBMISSION FORM

The Spark Theatre Festival NYC is a three-week festival of self-produced works at every stage of development. The Fall Spark Theatre 2026 festival will take place from Oct 5th to Oct 25th 2026 at the 28th Street Theatre.
 
For musical submissions, Emerging Artists is premiering a brand new festival just for musicals in November - the Spark Musical Theatre Festival. Details will be available soon.

Please fill out the information below. Your application will NOT be fully submitted unless all fields are complete.

Submissions are ONLY open for applicants in the Tri-State Area: New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.

Please do not apply if you do not believe you can attract an audience to your performance. 

We will be breaking shows into two categories for the upcoming festival. Please pick the one that best fits what you want to present. Spark Theatre Festival will always remain a developmental new work festival. Your response will not affect your application.

EAT requires each piece to attract at least 1 paying person per minute of their show. For instance, if you have a 10-minute piece, you must have a minimum of 10 paying audience members. Artists who do not meet this requirement must pay for EAT’s portion of the audience guarantee. You can, however, use your box office share to fill in the deficit to EAT, or give a tax-deductible donation to make up the difference. The festival is here to provide artists who are ready to attract a paying audience a place to present their work. For example, a solo artist with a 60-minute show who sells 60 tickets, makes $600 for their hour-long performance, and EAT’s 50% portion of the box office is also $600 (a 50/50 split). If they only sell 30 tickets at $20 each, EAT’s guarantee remains and will keep the entire $600. If they sell zero tickets, the artist must pay the audicnce guarantiee to EAT, which would be $600 at the end of the evening.

BREAK A LEG PRODUCTIONS annual One-Act Slam

Website

Deadline: June 1, 2026

Email scripts to plays.balproductions@gmail.com with the subject line "[PLAY TITLE] – [PLAYWRIGHT'S NAME]." 

This year's theme is NEW YORK STATE OF MIND: New York City (or tristate area) writers writing plays about the New York City experience. 

PLEASE INCLUDE ON THE COVER PAGE OF YOUR SCRIPT A SHORT PARAGRAPH ABOUT YOUR CONNECTION TO NEW YORK CITY.

Plays should run 15-20 minutes. The Slam will be on September 26th. 

The audience votes on their favorite short play, and the winner receives $100.

Only one submission per playwright, please. 

Second Annual International Human Rights Art Festival Queens seeks 10-20 minute productions

Website

Deadline: June 15, 2026

Send submissions to: costanza@humanrightsartmovement.org 

The performances must be fully produced by you; IHRAF is a presenting platform.

Considering performances 10-20 minutes long.

We accept just one proposal for each application.

***This is an open call for Queens-based artists only***

Send:

• A brief description of your piece, including approximate running time - we’re accepting 10-20 mins works.
• A cover letter, including details regarding the piece’s discipline, issue of concern treated and a brief summary of your artistic goals
• Your bios or resumes and the names of any collaborators already on board
• A sample of work (scripts, pics, videos, songs, any other links or file that could help us to know more about your project)
• As email subject, please type IHRAF Queens 2026, then add Association-Company-your name (i.e. IHRAF Queens 2026, Joan Doe)

Please note: Work may not have been produced within the last year in NYC, or be scheduled in the next six months of September 20, 2026. 

Also, let us know if you already had part of our previous festivals as a performer or in the audience.

We are jurying work with the following interests, for performance blocks:

• QUEENS-oriented stories
• Climate Change Action
• Immigration
• LGBTQIA
• Celebration of Women/Women in Power
• Celebration of Black Men/Undiscovered Women
• With Love from Africa
• Any other social justice concerns you might have

All accepted performers will receive:

Performance stipends of $200 total (per project)

PR and marketing support

30-minute tech rehearsal

Festival TD and SM

Free photographic documentation of the performance

Any questions, email our Festival Assistant Producer Costanza Bugiani at costanza@humanrightsartmovement.org

The Ryan Hudak LGBTQ+ Dramatic Writing Award 2026

Website

Deadline: June 16, 2026 5PM

SUBMIT VIA SUBMITTABLE

The Ryan Hudak LGBTQ+ Dramatic Writing Award is open to New York State playwrights and screenwriters, including those who live within the five boroughs of New York City.

Applicants must:

• Be a working playwright or screenwriter. Acceptable forms of playwriting or screenwriting include stageplays, screenplays, teleplays, libretti, radioplays, audiodramas, puppet plays, and experimental web series. While librettists may apply, audiotapes are not eligible.
• Self-identify as LGBTQ+.
• Be a current full-time resident of New York State for a minimum of 12 months at the time the application closes.
• Be the originators of the work, i.e. screenwriters or playwrights, not interpretive artists such as actors. Collaborations are not eligible.
• Be at least 25 years of age at the time the application closes.
• Not be enrolled in a degree-seeking program of any kind.
• Not have received The Ryan Hudak LGBTQ+ Dramatic Writing Award previously. Past recipients of other NYFA grant programs are eligible to apply.
• Not be a NYFA employee, members of the NYFA Board of Trustees or Artists’ Advisory Committee, and/or an immediate family member of any of the above.

Page 73 Development Programs 2027

Website

Deadline: April 26, 2026 by 11:59 PM ET

SUBMISSION FORM

The following materials must be submitted by 11:59 PM EST on April 26, 2026 to be considered for the 2027 development programs.

A.  Completed Online Application Form (Below) *NOTE: Please have all your PDF documents ready to upload. The work on this form cannot be saved.

B.  Letter of Intent (700 word limit, uploaded as a PDF)

Please introduce yourself and your writing to us in this Letter of Intent. Your letter must answer the following questions:

1. How would the Page 73 development program(s) that you're applying for help you address your current artistic challenge(s)?

2. How would the Page 73 development program(s) that you're applying for help you address your current professional challenge(s)?

C.  A sample from a full script (uploaded as a PDF). Please include the play's character list and a 10-page excerpt. We are open to receiving samples that do not come from the beginning of your play, however please choose consecutive pages.

D.  The full script from which you selected your 10-page sample (uploaded as a PDF)

E.  Playwriting Resume (uploaded as a PDF). Note: We do not wish to receive a bio in place of or in addition to a resume.

Each year Page 73 meets the talented playwrights we work with through this free application.

Page 73 has two development programs available to early-career playwrights through this application. Playwrights may apply for either or both programs as they see fit and are eligible (see below).

1. The Page 73 Playwriting Fellowship

The Page 73 Playwriting Fellowship provides a year of comprehensive support to one early-career playwright who has not received a professional production in New York City (please see eligibility requirements below). Through this program, Page 73 provides artistic and financial resources to this writer as they develop one or more new plays of their choosing. The Page 73 Playwriting Fellow receives an unrestricted award of $20,000, a development budget of $10,000 managed by Page 73 and the Fellow over the course of the Fellowship year, and at least one workshop culminating in a public reading.

The Fellow is encouraged to think creatively about using Fellowship resources to meet concrete goals that might not otherwise be possible. These goals may include, but are not limited to, development of one or more new plays, assistance in building relationships within the New York City theater community, research, and/or travel. Please note that Page 73 does not commit to producing the work of the Fellow. Page 73 also helps the Fellow identify and connect with collaborators, including directors, designers, actors, and dramaturgs.

The Fellow will actively work with Page 73 for the 2027 calendar year. After selection, the Fellow will collaborate with Page 73’s staff to design a plan for the year and establish a timeline for the development work to be done on the new play or plays.

If the Fellow is not a New York City resident, they must be prepared to travel to New York during the Fellowship year in order to fully engage in the opportunities that the Fellowship provides.

Anyone who wishes to be considered for the 2027 Fellowship must submit this application.

2. The Page 73 Writers Group

The Page 73 Writers Group is a yearlong writers group consisting of seven or eight playwrights. Led by Page 73’s Artistic Director and Associate Artistic Director, the Writers Group meets twice monthly on weeknight evenings at our office in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. Each playwright receives a $3,000 stipend for participating. Participants take turns bringing in pages for the group to discuss.

The Writers Group begins in January and meetings run through December; sessions are typically suspended for a period in the summer. Please consult the eligibility requirements below. Page 73 selects participants from individuals we meet through this application process as well as from individuals who have become known to the company through other means.

 

Note: While Page 73's staff may, at their discretion, offer a spot in the Writers Group to a playwright who meets the eligibility requirements but has not submitted an application for the program, anyone who wishes to be considered for the 2027 Fellowship must submit this application.

Applicants for both programs:

1. The applicant must be a US resident at the time of participation;

2. The applicant must have completed at least 2 full-length plays or at least 3 one-act plays;

3. The applicant must have made a commitment to playwriting as a professional goal;

4. The applicant must have never received a production in New York City that is fully contracted with Actors Equity Association and ran for at least four weeks or twenty-one performances;

5. The applicant must not be enrolled in a full-time degree/certificate program at the time of participation.

Writers Group applicants: 

Attendance at all Writers Group sessions is extremely important. Please do not apply for the Writers Group if you will be unable to attend meetings in New York City on a regular basis. Priority is given to writers who are not involved in other similarly supported institutional writing groups.

We understand this application occurs well in advance of 2027. If you are not sure about your plans for 2027, you are welcome to apply for the Writers Group and update us regarding your eligibility.

VOX NOVA Playwright Festival - 2026 seeks full-length plays

Website

Deadline: May 15, 2026 at 6PM PST

DO NOT SEND - they have reached their submission limit!

Welcome to the 2nd annual VOX NOVA Playwright Festival! We are thrilled to invite submissions for this year’s competition, which honors the craft of storytelling through live theatrical performance. The Festival aims to foster the art of playwriting, support emerging playwrights, and showcase new works.

Eligibility Criteria:

Age requirement: Submitting playwrights must be 18 years or older.

Location requirement: Submitting playwrights must be currently from the United States. No plays from outside of the U.S. will be considered.

New Works Only: We accept only new, original works that have never been fully produced. Previous staged readings (including online via Zoom, etc) are permitted, but the play must not have been presented in a fully realized production. Adaptations of other works are not accepted, unless the work is based on public domain material or the playwright's own unrestricted work from another medium.
Plays Only: No musicals will be considered.

Play Length: Submissions must be plays with an estimated running time of no less than 75 minutes. One or two acts are preferred, but multi-act plays will also be considered.

Submission Limits: We will accept only one play per playwright per year. We only accept plays submitted directly by the playwrights, not through agents, theater representatives, or recommenders. We do not accept plays that were previously submitted to the VOX NOVA Playwright Festival.

Production Agreement: If selected for first prize, the playwright must agree to have their work produced within 18 months of the award announcement as a live stage production, with no additional fees paid to the playwright beyond the $400 prize. The playwright agrees to not allow their work to be produced anywhere else during the 18 month period, or until the stage production produced by Theatricus has finished its run, whichever comes first. In the unlikely event that the work is not produced by Theatricus within the 18 month period (due to unforeseen circumstances or "force majeure"), all rights to produce the work as a live stage production revert back to the playwright and a $200 fee in lieu of a production will be paid to the playwright by Theatricus.

Submission Details:Submission Launch: We will begin accepting submissions on April 15, 2026 at 9am Pacific. Any submissions received before that date and time will not be accepted.

Submission Deadline & Limit: All submissions must be received by the end date of May 15, 2026 at 6pm Pacific. Late submissions will not be considered. We will stop accepting submissions either by the end date, or once we have received a total of 50 submissions, whichever comes first.

Format: Submissions must be in PDF format, with the play’s title and the playwright’s name clearly indicated on the cover page. A list of characters page is also greatly encouraged. Please ensure the script is properly formatted for stage plays. Please see the Dramatists Guild's guidelines for preferred play script formats: https://www.dramatistsguild.com/script-formats

Submission Fee: There is no fee to submit your play.

Judging Process:

Initial Review: Submissions will be reviewed by a panel of theatre professionals, including directors, playwrights, actors, and/or producers. Each work will be read by at least two (2) panelists during the review process.

Selection Criteria: In this First Round, plays will be judged based on writing format, character development, plot development, dialogue, and overall impressions. Semi-finalists will be judged using a more robust criteria.

Semi-Finalists Announcement: A shortlist of semi-finalists will be announced on July 15, 2025. A minimum of six (6) semi-finalists will be announced, with a maximum of twelve (12) semi-finalists possible.

Final Decision: Three (3) winners will be announced on August 31, 2025 (see Prizes).

Prizes:

First Prize: $400 and a live stage production of the playwright's work within 18 months of the award announcement, produced by Theatricus. If the work is not produced by Theatricus within the 18 month period, all rights to produce the work as a live stage production revert back to the playwright and a $200 fee in lieu of a production will be paid to the playwright by Theatricus.

Second Prize: $200 and a live, informal staged reading of the playwright's work.

Third Prize: $100 and a live, informal staged reading of the playwright's work.

Live Stage Production: Though a primary goal of the Festival is a fully designed live stage production of the first prize-winning work, the type of production and number of performances will be solely at the discretion of Theatricus, depending on budget and theatre availability. Ideally, the winning work’s live stage production would have at least four (4) shows, with as many as twenty-four (24) shows possible.​As an example, the First Prize winner of the 2025 VOX NOVA Playwright Festival will enjoy a three-weekend, 14 performance production at Moving Arts in Atwater Village.

Rights: The playwright retains all rights to their work, with the exception of the live stage performance rights within 18 months of the award announcement.

Revisions: The production company may suggest/request revisions during the production and rehearsal process, but final approval and rights remain with the playwright.

Travel and Accommodation: The Festival does not cover any travel or accommodation expenses for the playwrights.

Quick Review of Important Dates:April 15, 2026: We begin accepting submissions.

May 15, 2026: We no longer accept submissions. If we reach 50 submissions before June 1, we will no longer accept submissions at that time.

July 15, 2026: Semi-finalists announced.

August 31, 2026: The 3 finalists are announced.

CONTACT FORM FOR QUESTIONS