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Tuesday, January 10, 2017

Getting it Written


Work it out…this is the pentathlon for writers. In each session of this 5-week class, a different award-winning playwright will throw writing exercises at you to make those creative muscles burn. Whether you need to combat writer’s block, work through a problematic scene, or just raise your writing to the next level, each instructor will challenge you to push even harder. You’ll leave this class with an arsenal of tried-and-true writing exercises to combat any writing obstacles that standing in the way of you and your next play.

  • February 27: Halley Feiffer (Writer, A Funny Thing… at MCC, I’m Going to Pray for You So Hard at the Atlantic)
  • March 6: Chisa Hutchinson (Writer, upcoming Somebody's Daughter at Second Stage)
  • March 13: Sarah Gancher (Writer, upcoming The Lucky Ones (with The Bengsons) at Ars Nova)
  • March 20: Brooke Berman (Writer, Hunting and Gathering at Primary Stages)
  • March 27: Martyna Majok (Writer, Ironbound at Rattlestick)
Our award-winning faculty, comprised of working professionals in the field, provides practical skills and expert guidance in a collaborative community atmosphere.

We provide students easy and convenient payment plans to break up tuition. Primary Stages ESPA is a home for all artists, in all stages of their careers. For more information, call 212.840.9705 x211 or email espa@primarystages.org.

​Call for One Act Scripts for Gadfly's Final Frontier Festival: Fairy Tales

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Once upon a time, in the frozen lands of Minnesota, a group of queers gathered together to fight the rising tide of heteronormativity plaguing their arts scene. They sent out a call for stories of magic, heroes, and fairies. These stories they combined in their magic theatre cauldron and formed the Final Frontier Festival: Fairy Tales.

It's that time of year again adventurers! Gadfly Theatre Productions is seeking scripts for our annual geeky one act festival. This year's theme is fairy tales. Submissions should be 20-40 minutes long, contain minimal characters and set needs, and adhere or our queer/feminist mission. No ten minute plays, full lengths, or scripts not adhering to either the theme or mission will be considered.

So, if you have a script about a trans princess saving her kingdom from a dragon, a gay retelling of the Little Mermaid, or a story of a first born child promised to two different witches who then have to raise the kid together all Three's Company style, shoot them our way. Submissions should be sent to gadflytheatre@gmail.com no later than January 15, 2017

Decisions will be made mid March and the festival will open in summer of 2017. As always, playwrights of color and trans identity are particularly encouraged to submit their work.

Women in the Age of Trump: DEATH BY DOLLY

DEATH BY DOLLY by Vicki Vodrey is a semi-finalist for NYCPlaywrights project "Women in the Age of Trump."

VICKI VODREY  has had her plays chosen/produced by the New York International Theatre Festival, Detention #37 by ESPA, the Midtown International Theatre Festival, the Fresh Grind Festival, the William Inge Play Lab, the Unicorn Theatre, MeltingPot KC, Phoenix Theater, Egads Theater and Script2Stage2Screen to name a few. For further info, go to vickivodrey.com

Thanks to Vicki Vodrey for allowing NYCPlaywrights to publish this excerpt from her play DEATH BY DOLLY.

 (He walks towards her and begins to run his hands cautiously over her body.)

   MEGAN

I…do…have the weapon.

   MEL

It’s not on you.

   MEGAN

It’s in my bag.

   (Steve walks over quickly and kicks the purse away from her.)

   MEGAN

Yes, it’s in there! Be careful! I didn’t intend to kill anyone!

   MEL

Sit. I need to handcuff you.

   (She sits and Mel quickly cuffs her to the chair.)

Steve, carefully search that bag.

   (Steve takes the purse carefully to the desk. He begins to life items out – a wallet, a school ID, and a hairbrush. He then jumps, pulling his hand out quickly.)


   STEVE

Ouch!

   (He sticks the end of his finger in his in his mouth, then looks at it.)

Damn! What’s sharp in there?!

   MEGAN

The…weapon. Please be careful!

   (He reaches in slowly, feeling for something sharp. He slowly pulls something out, hesitantly. We finally see it is some sort of handcrafted doll. It is made of wire but is covered with some cotton, with silk stocking over it to make it look flesh colored. It has a dried up carved apple for a head. It has a pin in its genitals, one in its stomach and one skimming the top of his head.)

   STEVE

What the hell?

   MEL

What the fuck is that?

   MEGAN

My grandma’s doll.

   (Steve takes a quick glance in the purse.)

   STEVE

That’s all that’s in there, Mel.

   MEL

Where’s the goddamn weapon, girly?

   MEGAN

That’s it!!!

   MEL

That – DOLL?!

Sundog Theatre is seeking one-act plays for "Scenes from the Staten Island Ferry 2017"

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For Sundog Theatre's 15th annual presentation of original, short
one-act plays about our favorite boats, the Staten Island Ferries.
(No submission fee)

Guidelines:

--Submit original plays not previously produced or published, with a signed note affirming that.

--Plays should be 15-25 minutes long and have their setting on the Staten Island Ferry. Plays should be at least 15 pages long.

--Plays should be contemporary, involve 2-3 characters and require no special set pieces other than benches or railings found on the Ferry, limited and easily accessible props,
and no special sound/lighting needs.

--Avoid overt and unnecessary sexual/violence situations and overly offensive language since we cater to a broad audience.

--No musicals, long monologues, poetry, or verse - plays are memorized by actors in a short time.

--As in life, humor is good.

IMPORTANT: It is Sundog's 15th anniversary.  Please incorporate the number 15 into your play in some way.

Remuneration: Six authors will receive $100 each and be produced in our series of five March 2017 performances in Staten Island.

NO FEE to submit.

Submission:

--Please send two copies, bound or stapled, blind submission (removable cover page with title, author and contacts) to
Sundog Theatre,
"Scenes 2017" PO Box 183, Staten Island, NY 10301

--Submissions should include brief synopsis,
70-word bio and also resume of writer.

--Should be postmarked from now until no later than
December 31, 2016.

Deadline extended to January 15, 2017

--Do not submit plays electronically.

--Questions: ferry@sundogtheatre.org
Susan Fenley, Producer


Notification: Playwrights of selected plays will be contacted directly and their names listed on Sundog's website early 2017. Please do not contact Sundog to see whether or not we are using your play.

The Future Is Female Festival

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Deadline: January 15, 2017

The Future Is Female Festival invites individuals and theatre companies across the US to host productions or staged readings this March (2017) of ten-minute plays written by women of all backgrounds on the subject “the future is female,” and what that looks like and/or means to them. By joining under the umbrella of a shared festival happening simultaneously in numerous places, our voices will be louder. Instead of spending the month celebrating women’s history, we’ll celebrate women’s futures.

Festival Structure:
  • Each theatre company, organization, or individual who chooses to produce an outpost of the festival (a “Host”) is responsible for the details of their own production, such as…
  • Selecting plays according to Fest Guidelines (see tab).
  • Selecting actors, directors, stage managers, and other staff/talent as needed. *There will be a festival directory with names of interested artists of all disciplines.
  • Setting a budget, fundraising, booking a venue, ticketing, and so on. *Please consider ways of making your show(s) affordable for various income levels.
  • Hosts may choose the scale of their show according to their budget and resources—full productions and staged readings are both welcome.
  • Hosts agree to adhere to TFIF Festival Guidelines and Deadlines (see tabs), and must complete this Registration Form.

Festival Dates:
  • Hosts may choose any date(s) and time(s) within March 2017 for their show/reading.
  • Hosts can run their show/reading for as many nights as they want.
  • All showings/readings must be open to the public.

Women in the Age of Trump: IT'S GOING TO BE A GREAT DAY

IT'S GOING TO BE A GREAT DAY by Paul Bowman is a semi-finalist for NYCPlaywrights project "Women in the Age of Trump."

PAUL BOWMAN, a retired maintenance man, writes plays and stories. He has had six of his one-acts produced; five of his short fictions have been published.

Thanks to Paul Bowman for allowing NYCPlaywrights to publish this excerpt from his play IT'S GOING TO BE A GREAT DAY


   PRESCOTT

The management team thinks Jay will be a perfect fit.

   (HALEY steps backward.)

   HALEY

Are you serious?

   (ROBERT raises a conciliatory hand to console her.)

   ROBERT

I know you must be---

   HALEY

  (interrupting)

Are you serious?? Him??

   PRESCOTT

Haley---

   HALEY

   (interrupting; louder)

He’s a salesman! What does he know?

   ROBERT

Jay is very knowledgeable.

   HALEY

He doesn’t know the difference between a volt and a watt!

(HALEY looks at the floor, trying to make sense of it. She looks at them.)

He makes promises that production department can’t begin to keep! They complain about him all the time.

   PRESCOTT

Haley, he got us the Regal Bio-Tech Industry contract. That’s---

   HALEY

   (interrupting)

Which were going to lose money on!

   ROBERT

Haley. We have to think of the future.

   HALEY

He misses----he takes Friday afternoons off to play golf. Did you know that? He made a fool of himself at the Christmas party! He got drunk and grabbed Melissa’s boobs!

   ROBERT

That was just hearsay.

   HALEY

I was there! I saw it! And should I mention the affair he’s having with Stephanie?

   (HALEY starts to pace.)

   ROBERT

His personal life is not germane.

(HALEY stops.)

   HALEY

Then what is? Huh? His work record? I was the one who dealt with the press when that spill polluted the North River. I smoothed things over for us! Me! Not him! And if you had listened to me and followed my recommendation in the first place that spill could have been prevented. Which would have saved the company a boatload of money. Jay knows nothing of the manufacturing process! NOTHING!

Monday, January 9, 2017

Women in the Age of Trump: BARBED WIRE MINUTE

BARBED WIRE MINUTE by Krista Knight is a semi-finalist for NYCPlaywrights project "Women in the Age of Trump."

KRISTA KNIGHT is currently attending The Juilliard School Lila Acheson Wallace American Playwrights Program.
Her work includes PRIMAL PLAY (New Georges, Playwrights Center of MN), SALAMANDER LEVIATHAN (Joe's Pub at the Public Theater, Ars Nova, Fingerlakes Musical Theatre Festival, Inkwell, KCACTF Musical Theatre Award from the Kennedy Center), CLEMENTINE AND THE CYBER DUCKS (The Assembly, Hangar Theatre, Inkwell), PHANTOM BAND (The Claque, Walden Theatre, Voice and Vision, Dixon Place), ANAEROBIC RESPIRATION (Playwrights Center of SF, NYC Fringe Festival), and UN-HINGED (Wily West, Playhouse Creatures, WordBRIDGE), among others. 

Web site: www.KristaKnight.com.

Thanks to Krista Knight for allowing NYCPlaywrights to publish this excerpt from her play BARBED WIRE MINUTE.
(A half submerged store room near the border between Arizona and Sonora, Mexico. Dusk. Shadows and sporadic light. Voices in the darkness.) 
   HAILEY 
Who do you love more? Me or Jesus? 
   GEORGIA 
Jesus. 
(Lights up. HAILEY and her mother GEORGIA kneel on the grass beside the store room, each holding a pump-action shotgun.) 
   HAILEY 
Why? 
   GEORGIA 
He gave me you. 
   HAILEY 
That’s not an answer. Love me more! 
   GEORGIA 
OK. 
   HAILEY 
You’re not. 
   GEORGIA 
That’s right. 
   HAILEY 
What’s he done? 
   GEORGIA 
He gave me you. 
   HAILEY 
Stop saying that! 
   GEORGIA 
OK. 
   HAILEY 
What about dad? 
   GEORGIA 
Jesus tests me too. 
   HAILEY 
He punished you. 
   GEORGIA 
He didn’t punish me. He tested me. 
   HAILEY 
If you love Jesus, he shouldn’t have made Dad lose his job. You shouldn’t hurt people who love you. The Bible must say that somewhere. 
   GEORGIA 
It’s OK if you don’t believe in him. 
   HAILEY 
I believe in him, I just don’t agree with him. Teachers test you. The DMV tests you! 
   GEORGIA 
And so does Jesus. 
   HAILEY 
I thought you prayed. 
   GEORGIA 
I did. 
   HAILEY 
He’s not listening. 
   GEORGIA 
I think he is. 
    HAILEY
Then he’s cruel. And I’ll shoot him if he comes around again.

Women in the Age of Trump: STACY'S COOKIES

STACY'S COOKIES by William Ivor Fowkes is a semi-finalist for NYCPlaywrights project "Women in the Age of Trump."

WILLIAM IVOR FOWKES is a playwright based in New York City. His plays include SUNSHINE QUEST (Fresh Fruit Festival), ALL IN THE FACULTY (Dramatists Play Service), AN ACCIDENT IN THE PARK (Gallery Players, Brooklyn), THE BEST PLACE WE’VE EVER LIVED (Love Creek Productions), THE DAKOTA (Best Short Play, Downtown Urban Theater Festival), THE BRAZILIAN DILEMMA (First Prize, McLean Drama Company), THE NEXT MOVE (Best New One-Act Play, Brevard Theater), and others. For more information: www.williamivorfowkes.com.

Thanks to William Ivor Fowkes for allowing NYCPlaywrights to publish this excerpt from his play STACY'S COOKIES.

   STACY 
Okay—what’s your favorite nut? 
   KEVIN 
YOU’RE my favorite nut. 
   (KEVIN snuggles up to STACY.) 
   KEVIN 
My favorite widdle nut! 
   (KEVIN kisses STACY.) 
   STACY 
Serious! 
   KEVIN 
Uh . . . Pistachios? 
   STACY 
Bingo! 
   KEVIN 
Chocolate chips and pistachios in the same cookie? You’re a genius! 
   STACY 
And a teaspoon of that Amaretto liqueur, like always. 
   KEVIN 
You are too much! 
(KEVIN kisses STACY again. )
   STACY 
(joking)
You mean I should go on a diet?
 
   KEVIN  
No! What? 
   (realizing it’s a joke) 
Oh—ha! Ha! You know I think you’re perfect just the way you are. 
   STACY 
Watcha watching? Where’s Dancing with the Stars? 
   KEVIN 
The News . . . Another woman came forward. Says Donald Trump accosted her in the parking lot of a Seven Eleven in Florida ten years ago. Lured her into his limo and then did stuff. 
   STACY 
That’s ridiculous—Donald would never go to a Seven Eleven! 
   KEVIN 
I know. She’s makin’ it all up. 
   STACY 
Probably just wants some attention. 
   KEVIN 
That’s what they all want. Or money. Or something. 
   STACY 
And look at her! Why would Donald waste his time with someone ugly like that? He was around all those models all the time back then. 
   KEVIN 
They’ll do anything to drag him down. 
   (shouting at the TV) 
Don’t let them stop you! We believe you, Donald! 
   STACY 
And if it really happened, why’d she wait ten years to say anything? 
   KEVIN 
Cuz someone put her up to it. Paid her off or something. She’s got nothing to lose. 
   STACY 
Shameful. Shameful. 
   (They watch for a few more moments.) 
   STACY 
Look at those tears . . . 
   (softening) 
Almost seem real, though. 
   KEVIN 
She’s probably an actress. 
   (They watch for a few more moments.) 
   STACY 
   (a little more sternly) 
You know, if anything really did happen, I’m sure she was just asking for it. You know how some of these women carry on. Especially down in Florida.

MRT seeking 7 - 20 minute fully produced one act plays


Seeking 7 - 20 minute fully produced one act plays (cast, directed and ready to be performed in late January) for

TRUMPED!
THE STATE OF THE UNION!

January 25 - January 30, 2017
at Manhattan Repertory Theatre
17-19 West 45th St. Third Floor (Between 5th and 6th Ave.)

Do you have strong feelings about the outcome of our last election?
Do you have a play (or can you write a play) which might express your feelings which you can put together by the end of January for this event?
We are seeking passionate plays which explore the issues and belief systems being created by whatever just happened this past November!

To submit your play:

To submit your 7 - 20 minute play production please email:

The complete script of the play as a .pdf, (or outline if it is not written yet)
a synopsis of the play,
the character breakdown,
the set and lighting requirements,
the play's production history (if it has been produced before and where)
your mailing address, and a creative team leader contact email address to:
manhattanrep@yahoo.com by January 20, 2017 (Inauguration Day)

Please put “TRUMPED!” in the subject heading.
We will contact you within a couple days, if not sooner, as to your acceptance.

You will receive a minimum of two performances.
We will supply a technician to run the sound and lights.
We have stock furniture and set pieces for your show.
We will help you put up a great show.

Plays that we love will be accepted on a First-Come First-Served basis.
The earlier you submit the better chances you have of being accepted for we may end submissions before January 20, 2017, if we fill up all available performance slots

There is no submission fee. NON-EQUITY ONLY. 

Once accepted, there will be a $35 commitment fee.

For more information, please log on to: http://www.manhattanrep.com/

Exquisite Corpse Company Spring 2017 Writer's Lab


Exquisite Corpse Company is seeking writers to participate in the Spring 2017 Writer's Lab and Drinks & Drama Reading Series.

Led by ECC Literary Director, Blake Bishton, this month long intensive is designed to create a safe space for playwrights to come together and experiment. Writer's Lab encourages writers to create new and refreshing work. Following a unique structure that mirrors ECC's larger development process, the lab aims to inspire participants to create work that strays from their usual wheelhouse.

Each writer will generate an original one-act play by the end of the Lab.

Writers must be available for all scheduled meeting dates. Please note any scheduling conflicts or concerns on your application.

Lab Dates:
  • Wednesday, February 1, 8PM - 10PM
  • Saturday, February 4, 2PM - 4PM
  • Wednesday, February 8, 8 PM - 10PM
  • Saturday, February 11, 2PM - 4PM
  • Wednesday, February 15, 8PM - 10PM
  • Saturday, February 18, 2PM - 4PM
  • Wednesday, February 22, 8PM - 10PM
  • Saturday, February 25, 2PM- Time TBA
Each lab culminates in the bi-annual Drinks & Drama Reading Series - a three week series dedicated to presenting the first public readings of the plays presented in the lab alongside ECC company members and collaborators.

Drinks & Drama is scheduled for Tuesdays, March 14th, 21st, & 28th.

Please direct any questions or concerns to contact@exquisitecorpsecompany.com.

Submit Resume & Writing Sample through the online form.
Deadline for Submissions:

January 18, 2017 at 11:59 PM

Women in the Age of Trump: ALAYA

ALAYA by Paula Zimmerman-Taylor is a semi-finalist for NYCPlaywrights project "Women in the Age of Trump."

PAULA ZIMMERMAN-TAYLOR  is a playwright, lyricist, and video producer, whose work has been published in “The Comic Bible”, “American Anthology of Poetry”, and in “Beyond Film School.” Her plays have been produced at the Pulse Theater, La Mama La Galleria, and The Triad Theater, all in NYC. She wrote the book and lyrics for the musical SISTERS OF THE FLAMING SPIRIT.

Thanks to Paula Zimmerman-Taylor for allowing NYCPlaywrights to publish this excerpt from her monologue ALAYA.

   ALAYA 
You don’t want a b.j.? You just want to talk? Psssh, that’s a new one. I see you staring… Yeah, I’m not body perfect OK, but you friggin’ paid for me anyway. You want to hear how I got here? Well guess what, only a year ago I was studying computer coding and eyeing some big suit job like you probably have. 
Living in Trenton, digging the single life. One night I hooked up with a junior from my Psych. class and we were both pretty drunk, didn’t use birth control and ended up three weeks later with a positive pregnancy test. No big deal, I have insurance, I just figured I would abort the baby; I hadn’t been following the news, so when I went to Planned Parenthood in Columbus, they told me that abortion had been outlawed in Ohio! By some law that had quickly passed through Congress allowing the states to decide if abortions were illegal; apparently Ohio was a lot less liberal than I thought. Then, my rent went up, and I couldn’t afford to travel to another state to have it done.  
My family was pressuring me to have the baby, said they would help me with care. I really didn’t want to, but I gave in. A year later, I haven’t re-enrolled in school, I can’t get any kind of welfare benefits, and I’m working for $7.00 an hour at the local MacDonald’s just to keep food on the table. My parents’ taxes increased so much (more Trump legislation) that they couldn’t provide financial help, and I really wanted to go back to school, but with the baby and working unpredictable shifts, having to hire a sitter, and every month my rent being late, the pressure got too much. 
A friend of mine who quit her job because the boss was hitting on her and couldn’t get unemployment since that program has also been defunded told me about doing this. At first I balked at the idea, but when she said I could walk away with $500 a night, hell, I gave in. 

Sunday, January 8, 2017

Something Marvelous invites you to submit your work for our 2017 festival season

web site

We seek one acts (of at least 45 mins. length) and full-length plays, and we will select 2 - 3 works to be developed in a series of workshops with actors, a director, and our staff, culminating in a public staged reading.

Selected new plays must

1. Take place in our expected human reality, and 
2. Introduce an extra-real or magical element that the characters accept as part of their world.

If you're unsure if your piece is a good fit, check out our info on magical realism or try our interactive flowchart.

We give preference to plays that use magical realism to communicate a specific cultural experience; we seek diversity in points-of-view to represent a variety of perspectives based on gender, race, age, sexual orientation, subject matter, etc.

We encourage playwrights to let their imaginations soar and present creative challenges to our team of artists. (Hauntings are a common convention, so we are seeking fresh ideas.)

We will consider as “new”: drafts of plays that have not been read or workshopped previously, as well as revised drafts of works that have received readings but have not yet had a premiere production. Additionally, we will accept proposals for unwritten scripts if they are accompanied by a relevant sample scene or script. Playwrights may submit up to 3 works for consideration.

Please note: Playwright must be available to attend up to six workshop rehearsals and readings between February – June 2017 in Chicago, IL. Dates for public readings will be in March - June 2017; exact dates TBD pending space availability. We will work with selected playwrights to determine the best schedule for each reading.

Click here to download our brief application.

To submit: Email application and full draft, partial draft, or work sample to accompany proposal to festival@somethingmarvelous.org.
Please title email as: Your Last Name Workshop Submission.
Please format title of application as: YourLastName.YourFirstName.Application2017.pdf.
Please title script documents YourLastName.TitleOfWork.pdf.

Deadline: January 15, 2017.

Women in the Age of Trump: TRUMPETTES ANONYMOUS

TRUMPETTES ANONYMOUS  by Rex McGregor is a semi-finalist for NYCPlaywrights project "Women in the Age of Trump."

REX MCGREGOR is a New Zealand writer specializing in comedy theatre and satirical humor. His short plays have been produced on four continents from New York and London to Sydney and Kuala Lumpur. Web site: rexmcgregor.com

Thanks to Rex McGregor for allowing NYCPlaywrights to publish this excerpt from his play TRUMPETTES ANONYMOUS. Parody of Mom (TV series).

   JEL 
Can we get started? I got a new man waitin’ at home.

   WINDY

Not another father figure, I hope.

   JEL

This one’s super young. My pool guy. Miguel. Body like a Greek god.

   WINDY

Not Cupid, I hope.

   JEL

Don’t worry. I asked him if he’s legal. He said he is.

   BONY

Probably referring to his immigration status.

   JEL

Omigod! What if he’s…?

   CRUSTY

Underage?

   JEL

Mexican! Trump might deport him!

   BONY

Before you’ve finished using him? I hate it when that happens.

   WINDY

Let’s begin the session. So Jel can get home and check her young man’s status.

   JEL

Shoot, I don’t care if he’s married. If I was that fussy I’d never fill my monthly quota.

   (They all sit down.)

   WINDY

Who’d like to start?

   CRUSTY

Shouldn’t we wait for Margarine?

   WINDY

She said to go ahead without her.

   BONY

First time she’s missed a meeting.

   WINDY

She said she had something to do. All very mysterious.

   JEL

Maybe she’s got a pool guy.

   CRUSTY

She’s got a husband.

   JEL

That never stopped me.

   BONY

We know, Jel. You even had Margarine’s husband, didn’t you?   
   JEL

Before they got hitched. I don’t hookup with a friend’s current squeeze.

   BONY

I’m relieved to hear it.

   JEL

Keep an eye on your fella, Bony. You and me ain’t that close.

   WINDY

I’ll start. My name’s Windy. And I voted for Donald Trump.

   BONY, CRUSTY & JEL

Hi, Windy.

   WINDY

I have no excuse. I wasn’t happy with some aspects of Obamacare. I thought a small protest vote would stop Hillary from getting too cocky when she became President. She was miles ahead in the polls. It wasn’t supposed to end like this. I’m so sorry! I’m so sorry!

(Windy whimpers.)

   BONY, CRUSTY & JEL

Thanks, Windy.

   CRUSTY

Hi, I’m Crusty. I voted for the asshole too.

   JEL

Hi, Crusty.

   BONY

Shouldn’t that be “cavity of the glutinous maxi-whatever?”

   CRUSTY

Mom! No crosstalk!

   BONY

Maternal instincts override meeting rules.

   CRUSTY

I’ve been clean for [nine] weeks, four days and one and a half hours. My addiction is totally under control. I haven’t touched a single erotic novel. Or had a single masochistic fantasy. I’ve successfully managed a tough regime of strict self-denial.

   BONY

She always was a glutton for punishment.

Random Access Theatre Company is accepting scripts

web site

Random Access Theatre Company is accepting scripts for consideration for their 2017-2018 reading series RAWR (Random Access Workshop Readings).

RAWR develops new theatrical work from emerging New York City-based writers in a three-stage process over six months. (Please note that writers based outside the five boroughs are not eligible for this program.) 

Random Access Theatre will provide direction, space, actors and mentorship through a series of progressively larger events beginning with a small table read, continuing with an invited audience read and finally a larger public staged reading. After the staged reading, Random Access Theatre Company may consider producing the work as a part of the following mainstage season.

Scripts will be accepted after an in-person interview with the playwright. The deadline for submissions is January 15th 2017. RAWR is highly interested in theatre that imagines and reclaims work and themes of the past as a way to engage in modern issues.

Work that adapts or enters into conversation with preexisting theatre, text, mythology, folklore etc. is very appropriate. Due to the heavy focus on script development, early-stage work is most appropriate for this series. Women, people with disabilities and people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

To apply send your script with short synopsis, and your resume (as PDF attachments please) and a short letter explaining why you think your work would be a good fit for RAWR (in the body of the email is fine) to submissionsRAWR@gmail.com

Any questions you may have can also be addressed to the above email address.

Women in the Age of Trump: SEARCH TEAM

SEARCH TEAM by Clinnesha D. Sibley is a semi-finalist for NYCPlaywrights project "Women in the Age of Trump."

CLINNESHA D. SIBLEY is a published poet, essayist and award-winning playwright. For more information, visit: http://onepagerapp.com/clinneshadsibley.

Thanks to Clinnesha D. Sibley for allowing NYCPlaywrights to publish this excerpt from her play SEARCH TEAM.

   MURPHY 
This is not just about women, okay. I’m talking about job applications and your so-called “weeding out” process. Need I remind you that Donald Trump mocked a reporter with a disability? 
   JOE 
Are you comparing me to Donald Trump? 
   MURPHY 
If the oppressive structure fits. 
   JOE 
You know what. This is bullying. I’m an honest guy, alright. Honesty is the best policy. My decisions are fair and strictly professional. Unlike you, who borderline sexually harassed me this morning using the term penis. 
   MURPHY 
“Locker room talk”. 
   JOE 
Don’t. 
   MURPHY 
And you created the pile for that.  
   JOE 
Look. I don’t have a problem moving the three disabled applicants into the consideration pile. Here they are…one…two, and three. All I’m saying is this company doesn’t need another fault and liability claim. 
   MURPHY 
Do you know the health risks of sitting in a cubicle for hours at a time? Lawsuits are pending, dude. 
   JOE 
Hey, you chose this, alright, the point is, we’ve called for applicants who need to be able to-- 
   MURPHY 
Prepare travel documents, schedule monthly meetings and send out mailers. 
   JOE
We don’t have an elevator. We don’t even have a handicap ramp. 
   MURPHY
That’s exactly what our cheap boss with the penis face would say. Your logic has his watermark all over it. 
   JOE
We can’t accommodate-- 
   MURPHY 
A ramp for a wheelchair? That’s a reasonable adjustment. See, this is why this company needs an HR department. Because this “search team” has a discrimination problem. 
   JOE 
I’m discriminating? 
   MURPHY 
Yes! I know discrimination when I see it. I’ve had dyslexia my entire life! 
   JOE 
Dyslexia is not a learning disability anymore. It’s just a way of learning. 
   MURPHY 
Whatever you say Joe. You’re an expert. And apparently the head of the search team. With your sorting strategies. 
   JOE 
Murphy. 
   MURPHY 
What… 
   JOE 
Nothing. Just. All I ask is that you re-read the job description.
   MURPHY 
You read the job description, Joe. Read it over and over and over and over again. Read the job description and note the disclaimer that job duties and responsibilities may change depending on the evolution of the company. 
   JOE 
I know the disclaimer-- 
   MURPHY 
Be sure and note, Joe, the verbiage regarding Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action that clearly states-- 
   JOE
I know the statement! It’s how you got here! 
   (A beat.) 
I’m sorry. I didn’t mean that in a… 
   MURPHY 
Honesty is the best policy, right? 
   (MURPHY sips HER coffee and continues looking through the applications. JOE adds the three applications from disabled applicants to the pile for consideration.)

PLAYLIGHT THEATRE COMPANY SPOTLIGHT SERIES PROPOSAL

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SPOTLIGHT SERIES PROPOSAL FORM
2017 SEASON

PLEASE NOTE BEFORE SUBMITTING:
  • Only ONE submission per author. Proposals with additional submissions will not be considered.
  • All submissions should be a full-length, one- or two-act script.
  • Authors must be NYC-based or live within commutable distance. Authors outside of the NYC/Greater Metropolitan area will not be considered.
  • You will be asked to provide the following: 
  • 2 seperate copies of your script: (1) copy with the author’s name and contact info, and (1) copy WITHOUT the author’s name and contact info
  • Demo Recordings (For musicals only)
  • Author Resume
  • Author Bio
  • Additional material (If applicable)
DEADLINE: 11:59PM, Sunday, January 15, 2017

Women in the Age of Trump: GRUMPY FRUMP IN A SLUMP

GRUMPY FRUMP IN A SLUMP by Janet M. Bristow is a semi-finalist for NYCPlaywrights project "Women in the Age of Trump."

JANET M. BRISTOW  is an older woman living in the Plains who believes like Tracy Letts wrote in August: Osage County "This is the Plains: a state of mind, right, some spiritual affliction, like the Blues?". This spiritual affliction, she believes, adds a tang to her plays.


Professional web site
https://sites.google.com/site/janetmbristowplays/

Thanks to Janet M. Bristow for allowing NYCPlaywrights to publish this excerpt from her monologue GRUMPY FRUMP IN A SLUMP.

I need trigger point Trump warnings. Trigger point is a rock and roll phrase, I think. Now I know politicians will have moral warts but Donald Trump is a witches coven of warts. I got to sit a little now. The news of Trump university was particularly painful to me. To so obviously, blatantly defraud ordinary people was breathtaking. You know me. I mean I am not some shy violet that is easily offended, shocked or dissed. Yeah “dissed” is another rock and roll term. I was a computer programmer, analyst, IT department head or business owner from the ‘60s through the ‘80s’. I would be the only woman at classes and conferences so I know how many real pricks there were. But I thought we were mostly done with that or at least it was not accepted where there were Human Resources departments or television coverage. Remember when I was once told I could not get the large raise I was due because my boss was afraid everyone would think he was sleeping with me. Yeah, I responded “I do not care what they think. I want the money”.

Saturday, January 7, 2017

The City Theatre of Independence Playwright Festival 2017

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This notice is to announce the submission guidelines for 2017. Please refer to the following rules before submitting your play(s).
Theme: Playwright’s Choice

Submission dates for the Playwright Festival are from January 1 to January 15, 2017. A limited number of submissions will be accepted.

Rules
  • The short play must have a run time of 10-15 minutes.
  • Work must be original and not be published or produced before June 2017.
  • Maximum of four cast members.
  • Must be performed on one set: 1 loveseat, 1 side table, 2 straight-backed chairs, 1 ottoman, and 1 hall tree.
Submit plays to email address: playwrightsubmissionscti@gmail.com. Only the first 75 plays received will be accepted.

IMPORTANT: Please email two copies of each play, one with your full contact information, one without any identification.

No entry fee required

Plays that do not meet these guidelines will not be considered. Please note that plays will not be returned.

Thank you for your interest! We look forward to another successful festival!

Awards
Awards will be given for Best Overall Production and Best Script.

Performance Dates

July 27th, 28th, 29th, and 30th, 2017

Women in the Age of Trump: PRIVATE

PRIVATE by Erin Pollack is a semi-finalist for NYCPlaywrights project "Women in the Age of Trump."

ERIN POLLACK is currently a first year student at SUNY Purchase College, studying as a double major in Theatre & Performance and Playwriting & Screenwriting. She would like to thank her professors and fellow students at SUNY Purchase who have challenged, supported, and encouraged her to keep working on her art. http://erinpollack.wixsite.com/erinpollack

(Colorful party lights. Loud music. Laughter. There is a small bathroom stage right. Stage left is a living room. There is a couch with a table in front of it filled with beer bottles, plastic cups, and two bongs. On the couch sits AMY and DULANEY, each with a beer in hand. On the floor sits JOHN and MITCH, passing a bowl back and forth. The boys in this scene are very dorky, not your average douchebag. THOMAS and RACHEL stand up in the bathroom putting on clothes.)
 
   THOMAS 
God, that was so fucking good. 
   RACHEL 
I’ve been told that. 
   THOMAS 
Ugh, slut. You’re so good. 
   (THOMAS kisses RACHEL.) 
   RACHEL 
Thomas, I...
   THOMAS 
Shh. Now remember don’t make this obvious. 
   RACHEL 
This? 
   THOMAS 
Hey, shut up. Just keep this private. Alright? 
   RACHEL 
Yeah, sure. 
   THOMAS 
Okay, I’m going to go out first then just take a couple minutes then you can come out after. 
   RACHEL 
Yeah, okay. 
(THOMAS exits the bathroom.) 
   RACHEL 
Shit. 
   (RACHEL stays in the bathroom. Anxious. Finally decides to exit.) 
   RACHEL 
Hey guys! 
   DULANEY 
Rachel! Where did you go? 
   RACHEL 
Oh, my mom called. Just told her I won’t be back tonight. 
   (RACHEL joins her girl friends on the couch, they hand her a beer.) 
   JOHN 
Thomas, you were gone for like thirty minutes. Are you seriously not going to tell us where you
went, bro?
 
   THOMAS 
Shit, man, where do you think? 
   MITCH 
Are you fucking kidding me!? 
   THOMAS 
Hell yeah, man. I swear, it’s the ones with the shitty lives that are the best. They open up so easy,
man, I swear.
 
   MITCH 
Lucky bastard, I had my eyes on her. 
   JOHN 
Well... We’ve got three perfect pairs. And all of those bitches seem to be whiny whores with daddy issues...

QUEERLY BELOVED 10 minute plays for Valentine's Day

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The Village Playwrights announce a call for submissions for QUEERLY BELOVED staged readings of 10 minute plays to celebrate Valentine's Day on February 22, 2017 from 8 to 10 pm at the LGBT Community Center, NYC.

Requirements:
Playwrights must be from Metro New York area
  • Plays must be under 10 minutes. 
  • Plays must have a LGBTQ and romance/relationship theme
  • Plays are to be read script in hand, minimally staged with no props; actors must stand
  • You must produce the reading of your own play including casting and a minimum of 2 hours rehearsal .
  • Deadline Friday, January 13, 2017, 5 pm.
  • No fee to submit

To Submit:
send your play as an attachment to villageplaywrights@gmail.com
your name and contact information should be in the body of the email but not on the script.
put the name of your script on the subject line

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