M. T. Pockets Theatre open for season submissions

 Website

Deadline: September 30, 2025 11:59 PM

Submit on the online form

Submissions are open for our 2026 season. 

We will continue taking submissions after this date for our 2027 season. 

Up to 4 selections will be made from the submissions, and authors will be notified by email on November 15, 2025. Announcement of the 2026 season will be made on Dec. 2, 2025 - the National Day of Giving.

Mission

To enhance the theatre community in Morgantown, West Virginia and surrounding regions by presenting live performances of classic, contemporary and new works that promote women and minorities in the arts; provide a venue for alternative theatre that addresses contemporary and sensitive issues through performance; provide a venue for new works and support the work of emerging playwrights and artists without bias; provide theatre accessible to those whom otherwise might not have the opportunity to experience live theatre due to physical, financial or geographical limitations.

Voices of Color, the 2025 One Act Play Festival

Website

Deadline: April 11, 2025 by 5PM EDT

To begin the script submission process, please click HERE.

Carrollwood Players Theatre, Tampa’s longest operating non-profit community theatre, announces a call for submissions of original short plays for Voices of Color, the 2025 One Act Play Festival.

From July 11th – 19th, 2025, Carrollwood Players Theatre will present 8 original short plays focusing on the stories, perspectives and experiences of the BIPOC community.

At each of the 6 performances, audiences will experience all 8 short plays in one theatrical presentation.

We are looking for comedies, dramas, fantasies, mysteries, thrillers, farces, the avant garde, and everything in between.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Plays must be no shorter than 10 minutes performance time and no longer than 15 minutes performance time.

The subject matter of the play must fit within the theme of the festival. We are seeking to tell stories about all aspects of the BIPOC experience.

Submission deadline is 5 p.m. eastern on Friday, April 11th, 2025. Late submissions will not be considered. Early submissions are encouraged!

We will accept a maximum of two short plays from each playwright.

There is no submission fee.

We will accept submissions of English language scripts from anywhere in the world.

Due to the large number of submissions we receive, we regret we cannot individually acknowledge the receipt or status of your submission. Writers of plays selected for the festival will be notified.

The selected plays will be announced by Carrollwood Players Theatre in early May of 2025.

Plays must be submitted electronically in PDF format. We will not accept any scripts by mail.

We prefer plays with a cast requirement ranging from 3-6 people and the ability to be performed on a simple, representational stage.

We prefer submissions written by members of the BIPOC community, but we will consider all submissions.

Your PDF script submission must include a cover page with the playwright’s name, city/state/country, phone number and email address as well as a 1 paragraph description/synopsis of the play (sell us your play!) and a character/casting breakdown.

Carrollwood Players Theatre will select plays to be presented in the festival.

If selected, Carrollwood Players will appoint a director and organize the casting and production of your play at our festival.

Carrollwood Players does not pay a royalty for performances of your short play in the festival, however there is a cash prize for the first and second place plays as determined by audience voting. There is a $100 prize for first place and a $50 prize for second place. Playwrights will also receive complimentary admission to attend a performance if desired.

OnyxFest 2025

Website

Deadline: April 27, 2025 at 11:59 PM 

Submit via this Google Form.

Scripts must be submitted by new playwrights. The Africana Repertory Theatre of IU-Indianapolis defines a new playwright as: someone that has not had more than 1 full-length play professionally produced (i.e. by a professional theatre company with paid actors and crew; readings and workshops do not constitute as a professional production); someone that has not been published professionally by a recognized play publisher; someone who has not received high-level awards or recognition in the playwright field.

Playwright may submit multiple scripts but only one script per playwright will be selected.

Playwrights must have production rights for this play.

Playwrights must self-identify as Black. The Africana Repertory Theatre of IU-Indianapolis defines a Black person as someone who is a descendant of and/or identifies with the specific community within the African diaspora.

Scripts submissions should be relevant to experiences, themes, stories, perspectives, issues, challenges, and celebrations that relate to Black life, history, social and/or cultural impact. However, we support and encourage representation from all ethnicities and allow for some of that to be incorporated in submitted material.

Playwright agrees and understands that if their script is selected for production, then the show will be produced in Indianapolis, Indiana. Playwrights are highly encouraged to hire Indiana based cast and crew. (*Note: Whereas Black artists worldwide are welcome, any travel expenses and arrangements will be solely the responsibility of the playwright’s party and not be covered by the festival in any form of grant or reimbursement.)

Judging and Selection Process:

All scripts will be read and rated by a minimum of two readers.
Positively rated scripts will be passed on to the board for final decision.
Judges will make final decisions based on readers’ reviews criteria/areas here.

Your scripts will be housed via google documents, and we will change the sharing/permissions to be view only so readers nor anyone with the link is unable to download, copy, or print your script.

Event Timeline

• March 20-April 27: Submissions open on March 20th and soft close on April 27th.
• April 27-May 4th: The first round of received submission readings will begin with a hard close on incoming submissions on May 4th.
• May 19th: The second round of received submissions will be completed.
• June 19th: Winners of the stage play competition are announced.
• November 7-16th: OnyxFest Performances will take place.

Finalist Details:

Selected playwrights will receive a production stipend to bring their vision to life. 

Playwrights will have the opportunity to engage with audiences and industry professionals through post-show discussions. 

Each selected play will be performed twice per weekend.

Let us know your questions at africanarepertorytheatre@gmail.com.

Thrown Stone Theatre Company CT Short Play Fest

Website

Deadline: May 5, 2025

SUBMISSION FORM

Thrown Stone Theatre Company invites playwrights to submit short plays for the inaugural CT Short Play Fest, hosted in conjunction with the SoNo Arts Festival on Saturday, August 2, 2025.

The CT Short Play Fest gives playwrights the opportunity to see their work performed and adjudicated before a live audience at the SoNo Arts Festival. In its inaugural year, the Fest will feature five plays in the afternoon session focused on teen and young adult playwrights, the winner of which will advance to the evening session to compete against five additional selections.

Please read the complete guidelines below before submitting, as multiple submissions are not allowed. If you have any questions prior to submitting, please contact us.

THE FEST IS PERFORMED IN TWO SESSIONS:

AFTERNOON SESSION

Five short plays written by high school- and college-aged playwrights. The winner of this session will advance to compete in the evening session.

EVENING SESSION

Five short plays by practicing playwrights who have had at least one previous professional or academic production, plus the winner of the afternoon session.

All plays will be adjudicated by a panel of industry professionals, who will provide feedback and select winners from each session.

Please Note: All selected plays will be presented as script-in-hand staged readings.

FEST DETAILS

Date: Saturday, August 2, 2025

Afternoon Session: 2pm
Evening Session: 6pm
Venue: The Crystal Theatre, 66 Bayview Ave, Norwalk, CT 06850

REQUIREMENTS

Playwrights should submit the following via our submission form:

• Script: The complete short play in PDF format.
• Synopsis: A brief (150-word max) synopsis of the play.
• Character Breakdown: A description of all characters, including any specifications for race, age, gender, etc., if applicable.
• Playwright Bio: A brief bio, including your experience as a playwright.

GUIDELINES

• Length: Submissions must be between 7 and 12 minutes in performance time and a maximum of 15 pages in length.
• Format: Scripts should be formatted in standard playwriting style and submitted as a PDF.
• Eligibility: Submissions must be original and not previously published, produced, or performed at any prior festival.
• Cast Size: Scripts must feature a cast of no less than two and no more than six actors. While the script can include more than six characters, the roles must be covered by no more than six actors. Solo shows will not be considered.
• Actors: Plays will be read by a dedicated house cast of 8-10 professional actors, selected and managed by Thrown Stone Theatre Company. This ensemble will perform all roles and stage directions for the festival. Non-traditional casting is likely, and will be handled respectfully according to the requirements of the play.
• Staging Requirements:Scripts should be suitable for a minimalist staging format, with actors reading from music stands.
• Minimal or no use of props, lights, sound, or other technical elements is required.
• Stage directions will be read aloud by members of the house cast unless otherwise specified in the script.
• Language: There is no restriction on the language, but if not in English, accurate translations must be provided with the submission, and the material must be reasonably understood by an English-speaking audience.
• Originality: Scripts must be original; unpublished; not previously produced; not previously selected or adjudicated in any festival; owned entirely by the playwright; and not generated in whole or in part by artificial intelligence.
• You Belong: Thrown Stone Theatre Company encourages submissions from playwrights of all backgrounds and identities.

SUBMISSION PROCESS

Please note that we will accept and review up to 100 submissions for each session. Early submissions are encouraged as the review process will close once this limit is reached.

THROWN STONE THEATRE COMPANY WILL PROVIDE A venue at the Crystal Theatre, including a basic lighting plot, pre-set general lighting cues, and basic sound equipment.
A professional house cast for all roles and stage directions, as well as music stands and chairs for use during staged readings.
Front- and back-of-house personnel, including a board operator if needed.
Recognition of the selections and winners on Thrown Stone Theatre Company’s website.

PLAYWRIGHT RESPONSIBILITIES

Playwrights are encouraged to: Attend rehearsals
Collaborate with the creative team on any necessary script updates

TIMELINE

Submissions Open: March 5, 2025
Submission Deadline: May 5, 2025
Selection Notification: June 16, 2025
Fest: August 2, 2025

EVALUATION CRITERIA

Submissions will be evaluated on:

• Originality: Does the play present a unique perspective or idea?
• Theatricality: How well does the play use the tools of live performance?
• Central Dramatic Question: Is there a clear and compelling central dramatic question driving the play?
• Feasibility: Plays should be adaptable for performance by the house cast, with consideration given to flexible casting within the ensemble.
• Fun: Short plays for a festival should be fun. If your play isn’t fun, there should be a fun reason it isn’t.

FEST RECOGNITION

Selected plays will be recognized on Thrown Stone Theatre Company’s website under the categories:Fest Selections TYA: 

Afternoon Session (Teen/Young Adult) Selections.
Fest Selections: Evening Selections.
Winners from each session will also be indicated on the website. Selections may be linked to their corresponding pages on newplayexchange.org if applicable.

ABOUT THROWN STONE THEATRE COMPANY

Thrown Stone Theatre Company is the only professional theatre in Connecticut exclusively dedicated to new work from commission to development to production. Learn more and book tickets at thrownstone.org.

Nashville Rep Ingram New Works Project

Website

Deadline: May 30, 2025 at 5PM CST

APPLICATION PAGE

Looking for exciting and inspiring plays with a dynamic voice, an interesting point of view, and a strong sense of narrative momentum. We are looking for a play script that is in progress. That progress can be an early unfinished draft, a few pages written with an outline and synopsis, or a fully completed first draft. Overall, we must comprehend the concept of the play and where the playwright intends to take the piece.

We will only accept one submission per person.

We will accept a play already in very early development. However, we highly encourage brand new plays and early drafts to be submitted.

The Ingram New Works Lab is not designed for plays that have already received development with other programs. We highly encourage brand new plays and early drafts to be submitted.

Housing, travel, and hospitality are provided to all Lab playwrights. Local playwrights are also strongly encouraged to apply.

Do I have to be in Nashville for the entire 2025-2026 season?
No. Each playwright selected will be chosen for one (1) on-site lab week.

The 2024-2025 Lab Weeks are as follows:

Lab 1: October 6-11, 2025

Lab 2: January 12-17, 2026

Lab 3: March 9-14, 2026

Do playwrights have to attend all dates?

No. We will focus on one play for each lab week. Playwrights will attend the lab week for their play. In addition, some Zoom/online workshops will take place.
What can I expect if I’m selected for the Ingram New Works lab?

Each playwright will be given the resources needed to work on their script and take it to the next level. Each play will be staffed with a director and dramaturg, and each play will be cast with actors. Before attending an in-person lab week, the playwright will take part in 1-2 Zoom readings and workshops. This will give the playwright time to make changes and re-writes before coming onsite for their lab week.

For lab week, playwrights arrive early in the week. There will be 3 to 5 lab sessions throughout the week catered to the needs of the playwright. We realize each play has specific needs, so time will be allowed for playwrights to do readings, work sessions, re-writes, dramaturgical work, and discussions. These sessions will include work with a director and dramaturg as well as professional actors from the Nashville region. The week will culminate in a reading.

In addition to Lab sessions, weeks in Nashville also include opportunities to experience our great city and connect with the larger community of artists in Nashville.
What materials do I need to send to apply?

Applicants must send the following:

A cover letter of intent introducing yourself and telling us why you would be a good fit for this program. You should also pitch your play in this letter, detailing why you want to develop this play now and your connection to the material.

• A draft of the proposed play. Please keep in mind this can be any of the following:
• An early, unfinished draft
• A few pages written with an outline or synopsis
• A completed first draft.
• Overall, we must comprehend the overall concept of the play and where the playwright intends to take the piece.
• A professional resume
• A full-length sample play that best represents your work. Materials must be sent by using the form on our Applications page.

Yes, we are now accepting musical submissions for the 2025-2026 Season. If you are submitting a musical proposal, you should also include links to any early audio reference demos or recordings of your work.

Who reads the submissions?

Submissions are read by a combination of professional readers, community stakeholders, Ingram Lab alumni, and Nashville Rep artistic staff.

What happens after I submit?

You will be notified by email that we have received your application. Finalists will be notified by email, and many finalists will be asked to take part in Zoom interviews. A public announcement of the 2025/26 Lab playwrights will be made in late July/early August.
What is the deadline for submissions?
The submission deadline is Friday, May 30 at 5pm CST.
What if my question isn’t answered in this FAQ?

Additional questions can be sent to Yolanda Treece, Artistic Associate at yolanda@nashvillerep.org

321 Plays for Trans Futures Submissions

Instagram site

Deadline: May 1, 2025

 SUBMISSION FORM

321 Plays for Trans Futures is an 11-hour long performance art show centering work & artists within the gender expansive community. You do not need to identify as trans/gnc/nonbinary in order to submit, but we will prioritize work centering trans+ experience for this piece.

We are seeking writers, artists, and musicians to submit work responding to the following prompts: Birthplaces, Homes, Memorials, Creation for Survival, & Futures. These prompts are the themes of each ~2-hour long movement within the show. We are specifically seeking work that can be performed in 2-5 minutes, but are also open to longer and non-temporal works. These prompts are meant to serve as an inspiration-- if your work lives outside the scope of these themes, please submit it anyways.

We will cast an ensemble to perform all 11 hours of content. If you live in the Chicago area & would like to perform your own piece, please indicate that in the form below. If you're a performer, keep an eye on our social media for a casting call for the ensemble.

Please submit a piece that you'd like to see featured in this project by May 1st, 2025. We will accept submissions on a rolling basis. After submitting, PLEASE keep an eye on your email.

We will pay each selected artist $15. You may submit as many pieces as you'd like for consideration, but you will receive a flat $15 if any of your work is selected for 321 Plays for Trans Futures.

Missed the Boat Theatre New Works Festival

Website

Deadline: April 30, 2025 at 11:59 PM

SUBMIT VIA GOOGLE DOCS

Missed the Boat Theatre’s inaugural New Works Festival will take place with staged readings in September 2025 at a venue to be determined in the Twin Cities, Minnesota. This festival is an opportunity designed to support and encourage the development of new plays and musicals from a Catholic Christian worldview. 2-4 scripts will be selected to receive a rehearsal workshop with a director and performers culminating in a public staged reading followed by a moderator-led talkback. Notification of selection will be made by June 1, 2025.

The mission of Missed the Boat Theater is to foster, vibrant, Catholic community by producing quality, artistic creations on the stage. Playwrights do not necessarily need to be Catholic or write about religious topics; however, submissions that draw conclusions of defiance or hostility towards the teachings of the Catholic Church will not be considered. 

We are open to works that grapple with the challenging realities of human existence, but works should ultimately present a Catholic worldview in their totality. If you have questions about this, feel free to reach out to newworks@missedtheboattheatre.com.

Document Formatting Criteria

Submitted as a single PDF—one file only (with the exception of musicals, which can be uploaded in two files: one for the book and one for the score). No hard copies accepted. 

Submissions must be blinded: any script (or score) that contains personal information about the playwright, including their name, will not be considered.

Page 1 MUST include: a brief summary of the play’s plot (200-word maximum), the setting, and a cast list that includes each character’s name, along with a brief description.

Works must be the original work of the submitting playwright(s), and must include written permission from any contributing writers for submission.

Works must be a full-length play or musical of at least 80 minutes. If submitting a musical, you must include the book and score, for at least piano accompaniment, as well as recorded audio files of 2-3 demo songs.

Casts can be of any size in the script, though please be aware that extra doubling or consolidation of ensembles may occur for the Festival staged reading if your script is selected.

Works may include sections of dialogue in other languages, however the majority of text must be in English.

Work must never have been performed as a full production (previous staged readings are acceptable).

Limit one submission per author. If you do submit more than one piece, only the one submitted first will be read.

Keegan Theatre Boiler Room Series commission

Website

Deadline: April 15, 2025

SUBMIT VIA SUBMITTABLE

Submissions are now open to become a Keegan Theatre Boiler Room Series supported (commission, play development, and production royalties) playwright for our 29th and 30th seasons. 

Keegan Theatre, a professional non-equity theater in Washington, DC, is now accepting submissions from playwrights for a unique opportunity that includes a commission, development process, and full production of a new work. Two playwrights will be chosen to either create a brand-new play or complete an unfinished work to reach a workshop-ready draft. This process will include a workshop leading to a public reading, interview, and audience talkback, culminating in a world premiere full production as part of Keegan's highly anticipated 30th Anniversary 2026-2027 season.

Submissions should include four (4) samples of your written work, which can be excerpts from completed pieces, works in progress, or even a pitch for a brand-new idea. The goal is to understand your style, interests, and areas of focus through these submissions. Each sample should be no longer than 10 pages, but multiple samples can be taken from the same larger work.

Your work samples and pitches should reflect the theater’s mission and our dedication to equity, diversity, and inclusion: To immerse audiences in the essence of theater through extraordinary artists in an intimate setting, delving into the human experience. We aim to build connections and inspire positive change within our community through dynamic, inclusive, and empowering education and outreach initiatives.

Submitted samples should not have undergone significant development, such as beyond a reading or closed feedback session, nor have they received a full production at another theater. We are seeking genuinely NEW material and ideas.

Submissions will be evaluated by Keegan Theatre's Artistic Development Team along with a panel of independent playwrights, directors, and editors. In May 2025, twenty (20) playwrights will be shortlisted for further consideration, from which the two (2) official BRS Playwrights for Cohort #8 will be chosen.

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications that do not fully or accurately address the prompts will also not be reviewed.

Thank you for your interest in creating, developing, and premiering a new play with Keegan Theatre's Boiler Room Series. We look forward to learning more about you and your work.

BabelFest: A Festival of New American Plays seeks full-length plays

Website

Deadline: May 16, 2025

SUBMISSION FORM

BabelFest: A Festival of New American Plays at Redhouse House Arts Center, Syracuse, NY Submission Guidelines

Redhouse Arts Center is seeking groundbreaking new plays and musicals that feature new voices and new perspectives. The festival will be curated by respected arts leaders in the Central New York area and around the country. One new play and one new musical will be selected for two public staged readings at Redhouse Arts Center in Syracuse. Submissions are free.

Winners Announced: July 7, 2025

Festival Dates: September 25 - September 28, 2025

• Scripts must be submitted in PDF format.
• Scripts must be completed drafts. No incomplete drafts or treatments
• Scripts must be unproduced and unpublished. Readings and/or workshops are acceptable.
• Playwright (and collaborators if applicable) are the sole owners of script copyright.

On the cover of your script, please include;

NAME OF PLAY

PLAYWRIGHT’S NAME

CONTACT INFORMATION [Address, Phone Number, Email Address]

Script Summary

CHARACTER BREAKDOWN

SETTING

TIME PERIOD

Supporting Materials

COVER LETTER

BIO OF PLAYWRIGHT and COLLABORATORS

MUSIC FILES [for musical submissions only]

Playwright Eligibility

Playwright must be 18 years of age or older by the scheduled dates of the festival. Playwright must be a citizen of the United States. Playwright may submit more than one script.

Winning Playwrights

Redhouse will choose 2 new works; 1 musical and 1 play. Winners notified by email in mid June. Winners must be available to participate in the festival.

Winning playwrights will have access to Redhouse Arts Center facilities to continue to develop their work during business hours. Top level local actors and top level local directors will be chosen to rehearse in the evening for one week, culminating in two public staged readings of each chosen new work. Playwrights will have the opportunity to edit their work between readings.

Chosen playwrights will receive a $1,000 commission for their work.

Out of town playwrights will be given travel and accommodations at Redhouse’s expense.

A playwright and cast talkback will follow each staged reading

Redhouse will market and advertise each new work chosen

Semi finalists, and finalists will be announced in each category. Feedback available upon request.

Please visit theredhouse.org audition and submissions page for submission links

Email babelfest@theredhouse.org with questions

Hello Godot - FreshWords' One-Minute Existential Play Anthology

Website

Deadline: May 5, 2025

1. Theme and Tone

Plays must explore existential themes such as meaning, futility, waiting, hope, despair, or the absurdity of existence.

Tone can range from darkly humorous to poignant or tragic, but should align with the spirit of existential literature (e.g., Beckett, Camus, Sartre).

Submissions should resonate with the idea of "waiting for Godot" or the search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe.


2. Format and Structure

Each play must be exactly one minute in length when performed. This typically translates to 1-2 pages of dialogue or action.

Plays should be minimalist, with a focus on concise, impactful dialogue and action.

Maximum of 2-3 characters per play to maintain simplicity and focus.

Stage directions should be minimal but clear.


3. Originality

Submissions must be original, unpublished works.

Plays should not infringe on any existing copyrights or intellectual property.

Adaptations or reimaginings of existing works (e.g., Waiting for Godot) are acceptable as long as they are transformative and original.


4. Submission Details

Submit your play as a PDF or Word document with the file name: HelloGodot_YourName_PlayTitle.

Include a cover page with:

Play title

Your full name

Contact information (email, phone number)

A brief bio (50-70 words)

Email your submission to dramaanthologyfreshwords@gmail.com with the subject line: Submission: Hello Godot – [Your Name].

5. Rights

Playwrights will retain copyright to their individual works.

6. Deadline

Submissions must be received by May 5th, 2025. Late submissions will not be considered.

7. Selection Process

Submissions will be reviewed by a panel of editors and theatre professionals.

Selected playwrights will be notified via email by May 10th, 2025.

We look forward to receiving your one-minute existential masterpieces! Let’s explore the absurd, the profound, and the fleeting moments that define our existence together.

New American Play Festival

Website

Deadline: April 15, 2025

• Only unproduced and unpublished scripts are eligible for consideration. No musicals.
• The submission must include a synopsis and character list/breakdown.
• The playwrights are expected to attend the rehearsals and reading presentations.
• Playwrights from across the country are encouraged to submit.
• Manuscripts must be typed in the standard play format and must include the playwright’s contact information.
• You must submit the consent/information form.
• Play scripts may be delivered by regular mail, in person, or using the submission form on our website.
• For in-person or mailed-in submissions, please include a stamped self-addressed envelope if you wish your manuscript to be returned.

April 15, 2025 deadline will be considered. Notification of selected writers by June 30, 2025.

Play scripts may be delivered by regular mail, in person or using this submission form. Include a stamped self-addressed envelope if you wish your manuscript returned. Send manuscripts to:

School of Theatre, Dance, and Film | Texas State University
601 University Drive San Marcos, Texas 78666
ATTN: New American Play Festival

Woodward/Newman Award 2026-27

Website

Deadline: August 31, 2025

Each play should be individually submitted at the following link: CONSTELLATION STAGE & SCREEN PLAY SUBMISSION.

We are currently accepting submissions for the 2026-27 Woodward/Newman Award. The award recipient will be announced by May 15, 2026. The winner will be awarded $3,000 and a full production.“Full-length” plays should have a complete running time of between 1 hour 15 minutes (75 minutes) to 2 hours 15 minutes (135 minutes). 

TYA shows should have a complete running time of over 40 minutes.

Plays submitted must be unpublished at the time of submission (independently published is acceptable).

You will be asked to submit your play as an attachment and all other information (bio, history, synopsis, character breakdown) will be entered into a form. 

• Musical submissions may upload demos as an attachment or include a link to a shared folder.
• Limit of 2 play submissions per year.
• $3,000 cash prize is in lieu of royalties for the full production. Housing & transportation will also be provided.
• Any unpublished play submitted to Constellation regardless of method (e.g. online form, agent submission, direct contact) may be considered for the Woodward/Newman Award.

Please note that we are moving away from a “finalists” model in lieu of keeping all plays under consideration for extended periods (2yrs). We will only announce a winner.

If you have any questions, please email literary@seeconstellation.org.

HINDSIGHT 2025 International Short Play Festival seeks 10-minute plays

Website

Deadline: May 1, 2025

Left Edge Theatre, Santa Rosa, California

How to apply:

In fewer than 100 words, tell us how your play addresses the theme “Tyranny.”

Email your answer together with your play (in Word or pdf format only) to: jenny@leftedgetheatre.com 

Two Staged Readings of 10 x 10-minute plays

Saturday, July 19 and Sunday, July 20 at The California Theatre, Santa Rosa, CA

Left Edge Theatre is calling for submissions of new short plays for its annual Hindsight Festival, now in its fifth year. Left Edge is located at The California Theatre in downtown Santa Rosa, Sonoma County - the heart of wine country and just an hour’s drive north of San Francisco.

Playwrights from around the world are invited to send in submissions. Winners will have the opportunity to meet and discuss their work with the director and cast before the performance, online or in person.

The Theme: TYRANNY

Hindsight plays focus on events happening now or within the last 12 months. Our theme this year is tyranny in all its forms – political, domestic, or any other version you feel truly passionate about. Your play can be in any genre, but it must be new, current, and demonstrate the theme “Tyranny” in creative and imaginative ways. We are looking for plays that challenge and inspire us to think, feel and act.


The Rules:

Your play must be no longer than 10 minutes.

Your play must not have been previously performed in Sonoma County, CA.

Playwrights may only submit up to two plays each.

Small casts preferred.

Stage directions will be read aloud during performance and are encouraged to help set the scene and explain the action.

Playwrights must include a brief explanation of why the play fits the theme “Tyranny.”

Why you should apply:

10 winning plays will receive two live staged readings by Left Edge actors at The California Theatre, a performing arts venue in downtown Santa Rosa.

Winning plays will be published in a print collection.

The performances will be filmed and a free link of the recordings made available to you.

Winning playwrights will gain exposure and new relationships with the Left Edge artistic community and Sonoma County audiences.



Questions? Email: jenny@leftedgetheatre.com

Don McCann Playwriting Contest 2025

Website

Deadline: June 15, 2025

The Oswego Players were established in 1938 as a non-profit community theater organization dedicated to live theater productions and theater education for Oswego area residents. Consistent with those goals, a playwriting contest was established to promote the creation of original, one-act plays by contemporary authors.

The contest is FREE and open to any playwright who is 18 years or older and resides (or attends college) in the state of New York.

• All plays must be based on original concepts (no adaptions of any works or no verse plays), unpublished and unproduced.
• The Oswego Players reserves the right to produce and perform any of the prize winners.
• The content, theme, and time period of the play are at the discretion of the writer.
• Since a live production of the of at least one of the prize winners is planned* simplicity is highly recommended:
• One act, single set, with a run time of 20 to 30
• Written so it can be staged with minimal set, props, lighting and sound effects, and costume design.
• The story should not exceed eight characters due to the potential unavailability of actors.
• All entries must include a cover page which includes the name of the play, name of the playwright, and an updated address, phone number, and email address.

Provided there are enough entries, the following cash prizes will be awarded:
– 1st Prize: $250.00 – 2nd Prize: $150.00 – 3rd Prize: $75.00

Submissions must be received by June 15th of the contest year and sent either electronically to osweplay@yahoo.com or through the mail, Donald J. McCann Memorial Playwriting Contest, P.O. Box 183, Oswego, NY 13126.

The writers of any of the prize winners automatically gives permission to the Oswego Players, Inc. to make copies of the script for rehearsal purposes.
Submission of an entry will constitute agreement by the writer/author to the terms described herein.

* Consistent with the organizational goals of the Oswego Players, Inc., it is their desire to produce a live stage production of the winning entry within a year of its selection. However, the organization reserves the right to opt out of this provision due to unforeseen, extenuating circumstances.

Call for Submissions: Brave Voices Short-Play Festival

Website

Deadline: March 31, 2025 @11:59PM

Are you a playwright with a passion for telling stories that center around LGBTQIA+, POC, and other marginalized voices? We want to hear from you! Brave Voices, a short-play festival celebrating underrepresented perspectives, is now accepting submissions of original 10-minute plays.

Theme: Stories must center around LGBTQIA+, POC, or marginalized characters. All genres (including horror) are welcome.

Length: 10-minute plays (approximately 8–10 pages).

Originality: All plays must be unpublished (though prior productions are permitted) and should be suitable for a low-budget black box theater.

Submission Format: Scripts should be submitted as a PDF or Word document, with a cover page that includes the title of the play, your name, and contact information.

Playwrights of selected works will receive a $50 honorarium and their work will be part of the Brave Voices Short-Play Festival in August 2025 at Boxland in Columbus, Ohio.
Notifications:

Selected playwrights will be notified via email by April 20, 2025.
How to Submit:

Please send your script to boxlandsubmissions@gmail.com with the subject line: "Brave Voices – [Your Play Title]."

Boxland Inc., is a 501c3 non-profit supporting Central Ohio multimedia artists. We provide a platform for artists, actors, and other creatives to showcase their work.

Our mission is to facilitate the production of quality creative multimedia and provide a safe, fair, stable, and supportive launchpad for the artists who produce it.

Surfside Playhouse Readers' Theater

Website

Deadline: April 11, 2025

It’s the second season of Readers’ Theater: From the Script to the Stand, at Surfside Playhouse. This season shows are the second Saturday during the run of a mainstage show and will take place @ 8pm in the main auditorium.

Performance date: May 3rd, 2025.

The following are the play submission requirements:

• Scripts should be no longer than 10-20 minutes in length.
• Scripts can be straight plays of any genre inclusive of musicals (which are highly encouraged).
• One submission per writer for this submission unless prior arrangements have been discussed.
• Submission deadline April 11, 2025.
• Please send all submissions to: nancymaticanbock@gmail.com

Every submission will be acknowledged.

All scripts will be reviewed within a few days of closing deadline. After scripts are chosen, only those selected will be contacted.

All submissions are kept on file for use during any of the Readers’ Theater show dates with the writer’s consent.

If you have submitted a script before, no need to submit the same one, as it is on file and will be considered again.

Literature Today- an International Literary Journal seeks short plays

Website

Deadline: June 18, 2025

Send all submissions to : editorliteraturetoday@gmail.com

Literature Today- an International Literary Journal is inviting submissions for the JUNE 2025 issue of 'Literature Today'. 

Send not more than 2 one minute plays (2 pages for each play)

Simultaneous submissions are welcome.

Please send a cover letter and short Bio-data, (Maximum 50 words) in third person narrative, with your submission. Please attach a high resolution photo of yours too.

The theme of our JUNE 2025 issue is "Echoes of the Human Experience". You can send us poems, short stories, memoirs and one minute plays on any of the following sub themes :

Main Topic: "Echoes of the Human Experience"

This overarching theme explores the multifaceted nature of humanity—our emotions, struggles, triumphs, and connections. It invites poets and authors to reflect on what it means to be human in both personal and universal ways.

Subtopics

1. Whispers of Identity

Exploring self-discovery, cultural heritage, gender, race, and individuality.

Literary works about finding one's voice or grappling with societal expectations.

Examples: Coming-of-age stories, reflections on belonging, or celebrating uniqueness.

2. Threads of Connection

Focusing on relationships—romantic love, familial bonds, friendships, or even fleeting encounters.

Themes could include loss, reconciliation, longing, or joy found in human interaction.

Examples: A letter to a loved one, memories of childhood, or strangers who leave lasting impressions.

3. Shadows and Light

Delving into contrasts—hope vs. despair, resilience vs. vulnerability, light vs. darkness.

Literary works might address mental health, grief, healing, or moments of transformation.

Examples: Overcoming adversity, finding beauty in pain, or embracing imperfection.

4. Footprints on Earth

Examining humanity’s relationship with the natural world, climate change, and environmental consciousness.

Literary works could celebrate landscapes, mourn ecological loss, or call for action.

Examples: Odes to forests, rivers, or oceans; reflections on sustainability and stewardship.

5. Time’s Tapestry

Reflecting on time as a force that shapes lives—memories, aging, legacy, and the passage of seasons.

Themes might include nostalgia, generational wisdom, or existential musings.

Examples: Letters to your future self, meditations on mortality, or honoring ancestors.

6. Dreamscapes and Realities

Blurring the lines between imagination and reality, dreams and waking life.

Encouraging surrealism, magical realism, or explorations of inner worlds.

Examples: Vivid dream sequences, alternate realities, or abstract visions of hope.

7. Voices Unheard

Amplifying marginalized perspectives, untold stories, and silenced voices.

Highlighting social justice issues, historical narratives, or underrepresented communities.

Examples: Protest poetry, tributes to forgotten heroes, or reclaiming erased histories.

8. Sacred Spaces

Investigating spirituality, faith, rituals, and sacredness in everyday life.

This subtopic can encompass religious traditions, secular spirituality, or personal quests for meaning.

9. The Art of Living

Celebrating creativity, artistry, and the pursuit of passion.

Literary works might explore how people find purpose through their work, hobbies, or creative expression.

Examples: Homages to artists, writers, musicians, or reflections on the act of creation itself.

10. Fragments of Tomorrow

Imagining the future—utopias, dystopias, technological advancements, or evolving societies.

Encouraging speculative literary works that questions where humanity is headed.

Examples: Visions of space exploration, AI companionship, or warnings against hubris.

Eliza Moore Fellowship for Artistic Excellence 2025

Website

Deadline: May 31, 2025

SUBMIT VIA SUBMITTABLE

The Eliza Moore Fellowship for Artistic Excellence is awarded annually to one outstanding, early-career artist who is developing new works that address plants, gardens, or landscapes in the broad sense. This award is open to visual artists, literary artists, dancers, and musicians. The award includes a $10,000 individual grant and requires a 2 - 5 week stay at Oak Spring. While at OSGF, the Fellow will be able to meet with staff, explore our 700-acre landscape and our efforts in sustainable land management, and visit our rare book library that holds over 19,000 objects, including many examples of botanical art.

OSGF intends to award the Fellowship to an exceptional artist whose works show remarkable promise to contribute to a deeper understanding of the natural world, and humankind’s place in it. The Fellow will be scheduled to visit when there are other Interdisciplinary Residents or Fellows on-site. This scheduling will allow the Fellow to join in communal meals, and optional activities and field trips with other artists, ecologists, researchers, or scholars working on projects related to OSGF’s mission. Beyond time devoted to their projects, a Fellow’s typical day at Oak Spring might include a walk to enjoy the landscape or birds; an appointment to visit the Oak Spring Library; and/or a morning spent volunteering at the BCCF or in the formal garden. These optional activities provide Fellows time to learn from, and interact with our staff. None of these activities are required, and we understand that some Fellows might want to spend most of their time in their writing or working independently. We support and enable Fellows to use their time as they best see fit.

At the culmination of their stay, we encourage, but don’t require, Fellows to give a 20 – 30 minute presentation with time for questions, to Oak Spring staff and any other Fellows, Residents, or program participants who might be on site.
Application Process

The application portal will open on February 14, 2025 and close on May 31st, 2025. Please note that there is one application for all of our 2026 Residency and Fellowship programs, and you will be prompted to select which programs you would like to be considered for. You will be asked to submit:

a resume/curriculum vitae (not to exceed two pages),

a 200 - 300-word statement on your artistic practice,

a statement of 200 - 300 words stating how your work relates to Oak Spring Garden Foundation’s mission to “perpetuate and share the gifts of Rachel (“Bunny”) Lambert Mellon, including her residence, garden, estate and the Oak Spring Garden Library, to serve the public interest. OSGF is dedicated to inspiring and facilitating scholarship and public dialogue on the history and future of plants, including the culture of gardens and landscapes and the importance of plants for human well-being,”

work samples

For poets and playwrights: you may submit 7 - 10 pages total. Poetry may be spaced as needed, and scripts should follow standard script formatting. 

NOTE: When applying to this Fellowship, you will be asked if you are interested in being considered for one of our other residencies, if you are not selected for the Fellowship. To learn more about our residencies, visit www.osgf.org/residencies.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants must be early-career artists not enrolled in an undergraduate degree program in 2026. We will consider individuals with a proven track-record of professionalism, but who are yet under-recognized, as early-career. Eligible early-career applicants will have some recognition in the form of exhibitions, commissions, performances, grant awards, residencies, Fellowships and/or publications.

Individuals who have participated in an extensive number of solo exhibitions, or who have published a significant number of books will be considered established or late career, and are not eligible for the Eliza Moore Fellowship. We encourage those who are not eligible for this Fellowship to apply to the Interdisciplinary Residency.

The successful Fellow must be self-directed and able to work independently while on site. Applicants are expected to show dedication to their artistic practice, clear connection to the natural world in their work, exceptional promise, and good communication skills.
Dates

Fellows should arrive on the same start date of an Interdisciplinary Residency, or Botanical Artist Residency, and the Fellow will complete their introductory tours with other Residents. In 2026, these dates are:

Monday, March 2, 2026

Sunday, April 14 (up to 3-week stay only)

Monday, June 1

Monday, July 13

Sunday, August 13 (up to 3-week stay only)

Monday, September 21

Award

The $10,000 individual grant associated with this award can be put towards travel to and from OSGF, materials and supplies purchased for their residency, and other items that will support their work, before or after their stay at OSGF.

The selected Fellow should make travel arrangements to Dulles International Airport, where Oak Spring will arrange ground transportation for them to our estate in Upperville, VA. The Fellow will be housed in nicely appointed shared accommodations. The Fellow will have a private bedroom and bathroom, and share a living room and kitchen with 1 – 3 other Residents or Fellows.

Community Players Theater - Page to Stage 2025

Website

Deadline: July 31, 2025

Please note new deadline
Deadline: August 31, 2025

Page to Stage: An Original Staged Reading is an opportunity for playwrights to submit their work to be performed through Community Players Theatre (Bloomington IL.) To those wishing to submit their work, please make sure it follows this criteria:

• The script must be unpublished
• It is fine if the script has gone through workshops or readings
• No more than 2 locations within the script
• Cast size 2-6
• Can feature a child but the majority of the cast must be adults
• Few adjustments will be allowed once the script has been submitted
• PDF or Word Doc formatting
• No musicals
• A playwright is not limited on how many they can submit
• This process is for the benefit of audiences to hear new plays and new playwrights

Scripts are due by August 31st, 2025. Please submit all scripts to Ashleigh Rae-Lynn (playreading@communityplayers.org)

OUT/PLAY Presents: Summer Shorts - Short Play Festival 2025

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Deadline:  April 1, 2025

SUBMISSION ON GOOGLE DOCS

Submissions are being accepted on a rolling basis between: March 10 - April 1, 2025. Playwrights will be contacted by mid-April, with formal selections announced on May 1, 2025. 

The inaugural new play festival of OUT/PLAY to celebrate local artists, new work, and themed in recognition of “Our Queer Inheritance.” Submissions will be considered based on creative interpretations of this idea. While we appreciate interpretations of classic and pre-existing material, OUT/PLAY will select only new and original playwriting for the Summer Shorts Festival 2025.

OUR QUEER INHERITANCE: We have spanned almost 100 years of theatre in this season of OUT/PLAY. How does our queer community look to our past to inform our future?

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

To be considered, please submit this form with the following materials:

Photo/Resume and/or Artistic Bio (75 words or less)

One PDF doc containing the following:

Artist’s Statement: explanation of your play and its meaning, in your own words (100 words).

Character Breakdown: list of characters and useful descriptors to help directors with casting. Please note: OUT/PLAY is an equal-opportunity organization, and while we understand some scripts require demographic specificity, we appreciate work that can be performed outside restrictions of age, sex, gender identity or expression, race, ethnicity, body-type, and ability.

Script: may not exceed 12 pages (excluding the title page and character breakdown). Format the document with 1-inch margins, Times New Roman font size 12pt. (When read out loud, including stage directions, the play should be less than 15 minutes in length).

Plays should be original, unpublished, and never before produced in New York City. This can be new work specifically for this festival or pulled from your archives.

Scripts should be frozen by its first rehearsal, with minimal changes made during the rehearsal process.

Playwrights must be residents of New York City and available for the duration of the festival.

Playwrights, directors, and actors will be expected to promote the festival via social media and personal networks. Each play will be given a discount code for online ticket purchases.

OUT/PLAY SUMMER SHORTS FESTIVAL OFFERINGS

Assignment of a Director to each short play

1 Dress/Tech Rehearsal and 2-4 live performances (depending on the number of plays chosen) between June 5 - 8, 2025 at a TheatreLab.

Video footage of one performance supplied to the Playwright and Director.

Each production will get 1 tech rehearsal in the space during the week of the festival, date TBD.

OUT/PLAY producers are available to support in casting and promotion via photos and video assets, social media, invitations to our mailing list, and a formal press release to theater and media contacts.

OUT/PLAY will offer 2 complimentary tickets per play to Industry Professionals--names and emails must be provided to OUT/PLAY by the Director of the play.Any questions should be directed to outplaynyc@gmail.com.

Theatre Southwest 28th Annual Theatre Southwest Festival of Originals

Website

Deadline: April 5th, 2025

Theatre Southwest of Houston, Texas is accepting entries from now until April 5th, 2025 for the 28th Annual Theatre Southwest Festival of Originals to be presented July 25th-August 9th, 2025.

The TSW-FOO is FREE to enter and will once again be calling for short one act (20 minute) plays in any and all genres from all over the country and the world.

Submission Guidelines:

Each playwright may submit up to 2 plays for consideration.

All entries should be unpublished and previously unproduced in the Houston area.

All Genres are accepted. We produce an eclectic variety of plays, but comedies are always appreciated.

Monologues or One Actor plays are not accepted.

Plays should be 20 minutes in length (give or take a minute or two).

Page count should be no less than 17, but no more than 22 pages. 12 point font (Courier, Arial or Times New Roman) and using Standard Playwriting Format.

There is no maximum limit of characters or sets, but common sense should be used as 5 plays will be produced in one evening.

Number all pages of the scripts, and scripts MUST be securely bound by three hole punch with brads or three hole punch folder. NO STAPLES!

Scripts must be submitted by postal mail ONLY. Emailed PDF or Word files will not be considered.

Scripts (hard copies) cannot be returned.

NOTE: We apologize for the inconvenience of mailed in hard copies for all domestic entities, but the fest does make exceptions for overseas entries. If you are entering from another country you may email a PDF to: mimiholloway@gmail.com This is also the email to address any questions.

Be sure to include your contact information; phone number, email, and mailing address on the title page of each script.

List all characters with a brief character description.

Please include a one paragraph synopsis of the play.

Make sure all mailed entries are POSTMARKED by April 5th, 2025.

Overseas entries must be emailed before 11:59pm April 5th, 2025.

One hundred dollars will be paid to all playwrights selected for production.

Scripts should be mailed to:

Theatre Southwest
8944 Clarkcrest St.
Houston, Texas 77063-4004
Attn: TSW-FOO

CLIMATE ACTION NEW PLAY COLLECTION seeks plays centering around climate change

Website

Deadline: April 7, 2025

SUBMIT
Through the following link:
https://sites.google.com/view/canplaycollection-com/about?authuser=0

In conjunction with Sixth Fest, Chicago.

CLIMATE ACTION NEW PLAY COLLECTION
Uplifting the next generation of storytellers to incite change

New plays centering around climate change that are 2-15 minutes long and can be performed with a cast of 1-6 actors. 

As the climate emergency and its uncomfortable effects escalate, it is imperative to become comfortable talking about the changing climate and to seek ways to advocate for action.
We’re looking for play submissions to inspire, educate, and activate.

HONORARIUM

12 submissions will be selected and chosen playwrights will be compensated with a $300.00 honorarium.

A staged reading of the plays will also be performed in Spring or Fall 2025 at The Theatre School at DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois.

Further, selected plays will be made available, website TBD, in an accessible collective for a two-year period. This would mean that the play could be read and staged by anyone within these two years. There are no contractual obligations or royalties paid to playwrights whose scripts are selected. Finalist plays may be asked to give limited license for productions.

Please direct any questions or concerns to peglesto@depaul.edu

Alpine Fellowship Theatre Prize 2025

Website

Deadline: April 1, 2025 at 11:59 PM BST 

SUBMIT VIA SUBMITTABLE

The Alpine Fellowship Theatre Prize 2025 - Awarded for the best playwriting response on the theme of Fear.

The winner and runners-up will receive financial support in the following amounts:

Prizes

First place: £3,000

Second place: £1,000

Third place: £1,000

Rules

Open to all nationalities.

Applicants must be aged 18 or above at the time of entry.

All entries must be written in English.

You can enter multiple prizes.

Plays must not have been professionally produced (this means a run of more than a week for which the audience must buy tickets, it does not include rehearsed readings or workshops.)

Submissions are judged anonymously so please do not include your name on your script.

Submission

To apply you will be asked to submit the following:

A completed play that responds to the theme of Fear. The response is up to you and if you think your work is a response, then you are eligible to submit. Plays must be longer than 30 minutes (which is likely around 30-pages)

A short statement about how your work responds to the theme.

A brief summary of your past work and writing experience.

The Bravo Theatre in Mexico seeks full-length plays

Website

Deadline: none - the first 40 scripts will be accepted

Submit scripts to submissions@thebravo.org, in Word or PDF format. First 40 scripts received will be accepted.

The Bravo Theatre in Mexico is having a summer reading series only for full-length plays that have never had a reading. Selected plays will receive a staged reading (six rehearsals). One performance, live audience, and live video feed for the playwright, who will receive audience and cast feedback immediately following the performance.

Staged readings are fully blocked but have no capacity for major set changes. Our stage is 24 wide by 17 deep.

The actor pool is exclusively age 60 and up. Please do not submit plays that absolutely require actors of a younger age. Maximum cast size is 6. Scripts must be in English.

Our goal is assist you in preparing for your next draft. Please do not submit any plays that already had readings or plays you do not intend to develop further.

BBC World Service & British Council International Audio Drama Competition 2026

Website

Deadline: June 4, 2025 11:00 GMT

SUBMISSION FORM

Welcome to the BBC World Service & British Council International Audio Drama Competition 2026. To enter, you’ll need to complete the  online submission form and supply us with:

The script for your 40-50 minute audio drama with up to six central characters. This should be submitted as a PDF file

A written synopsis outlining the complete story of your audio drama. This should be no more than 400 words long and submitted as a PDF file.

The competition closes at 11.00 GMT 4 June 2025, and is only open to writers outside of the UK. 

Entrants must also be over the age of 18 as of 4 June 2025.

We will be unable to enter into any correspondence, except with shortlisted entries, and we are also unable to acknowledge receipt of scripts.

Please do not send us amendments or further drafts once your place has been submitted.

Please do not send cassettes, CDs, DVDs, mp3s, videos or sheet music with your play – it is not necessary at the entry level and they cannot be returned to you.

If you would prefer to enter via email or post, you may download an entry form here.

SPRING 2025 Online Class in Writing the Ten-Minute Play

 Spring online classes in Writing the Ten-Minute Play are now open for enrollment. 

Award-winning playwright and musical theatre writer Arianna Rose is offering two online sections in Writing The Ten-Minute Play.

Arianna has taught this course for the Dramatists Guild Institute, Delray Beach Playhouse, and other playwriting and creative writing courses both online and in-person in NY and FL.

"Writing for the Stage: The Ten-Minute Play" 

Six Sessions, 3 hours each session: choose one section

1. Mondays, 1 – 4 pm EST (April 7 – May 12)

2. Thursdays, 6:30 - 9:30 pm EST, (April 3 – May 15) (no class May 1) 

Tuition: $ 299 early bird till March 27; $329 after 

Discount: $20 discount for members of The Dramatists Guild, Playwright Binge, or South Florida Theatre League.

Minimum of 3 participants per section; maximum of 8.

Course Description: 
Ten-minute play festivals continue to grow in popularity around the world, with readings, productions, and publications at every level of theatre. While short-form plays share some similarities with full-length storytelling, the dramatists who excel in this form have learned how to write into the differences. I can help you join their ranks and give you the tools to write to the highest level of craft.

This eight-session course is a combination of lecture, reading, discussion, and most importantly, in-class sharing of your work for feedback. Whether you’re a new or seasoned dramatist, Writing The Ten-Minute Play will assist you in your craft. Topics include the elements of a successful 10-minute play, dramatic structure, generating ideas, character development, giving and receiving constructive feedback, effective rewrites, formatting your play, submissions, and log-keeping.Please contact Arianna Rose at rockawayrose@gmail.com, or via her website where there is more course information: https://ariannarose.net/playwriting-classes-and-other-workshops

 

Arianna Rose is the Dramatists Guild Ambassador for South Florida, a Dramatists Guild Institute Instructor and Pip Mentor, professional dramaturg, Theatre Professor, and an award-winning playwright and musical theatre writer. Recipient of the MAC Song of the Year Award, the York Theatre NEO, and numerous best short play awards. Her work has been produced in 37 states and ten countries. Published: Smith & Kraus, Applause Books, Theatre Odyssey Publications & Gemco Publications Australia. 2019-2021 Miami-Dade County Playwright Development Program, moderated by Kia Corthron. She created and moderates the weekly Plays on Purpose/Miami New Musicals stage writers group, in its sixth year. M.F.A., NYU Tisch Graduate Musical Theatre Writing; B.A. Theatre, Bucknell University; BMI-Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Writing Workshop. Memberships: ASCAP, LMDA, MAESTRA, Musicians Union, New Play Exchange, South Florida Theatre League, Dramatists Guild of America  http://www.ariannarose.net

Interested but not available?
If you are interested but don't have availability for that day and times, please email me at rockawayrose@gmail.com and I'll compile a list for another section or future course.

One-on-One Private Dramaturgy
If you prefer one-on-one coaching, I am a member of the Dramaturg and Literary Managers Association of the Americas (LMDA) and the Dramatists Guild Plays-in-Progress Mentor Program. More information here: 

http://ariannarose.net/dramaturg-for-hire

Go Try Play Write ~ March 2025

Website

Deadline: March 31, 2025

GOOGLE DOCS SUBMISSION FORM

The prompt for March 2025 is:

A purgatorio prompt. Write a 10-page maximum scene or an 8-page max monologue of someone who may end up in purgatory, unless... This is the moment when they can choose an action that will either land them in heaven or hell. If they make no choice, they end up in purgatory. Think of the world we’re in now, and the choices we’re facing.

There will be one winner each month. Scripts will be submitted to the judges anonymously. Winners will receive $100 and a subscription to Bamboo Ridge Press. Woo!

A Note To Our Writers: Starting next month, I’ll be creating prompts based on a book by Timothy Snyder, ON TYRANNY: Twenty Lessons From The Twentieth Century. It’s a small book, and you can listen to him read it on YouTube, but being familiar with the work may help you create from the prompt. I won’t be doing such prompts every month. Also, I’m not looking for political diatribes, but the human costs of tyranny on us; people living in the coming of or through the onslaught of tyranny. Be open to creating scenes of tragedy, comedy, and/or satire. —Harry Wong III

The Soliloquist Magazine seeks soliloquies for its Spring 2025 issue

Website

Deadline: April 5, 2025

Email: thesoliloquistmag@gmail.com 

The Soliloquist Magazine is inviting poems and soliloquies for its first issue (Spring 2025 issue). Please read the following submission guidelines:

Theme for Spring 2025 issue:
"Unfinished Dialogues":
Pieces exploring conversations we have with ourselves but never fully resolve.

Submission Guidelines

1. Send up to 5 poems/soliloquies (no more than 40 lines each).
2. Include a brief bio in third person (50–100 words).
3. Submissions must be original and unpublished.
4. Email your work to thesoliloquistmag@gmail.com with the subject line “ Spring 2025 Submission – [Your Name].”

Important dates:
Submission Deadline for Spring Issue: April 05, 2025
Publication Date: April 15, 2025
Notification Timeline: Within 1 week of submission.

"Share Your Soliloquy"

The World wants to hear your voice. Whether it’s a whispered confession, a bold declaration, or a quiet meditation, The Soliloquist is here to amplify your words.

Kingdom Theatre 10 Minute Harvest Festival

Website

Deadline: June 30, 2025

Submit to-kingdommtctheatre@gmail.com

Convening November 2025 Kingdom Theatre presents Harvest Festival. Featuring a series of Diverse 10 minute plays 

Calling Emerging and Experienced playwrights showcase your play before Industry professionals and live audience.

We provide the following,

• Theatre venue with 2 large dressing rooms, spacious auditorium theatre 
• Catered Food and Reception 
• Creative staff and Actors to produce your play.
• Rehearsals and Readings for your play 
• Promotions for your play.
• The Harvest Festival will convene the 1st three Saturdays in November with live performances and Reception 

Zero Submission Fee

If you are selected you must pay registration fee $80

Stonecoast Review now open for the Summer 2025 Issue (#23) submissions

Website

Deadline: April 15, 2025 at 1:59 p.m

SUBMIT VIA SUBMITTABLE

SUMMER 2025 — ISSUE #23

Theme: Power

What do you think of when you hear the word “power”? What does it mean to have power? What does it mean to use it? What does it mean to abuse it? How does it feel when it’s taken away? 
The word connotes different definitions and bears different weights for each of us. It manifests itself in unexpected ways and settings, and remains absent or suppressed in so many others. 

We support the Stonecoast community’s goal to promote inclusivity, equity, and social justice through writing.

Genres Accepted: We solicit fiction, pop (genre) fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, dramatic works, experimental literature, and visual art. We can’t wait to see your best pieces! Stonecoast Review offers feedback on selected submissions.

Issue Format: Beginning with Issue 21, released in June 2024, Stonecoast Review assumed the form of a print/online hybrid journal. The print form now consists of a 48-page chapbook, with full color art throughout, as well as a QR code that directs readers to more new content on StonecoastReview.org. As such, all pieces selected for publication will be featured online but, due to page limitations, only a select number of pieces will be able to be featured in the print Issue. Please see below for new guidelines regarding word count limitations for each type of publication.

We want to read literature and take in media that explore, provoke, challenge, reconsider, evoke, or explode that concept for you.

Submission GuidelinesSend submissions via Submittable only.

• Please include a short cover letter and bio (50- and 100-word max., respectively).
• We accept one prose submission, one poetry submission (of up to three poems), or five pieces of visual art per author, per submission cycle. Submissions that do not abide by these rules will not be considered for publication.
• Your work must be previously unpublished. (Stonecoast alumni may submit already published work for consideration as reprints.)
• We encourage simultaneous submissions. However, please withdraw your submission immediately if it’s accepted elsewhere. If you submit multiple poems and one is accepted at another publication, please attach a note on Submittable identifying which poem is no longer available.
• Please adhere to standard manuscript format: Double spaced, 12 pt., Times New Roman font. Poetry may be single spaced. (If you tell us that diverging from these rules is integral to your piece, we will consider it.)
• While we love to represent stories with raw, emotional truth, we ask that you refrain from submitting pieces featuring excessive sex, violence, assaults, or suicide.
• We will reject pieces determined to be written by the use of AI software.

Genre Guidelines

As a reminder, all pieces selected for publication will be featured online in June 2025. Due to page constraints, only a few of these selected pieces will be featured in both the print and online Summer 2025 Issue. Please see below for word count limitations based on consideration for either Hybrid (Print + Online) or General (Online-only) publication formats.

Dramatic Works. We are seeking short dramatic works of all types. Plays, screenplays, and hybrid works including monologues, one-minute scripts, ten-minute scripts, and experimental works are all welcome. Excerpts from longer dramatic works are welcome if they stand on their own. We are interested in pieces that represent diverse voices and creatively explore the many facets of power, including the presence and absence of it.

Limit submissions to five pieces.

One submission per author, per submission cycle, of up to five pieces.

Neukom Literary Arts Award for Playwriting 2025

Website

Deadline: May 1, 2025 at 5PM

Submission form 

The Neukom Institute for Computational Science at Dartmouth College – in collaboration with Northern Stage – is excited to announce the 2025 Neukom Institute Literary Arts Awards for Playwriting, for full-length plays and other full-length works for the theater addressing the question “What does it mean to be a human in a computerized world?”. The award comes with a $5,000 honorarium as well as a weeklong workshop and public reading produced by Northern Stage (https://northernstage.org/) in early 2026. Note that works that have received a full production are NOT eligible for the competition.

Details are as follows:

Questions? Email Brandy (Yijin) Zhang bzhang@northernstage.org and Mandi Benjamin mbenjamin@northernstage.org.

Submissions must include

An anonymized (blinded) copy of the piece
Playwright resume/bio
Production history of the piece

1 page statement of purpose that answers the following questions:A. How does your piece address the theme of exploring humanity in our computerized, digital world?

B. The winning play will have a weeklong workshop and public reading at Northern Stage in White River Junction, VT in early 2026. What are your developmental goals for the play and how would this workshop serve those goals?

The Inkwell Theater Development LAB fellowship

Website

Deadline: April 30, 2025

SUBMISSION FORM

A unique program in Los Angeles, the LAB aims to bring the writer out of their office, or coffee shop, and into the rehearsal room. While we recognize the necessity for writers to work on their own, we believe that nothing benefits works-in-progress more than artistic collaboration.

The LAB is focused on developing new plays through a collaborative workshop process. We believe that by working in a rehearsal setting with a director and actors, a playwright can best further their plays. Playwrights tell us often how they gained new insights from simply seeing their work with a cast, not to mention the constructive input from directors and other artists.

We begin with a writer and their first draft. During a 3-week intensive process, writers will not only see and hear that draft as written but will also see their rewrites, changes, and inspired ideas come to life. This is aided by introducing an experienced and versatile director, bringing their own unique insights to the play. Mixing in a cast of talented performers only adds to the volume of artistic brainpower being brought to bear upon the play. And pulling the playwright into the rehearsal room brings the whole thing together.

The playwrights selected for each LAB season are the recipients of The Lerner Fellowship, which provides financial, logistical, and artistic support. 

Eligibility

• Anyone is eligible to submit. There are no restrictions based on age, experience, representation, formal training or union-affiliation.
• Please submit only full, completed scripts. It can be an early draft, but we do require a compete script in order to evaluate the submission.
• Submitted work cannot have been previously produced. (Private workshops and readings are not considered productions).
• Commissioned work is not eligible for submission.
• Previous applicants may re-apply, but only with new material. We do not accept plays that have been previously submitted.
• Submissions from writers outside of the LA area are accepted, but the writer is responsible for transportation and accommodations (if selected).
• Please limit your submissions to one every six months

If selected for the Max K. Lerner Fellowship, playwrights will be offered a rehearsal and presentation slot during the LAB season and a $1000 honorarium. The Inkwell Theater Development LAB will provide a professional team of artists (director, actors, dramaturge, etc) and production support, as well as rehearsal and production space. For more information, you can contact us at lab@inkwelltheater.com

Page 73 Development Programs 2026

Website

Deadline: April 27, 2025 by 11:59 PM 

SUBMISSION FORM ON THE WEB PAGE

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

Applications for the 2026 programs are now open. The deadline to submit is April 27, 2025 by 11:59 PM EST.

On Tuesday, April 1 at 6pm ET, Page 73 will host an application information session via Zoom with Artistic Director Michael Walkup, Associate Artistic Director Kari Olmon, and 2025 Playwriting Fellow Lori Felipe-Barkin. RSVP here.


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 2026. If you are not sure about your plans for 2026, you are welcome to apply for the Writers Group and update us regarding your eligibility.

The Democracy Cycle 2025

Website

Deadline: April 1, 2025, 5:00 PM EDT

Over a 5-year period, The Democracy Cycle – a collaboration between the Perelman Performing Arts Center (PAC NYC) and Civis Foundation (an affiliate of Galvan Initiatives) – will commission and develop a total of 25 new performing arts works across the fields of theater, dance, music, opera, and multi-disciplinary performance that express themes related to the nature and practice of democracy, particularly as it is practiced in the United States.

Purpose

• Our hope is that the commissioned projects will enrich and expand discussion of and participation in democracy – be it in the national, state, regional, or hyperlocal community realm – as it is practiced within the United States and worldwide. The Democracy Cycle project is inspired by the following beliefs:Democratic values are a global expression of humanity’s striving to live with one another with respect and in peace.
• Democracy, as practiced in the United States, includes a history of founding exclusions. It has been, and must continue to be, the ongoing work of our society to expand upon the ideals of inclusivity embedded in our founding documents.
• Democracy faces significant perceived and actual threats in the current moment, both domestically and internationally.
• The Intersection of capitalism and democracy creates both opportunities and tensions.
• Artists are the beating heart of democratic values because of their ability to imagine new worlds, envision new possibilities, and provoke meaningful discourse across divides.

The primary focus of The Democracy Cycle will be on democracy as it is currently being practiced in the United States. However, commissioned projects may include references to democracies worldwide provided they have potential for informing and deepening our understanding of American democracy.

The Commission

Each selected artist will receive $60,000 in support, consisting of a commission of $30,000 to create the new work as well as an additional $30,000 in support of the work’s development process (research, readings, workshops etc.).

• January 13, 2025: Application portal opens for The Democracy Cycle’s 2025 Open Call
• February 13, 2025, 1:00 PM ET: Live webinar where the Democracy Cycle staff will give an overview of the steps to apply and the application elements, with an opportunity for questions and answers at the end.
• April 1, 2025, 5:00 PM ET: Application deadline date for 2025 Open Call
• April-July 2025: Applications are screened for eligibility by TDC staff. Eligible proposals are reviewed by a minimum of two Readers. Using Readers’ evaluative scores, a list of finalists is developed.
• Spring/summer 2025: A peer panel drawn from the fields of performing arts, and the study and practice of democracy reviews finalists’ proposals and selects 8 projects to receive the 2025 commissions.
• Fall 2025: All 2025 Open Call applicants notified of their project’s status
• Early 2026: The Democracy Cycle’s Open Call timeline and guidelines announced

Eligible applicants must:

• Be generative artists who are currently creating new work in theater, dance, music, opera, or multi-disciplinary performance
• Have created, completed, and premiered at least 2 full-length prior works of live performance publicly, as evidenced by their bio, CV and/or work samples (Note: Staged readings and/or workshop showings are not premieres.)
• Propose a new live performance work which may be at any stage of development, but may not be planned to premiere before May 1, 2025. (Remounts of previously completed/premiered works are ineligible.)
• Propose a new live performance work which is planned to be completed in 2026, 2027, or 2028.
• Be prepared to manage the income-tax implications of accepting a commission from a U.S.-based arts organization. (U.S. citizenship is not a requirement, this is a national and international open call.)

Proposals are not eligible if

• The lead artist is enrolled as a full-time student in a degree-granting program. Ph.D. candidates need to have completed their course work by the application deadline to be eligible
• The lead artist is under the age of eighteen
• The main purpose of the project is the curation or documentation of existing work(s)
• The proposed work advocates by name for the success or failure of a current partisan candidate for office or a political party
• The lead artist or any of the main collaborators are employees or immediate family of employees of PAC NYC or Galvan Initiatives

Selection Criteria

Readers and panelists will consider the following in selecting the commissioned projects:How does the proposed work expand, critique, or celebrate democracy, the practice of democracy, and democratic ideals?

How has the artist or artists identified and responded to ideas or themes related to democracy, including core democratic principles and values (ex. political equality, majority rule, minority rights, freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, freedom of religion, among others.)

Does the work demonstrate clear potential for generating meaningful reflection and discourse on democracy as demonstrated by project narrative, samples of prior work, and artistic history of its collaborators.

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ThinkTank Theatre TYA Playwrights Festival

Website

Deadline: March 25 2025

SUBMIT VIA GOOGLE DOCS

In this fifth season of our TYA Playwrights Festival, ThinkTank Theatre seeks to provide a platform for forward-thinking and innovative work for Young People and Family Audiences.

Plays selected for our TYA Festival Showcase receive rehearsal with a professional cast and director, providing an opportunity for the playwright to collaborate with other professionals during the development process. The plays are presented semi-staged, script-in-hand for audiences, providing the playwright further opportunity to develop the work, in the presence of our Tampa Bay community. The dates for the TYA Festival Showcase is currently set for August 21st - 24th, 2025. Plays selected for the TYA Festival Showcase are under consideration for full production in a subsequent season with ThinkTank Theatre.

Our Play Festival Audience: At ThinkTank, we make it our mission to produce inspirational, captivating, and forward-thinking professional theater for Young People and Family Audiences. ThinkTank believes young people and family audience material should reflect the world our young people currently experience and, as such, we do not shy away from mature topics, subject matter, and language. Please feel free to submit plays that might fit this genre.

Play Content: Plays should contain at least one character of a younger experience (to be played by actors aged 14-18). Plays that represent a variety of human experiences and/or characters who can be played by members of our community with special needs will be given further consideration, as these highlight the diverse community of our Tampa Bay Area.

We are not currently accepting musical submissions for the festival this season.

Selected Playwrights: Playwrights whose plays are selected for the 2025 Festival Showcase will receive up to a $500 honorarium to assist with travel to Tampa to take part in rehearsals and the staged readings.

The honorariums are generously gifted to the 2025 ThinkTank TYA Playwrights Festival by the

Gobioff Foundation, The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners and ThinkTank's individual donors and sponsors.


Submission Guidelines:

- Deadline for submissions: Monday, March 25th 2025.

- Deadline for New Dramatists, Agent and PW Center Submissions: April 16th (If submitting past March 24th, please email tyaplayfest@thinktanktya.org to submit).

- Please submit your play via this Google form to be considered for our 2025 Play Festival by Monday March 25th, 2025.

- We will not be using the tagging on NPX as in the past, it has recommended TYA works that haven't aligned with the needs of our festival. We recognize the additional step required here to submit and appreciated you taking the time to share your work with us as a potential component of our TYA PlayFest.

- For Round One, please select a scene or up to 20 pages from the play that you feel best showcases your piece. If you submit your full play, we will only read the first 20-pages.
- Please also submit a description of the full-length play.
- Plays should have had no prior Florida Professional Productions.
(If the play has had a workshop production, please include this information on your form, as well as information about the company, # of performances, and contact information, if applicable.)
- Playwrights moved into Round Two for TYA Festival Showcase will be contacted around the end of April to submit the full-length draft of their play. All Playwrights will be contacted by July 15th, regarding their submissions.

CRITERIA
​
Genres: adaptation, adventure, biography, comedy, docudrama/historic, drama, fable/folktale, fantasy, mystery/thriller, parody/spoof, period, science fiction, tragedy, young audiences

Length: 60-90 minutes, 90 minutes to two hours

Cast Size: 1–8, if your cast has more than 8 characters, please include a doubling list

Age Appropriateness: ages 14-17, ages 18 and up

Unproduced Work Only?: Can not have been produced in Florida

Playwright Location: United States and Canada