1. HEARTLAND THEATRE COMPANY 10-MINUTE PLAY COMPETITION 2023
DEADLINE: February 1st
WEBSITE: https://heartlandtheatre.org/10-min-rules/
All entrants must complete and submit the HEARTLAND THEATRE 10-MINUTE PLAY ENTRY FORM.
Heartland Theatre Company is seeking eight 10-minute original plays to be considered for production in June of 2023 as part of our 20th annual 10-minute play festival. This year, the theme is THE WAITING ROOM.
1. Your play must fit the theme – THE WAITING ROOM – or it will not be considered.
2. Your play must fit our theater and its performance space.
3. We require internet submissions in MS Word or PDF.
4. When formatting your play, we ask that you follow our style sheet.
5. We are looking for NEW plays. Please do not send us anything that has previously been produced.
6. Your play must contain at least two (2) characters, but no more than four (4).
7. Heartland Theatre Company has a pool of actors ranging in age from 18 to 80. Make sure that your characters can be played by actors within that range.
8. Your play should consist mainly of dialogue, not monologues.
9. No children’s plays, musicals, or plays which were previously chosen as winners in any Heartland Theatre playwriting competition will be considered.
10. Do not put your name on the play itself, as submissions are judged blind. Make sure your title and page numbers appear on every page of the play, however.
11. Please read and consider the Judging Criteria.
12. Those plays which win and are staged will be videotaped for archival purposes.
13. No contracts beyond the guidelines mentioned here will be offered.
14. Only one entry will be accepted from each playwright.
15. Your play must be written in English.
16. Keep your play under ten minutes in length. Remember that something has to happen in those ten minutes.
You must attach your script in MS Word format (preferred) or PDF when you send the entry form. If you have any questions, please email playfest@heartlandtheatre.org
2. THE JANE CHAMBERS PLAYWRITING AWARD
DEADLINE: Feb. 1st
WEBSITE: https://www.womenandtheatreprogram.com/jane-chambers
The Jane Chambers Playwriting Award recognizes new feminist plays and performance texts created by women and genderqueer writers for the stage that present a feminist perspective and contain significant opportunities for female performers.
In order to be considered plays should have been written recently but do not need to have premiered. However, to qualify as “new” for this contest, any premiere or publication needs to have occurred no more than 18 months prior to the submission deadline. Playwrights may submit only one play per year.
A shortlist of finalists will be publicized on the ATHE website by the third week in June, followed by the announcement of the Winner by July 20, annually. The winner will receive an award of $1K from the WTP Program, up to $500 towards travel expenses (reimbursement), conference registration and two nights in the conference hotel from ATHE.
Student Submissions should be sent separately and directly to the Student Coordinator per the WTP website and student guidelines. All guidelines must be followed–including sending the play to the current coordinator’s address–to be considered.
For questions contact Subcommittee Chairs Jennifer-Scott Mobley and Maya Roth, or, if you are signed in, via the 'contact' link on this page. For Information about the Student Jane Chambers Award, please contact the student coordinator.
3. 2023 Austin Latinx New Play Festival
DEADLINE: Feb. 5th
WEBSITE: https://ctxlivetheatre.com/news/20230119-ctx3205-call-for-play-submissions-austin-/
Submissions can be submitted HERE
Teatro Vivo is pleased to announce the call for entries for the 2023 Austin Latinx New Play Festival (2022 ALNPF), presented in collaboration with ScriptWorks, to be read live at the Dougherty Arts Center in Austin, TX April 27th – 29th 2022.
All playwrights are invited to submit original scripts that speak to the diverse Latinx experience. Teatro Vivo is eager to include AfroLatinx or Indigenous characters and/or stories, Theatre for Young Audiences stories, LGBTQ+ characters and/or stories, and Austin voices that would resonate with our Teatro Vivo and Austin, TX audience. Plays can be monolingual, (English or Spanish), bilingual, or multilingual. Plays will then be blind read and scored by a diverse panel of readers and supported by our Board of Directors. Four scripts will be selected for presentation at the festival. Selected plays will be announced by mid-February.
Eligible plays must be original, full-length works with a minimum 50-minute run time and a max of 10 roles, or include a breakdown of doubling. Additionally, plays must align with the Teatro Vivo mission statement, be focused on Latinx lives in any iteration, and must not have been professionally produced before the 2022 ALNPF or already scheduled for production in 2022.
Though we love musical theatre, at this moment Teatro Vivo can not support musical theatre submissions.
The ALNPF provides an opportunity for playwrights to hear, see, and receive feedback on their original work. The festival brings each playwright together with a dramaturg, director, and actors to bring their play to life as a staged reading in front of an audience. Additionally, the selected playwrights will work with dramaturgs provided by the festival to develop their play before the festival readings.
Playwrights of the selected pieces will collaborate with a dramaturg and directors hired by Teatro Vivo and ScriptWorks. Playwrights must be available to attend the preliminary reading of their play on March 7th, 2022, and the Festival dates of April 7th-9th. Playwrights are expected to participate in a facilitated talk back with an audience immediately following the public reading.
Our expectation at this point is to have the festival at the MACC in Austin, should COVID make a live festival impossible, Teatro Vivo will let you know by March 1st that we are pivoting to an online festival.
Teatro Vivo will cover costs of travel expenses (flights) for selected playwrights based outside of the greater Austin area. Playwrights will be housed at a community member’s home or in a private room in an Airbnb in Austin. Playwrights will not receive additional compensation (stipend, royalties) for this workshop.
For any other questions, please email us at teatrovivoaustin@gmail.com
4. LUCILLE LORTEL THEATRE’S NYC PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOL PLAYWRITING FELLOWSHIP
DEADLINE: February 6th
WEBSITE: https://www.lortel.org/hspf
The Lucille Lortel Theatre's NYC Public High School Playwriting Fellowship will support
diverse young writers and create an awareness of playwriting as a career. The opportunities provided by this program will encourage NYC public high school students to become the next generation of playwrights.
The Fellowship is open to any high school student who is currently enrolled in and attending public high school in one of the five boroughs of New York City at the time of entry. Seven Fellows will be selected: one from each of the five New York City boroughs, one from a District 75 school and one from a District 79 school.
The seven Fellows will each receive
A professional staged reading or an online presentation of the Fellow’s play.
Individual mentoring from theatre professionals.
Publication of the Fellow’s play.
A certificate of recognition.
REQUIREMENTS:
An original one-act play.
Approximately 10 minutes in length.
No more than:
Ten total pages of dialogue (Times New Roman or Arial font, double spaced)
Two scenes
Two locations
Four characters
Submissions accepted via website here. Applicants must register an account to submit. No submission fee required.
5. THE INTERNATIONAL RADIO PLAYWRITING COMPETITION 2023
DEADLINE: Feb. 12th
WEBSITE: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/5J6bfwwQ4G0044HZ5Skt33w/the-international-radio-playwriting-competition-2023
Writers from around the world are invited to submit their scripts for the 28th International Radio Playwriting Competition, which is now open for entries. The global competition, hosted by BBC World Service and the British Council, offers the unique opportunity for writers from outside the UK to use the medium of audio drama to tell stories for an international audience.
We are looking for entries in two categories: English as a First Language and English as a Second Language. The two first prizes can come from either category.
Both winners will attend an award ceremony in London and see their plays being recorded for broadcast and streaming on BBC World Service. A Special Commendation will be made for the runner-up in honour of the BBC World Service journalist and writer Georgi Markov.
To enter, you’ll need to complete the form below, and supply us with:
· The script for your 53-minute radio play with up to six central characters.
· A written synopsis outlining the complete story of your play. This should be no more than 400 words.
· A completed entry form (see below).
Please note:
· The competition is only open to writers outside of the UK. Entrants must also be over the age of 18 as of 12 February 2023.
· 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 play 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.
· Please read the Terms and Conditions and abide by them. If a play is either too short or excessively long it may be disqualified.
HOW TO ENTER
Complete the entry form and send it along with your play and synopsis either:
BY POST TO:
International Playwriting Competition 2023
BBC Audio Drama London
Room 6015
Broadcasting House
Portland Place
London W1A 1AA
United Kingdom
OR EMAIL TO: radioplay@bbc.co.uk
6. THE RANDALL KENAN PRIZE FOR BLACK LGBTQ FICTION
DEADLINE: Feb, 17th
The Randall Kenan Prize for Black LGBTQ Fiction, in memory of the celebrated author Randall Kenan, honors Black LGBTQ writers of fiction. The award will go to a Black LGBTQ writer whose fiction explores themes of Black LGBTQ life, culture, and/or history. To be eligible, the winner of the prize must have published at least one book and show promise in continuing to produce groundbreaking work. The award includes a cash prize of $3,000.
Eligibility
In order to be considered for the award, the applicant must:
self-identify as LGBTQ and Black;
have written and published (self-published or traditionally published) at least one book of fiction that captures the depth and complexity of Black LGBTQ life, culture, and/or history;
be of demonstrated ability and show promise for continued growth; and
show meaningful engagement with LGBTQ literary communities.
The applicant's contributions to the LGBTQ literary field beyond their writings and publications will also be considered. For example: reviewing LGBTQ literature, conducting relevant research, participating in LGBTQ literary events, contributing to LGBTQ journals and reviews, membership in online LGBTQ literary forums, etc.
7. 2023 JIM DUGGINS, PHD OUTSTANDING MID-CAREER NOVELIST PRIZE
DEADLINE: Feb. 17th
This prize honors LGBTQ-identified authors who have published multiple novels, built a strong reputation and following, and show promise to continue publishing high quality work for years to come. Made possible through the generous support of the James Duggins Estate, two winners will each receive a cash prize of $5,000.
In order to be considered for the award, the applicant must:
self-identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer;
have written and published at least three novels or two novels and substantial additional literary work (including poems, stories, or essays); and
be of demonstrated ability and show promise for growth in their writing.
This award is for a writer, not a book. The application must therefore focus on the qualifications of the writer, not the qualities of a particular book. The prize will be awarded with a goal of gender diversity among recipients.
This award honors mid-career novelists. For the purposes of this prize, Lambda Literary defines mid-career novelists as those who have published at least three novels or two novels and substantial additional literary work (including poems, stories, and essays).
Applicants’ contributions to the LGBTQ literary field beyond their writings and publications shall also be considered.
8. THE JUDITH A MARKOWITZ AWARD FOR EMERGING LGBTQ WRITERS
DEADLINE: Feb. 17th
The Judith A. Markowitz Award for Emerging LGBTQ Writers recognizes LGBTQ-identified writers whose work demonstrates their strong potential for promising careers. Two winners will each receive a cash prize of $1,500.
In order to be considered for the award, the applicant must:
self-identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer;
have written and published at least one but no more than two books of fiction, nonfiction, or poetry;
be of demonstrated ability and show promise for growth in their writing; and
show meaningful engagement with LGBTQ literary communities.
This award is for a writer, not a book. The application must therefore focus on the qualifications of the writer, not the qualities of a particular book. The prize will be awarded with a goal of gender diversity among recipients. This award honors emergent writers. Established authors are not eligible for consideration. Lambda Literary defines emergent writers as those who have published at least one but no more than two books of fiction, nonfiction, or poetry.
Applicants’ contributions to the LGBTQ literary field beyond their writings and publications shall also be considered.
9. 2023 JEANNE CÓRDOVA PRIZE FOR LESBIAN/QUEER NONFICTION
DEADLINE: Feb. 17th
The Jeanne Córdova Prize for Lesbian/Queer Nonfiction, established in memory of the beloved activist and author, honors lesbian/queer-identified women and trans/gender non-conforming authors who are committed to nonfiction work that captures the depth and complexity of lesbian/queer life, culture, and/or history. The winner of the prize will have published at least one book and show promise in continuing to produce groundbreaking and challenging work. The award was introduced in 2018 and includes a cash prize of $2,500.
In order to be considered for the award, the applicant must:
self-identify as lesbian/queer or trans/gender non-conforming;
have written and published at least one book of nonfiction that captures the depth and complexity of lesbian/queer life, culture, and/or history;
be of demonstrated ability and show promise for continued growth; and
show meaningful engagement with LGBTQ literary communities.
The award is for a writer, not a book. The application must therefore focus on prior and ongoing writings, showing the author’s commitment to lesbian/queer nonfiction (including, but not limited to: memoir, biography, history, philosophy, and social justice genres and themes).
The applicant's contributions to the LGBTQ literary field beyond their writings and publications will also be considered. For example: reviewing LGBTQ literature, conducting relevant research, participating in LGBTQ literary events, contributing to LGBTQ journals and reviews, membership in online LGBTQ literary forums, etc.
10. 2023 J. MICHAEL SAMUEL PRIZE FOR WRITERS OVER 50
DEADLINE: Feb. 17th
The J. Michael Samuel Prize honors emerging LGBTQ writers over the age of 50. To be eligible, the winner of the prize must be unpublished and meet our minimum age requirement. The award includes a cash prize of $5,000. In order to be considered for the award, the applicant must:
be 50 years of age or older as of January 1st of the award year;
be unpublished and have no books under contract or forthcoming from a publisher (up to one (1) self-published title is permitted). Writers with bylines for short stories, poetry, and essays are still eligible.
be of demonstrated ability and show promise for continued growth; and
show meaningful engagement with LGBTQ literary communities.The applicant's contributions to the LGBTQ literary field beyond their writings will also be considered. For example: reviewing LGBTQ literature, conducting relevant research, participating in LGBTQ literary events, contributing to LGBTQ journals and reviews, membership in online LGBTQ literary forums, etc.
11. THE DRAMATISTS GUILD FOUNDATION VIRTUAL FELLOWS PROGRAM
DEADLINE: Feb, 27th
The DGF Virtual Fellows program is a year-long virtual intensive for professional dramatists who are looking to develop their existing work and take their careers to the next level. The Virtual Fellows program is a free program hosted by the Dramatists Guild Foundation designed to eliminate historical barriers of entry for many emerging dramatists. This nationwide cohort of playwrights, composers, lyricists, and librettists and book writers will work together under the guidance and leadership of prominent program chairs to develop their current work in pursuit of further development and production.
Selected writers, in all stages of their careers, will work with industry professionals, over the course of one year, to learn how to develop, promote and market their work for a staged production. Virtual Fellows will receive a stipend, access to career resources, become part of a nationwide cohort of dramatists, and have an opportunity to participate in a virtual presentation of their work for top theater professionals.
12. O’NEILL YOUNG PLAYWRIGHTS FESTIVAL
DEADLINE: February 8th
WEBSITE: https://www.theoneill.org/ypf
Each year, a cohort of young playwrights is invited to spend a weekend at the O'Neill with a dedicated creative team—director, dramaturg, and actors—to help them develop their short plays based on the principles and techniques of the O'Neill's renowned National Playwrights Conference. Students receive a rigorous exploration of their work guided by professional artists as well as a script-in-hand public reading of their new play.
In addition to the five Featured Playwrights whose work is selected for a weekend of development, the O'Neill welcomes a number of students to attend as Guest Playwrights. Guest Playwrights will observe the development processes, attend playwriting workshops and rehearsals, and hear their scripts read aloud.
YPF welcomes young playwrights to apply to spend a weekend at the O'Neill with a dedicated creative team—director, dramaturg, and actors—to help them develop their short plays using the principles and techniques of the O'Neill's renowned National Playwrights Conference. In addition to the five Featured Playwrights whose work is selected for development, a number of students are invited to attend as Guest Playwrights who will observe rehearsals, attend writing workshops, and hear their scripts read aloud.
YOU ARE ELIGIBLE IF YOU:
Are between the ages of 12-18 and currently enrolled in middle or high school
Reside in the United States
Have permission from your parent or guardian to submit
Have written an original 10-15 page play
Are the only writer of the play
Are interested in seeing a play of yours workshopped at the world-renowned Eugene O’Neill Theater Center
TO APPLY:
Include your name and the title of your play on the front page of the script.
Include a listing of character names and descriptions.
Number every page of your script.
Submit only one play for consideration.
Submit play as PDFs or Word documents. We do not accept Google Docs.
NOTE:
Plays will be selected on a competitive basis.
The O'Neill only accepts digital submissions.
Early submissions are strongly encouraged.
The O'Neill does not provide housing or travel for festival attendees.
13. MCDOWELL FELLOWSHIP
DEADLINE: February. 10th
WEBSITE: https://www.macdowell.org/apply/apply-for-fellowship
MacDowell provides time, space, and an inspiring environment to artists of exceptional talent. A MacDowell Fellowship, or residency, consists of exclusive use of a studio, accommodations, and three prepared meals a day for up to six weeks. There are no residency fees. About 300 artists in seven disciplines are awarded Fellowships each year and the sole criterion for acceptance is artistic excellence. There are no residency fees. Need-based travel grants and stipends are available to open the residency experience to the broadest possible community of artists. Artists with professional standing in their fields, as well as emerging artists, are eligible to apply. MacDowell encourages artists from all backgrounds and all countries in the following disciplines: architecture, film/video arts, interdisciplinary arts, literature, music composition, theatre, and visual arts. Any applicant whose proposed project does not fall clearly within one of these artistic disciplines should contact the admissions department for guidance. We aim to be inclusive, not exclusive in our admissions process.
14. THE BLACK MOTHERHOOD AND PARENTING NEW PLAY FESTIVAL
DEADLINE: Feb. 10th
WEBSITE: https://blackboardplays.com/submit/
#BMPFest is seeking stories centering the Black parenting and caregiving experience. Blackboard Plays and Parent Artist Advocacy League (PAAL) partner to uplift the experiences of Black Parenthood. The Black Motherhood and Parenting New Play Festival was established to tell stories from and about Black artists with families. The Black Motherhood and Parenting New Play Festival (#BMPFest) is seeking new plays by Black Parent and caregiver playwrights for its upcoming theatre festival in the Fall of 2023. #BMPFest is open to those that identify as Black parents and caregivers.This includes, but is not limited to stories from artists with family responsibilities.
PAAL and Blackboard are transgender and non-binary affirming spaces. All language referencing "mother," "parent," "dad," "caregiver," and their derivatives include and refer to any individual who identifies with them.
Please submit up to 10 pages MAX of a play that you would develop into a One-Act (30 - 45 minutes.)
Six (6) Semi-Finalists will have a feature digital (zoom) reading as part of Blackboard Plays’ 2023 Season.
Four (4) Finalists will develop their One-Act centering on the Black parenting and caregiving experience to premiere digitally during the Fall of 2023.Once selected, we will ask our 10-semifinalists to submit a full script for review.
We will then select our 4 finalists.
Between the start of rehearsal and your selection as a finalist, you will have the opportunity to expand upon your work.
Diverse Gender representation will be prioritized in the review and selection process.
Each produced play will have digital production elements and an assigned director.
Although we ask for a sample of 10-pages, this is not a 10-minute play festival. Video Submissions will not be accepted.
The Final four (4) plays will be produced virtually. Pending partner theatre preferences, we will consider a hybrid presentation. Vaccination will be required for all participants of in-person productions
Each of the four (4) Finalists will be paid a stipend of $1,000. USD, as well as a $500. USD Caregiver Reimbursement Stipend per artist.
While we encourage new work we also support the developmental process. If your piece is in development, has had a reading, or been produced at smaller theatres then send it along.
We ask that you wait a year before re-submitting if you were one of our finalists.
15. PLAYWRIGHTS REALM WRITING FELLOWSHIP AND SCRATCHPAD SERIES
DEADLINE: Feb. 13th
WEBSITE: https://playwrightsrealm.org/submit
→ WRITING FELLOWSHIP
The Writing Fellowship is at the heart of what we do: helping writers write. Four early-career playwrights receive nine months of resources, readings and feedback designed to help them reach their professional and artistic goals. The culminating event of the program is our INK’D Festival, which features public readings of each Fellows’ play.
To be eligible you must:
Live within commuting distance to Midtown Manhattan, and be able to make it to regular evening writers meetings, rehearsals, and events.
Have a script that would benefit from a nine-month, intensive development process.
$4,000 Award
Fellows develop a single, new play.
Monthly group meetings provide a collaborative space for writers to share and refine their work.
One-on-one meetings with Realm artistic staff support each writer's process.
Fellows collaborate with a director, design consultants, and actors for two readings.
Personalized professional development resources are tailored to the group - mentor opportunities, meet-and-greets, and professional seminars are designed to shed light on the business of theatre, and empower the Fellows to be active, informed participants in their own careers.
The culminating event of the program is the INK'D Festival, featuring a public (either in person or virtual) presentation for each Fellow.
→ SCRATCHPAD SERIES
Scratchpad Series jumpstarts The Realm’s relationship with early-career playwrights from around the country. Participants will spend a week in New York City for a developmental reading of their play with top-notch professional collaborators—director, cast, and The Realm’s artistic staff. If the playwright is based outside of New York, The Realm will provide travel and housing or per diem.
To be eligible you must:
Have a script that would benefit from dramaturgical conversation with The Realm and 15-hour developmental reading process reading. (Plays can be anything from a rough first draft to a play that is close to production-ready.)
Be able to be present in New York City for a process of between 3-6 days, at a time agreed upon by both you and The Realm.
Playwrights may submit to both opportunities.
16. PLAYWRIGHTS ON PARK READING SERIES
DEADLINE: Feb 14th
WEBSITE: https://www.playhouseonpark.org/web2/newworksseries.html
We are currently accepting submissions for the 2023 season of the Playwrights on Park Reading Series at Playhouse on Park in West Hartford, CT. Submit plays to newworks@playhousetheatregroup.org
Playwrights MUST be able to come to West Hartford to attend the staged reading and the audience discussion that follows. There will be a rehearsal the day of the reading in which attendance by the playwright is optional, but strongly encouraged. Transportation may be provided from NYC or New England locations by the Playhouse. Readings will be on select Sunday nights throughout the season at 7:00pm.
We will choose FIVE plays for readings for the 2023/24 season. Final selections will be made by May 1st, 2022.
Submission GuidelinesBIPOC, LGBTQIA+, womxn, Latinx, and differently abled artists are strongly encouraged to submit
We are seeking FULL LENGTH plays. No musicals or One-Acts at this time
We are only seeking plays with small casts (4 or less actors), particularly 2 or 3 character casts
Please submit a FULL script and character breakdown (Please submit in PDF format). Plays must be submitted electronically
Include any production or workshop history, as well as biographies of the playwright, and any collaborators
Playwrights may self-submit or go through a literary agent.
Connecticut-based and NYC playwrights are strongly encouraged to submit
Please no submissions that have already been submitted to Playwrights on Park in the past
17. ISA FAST TRACK FELLOWSHIP
DEADLINE: Feb. 16th
WEBSITE: https://www.networkisa.org/contest/view/fasttrackfellowship
For over fifteen seasons, the ISA Fast Track Fellowship has been the premier screenwriting fellowship for writers on the rise. Fast Track Fellows have signed with major agencies like CAA, Paradigm and ICM. Many have been introduced to and then signed with management companies or had their scripts optioned, leading to development deals.
Two ISA Fast Track Fellows meet with eight top level agents, managers, producers and executives during a whirlwind week of career acceleration with guidance from the ISA's VP of Development. This season's mentors include writers, producers and execs from WandaVision, Dear White People, Ted Lasso and The Marksman among others. Fellows are then accepted onto the ISA Development Slate for a minimum of one year. Throughout the year, ISA development executives champion and pitch these writers and their projects to our industry partners actively looking for material to produce.
Seven Category Top Selections will receive $500 cash each, be evaluated for acceptance onto the ISA Development Slate and go on to be considered for the two Fast Track Fellowships. We are looking for the freshest, most original, and most personal writing in all of these categories:
Action/Adventure
Comedy
Drama
Historical/Biographical
Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Spec Scripts <---- NOW ACCEPTING SPECS!
Suspense (Mystery, Crime, Horror, Thriller)
2 Fast Track Fellows Receive
8 general meetings with studio / development executives & literary agents
A pitch consultation
The opportunity to pitch to executives during the ISA Pitch Panel
Pre Fast Track Week prep session with Suzanne Gundersen, Inner Story Consultant
Year-long script development and guidance
Acceptance onto the ISA Development Slate
A 12-Month ISAConnect Membership
Fellowship announcements to media outlets
Selected from 7 Top Category Selections
7 Genre Selections Receive
$500 cash each
Consideration for acceptance onto the ISA Development Slate
1-Year Tracking Board Membership
WrapPro Membership
Selected from Semi-Finalists
Top 50 Receive
The Craft Course in Screenwriting
A 6-Month ISAConnect Membership
Consideration for the 7 Top Category Selections
All writers at every level are welcome to apply. Our mission, as always, is to shine a light on writers looking to open new doors. We have our eye on the future of this industry and are genuinely looking to amplify your unique stories.
All general meetings with executives are online.
18. THE VETERANS WRITING PROJECT
DEADLINE: February 20th
The mission of the Writers Guild Foundation’s Veterans Writing Project is to identify emerging writers from United States military backgrounds and provide them with the tools and insights to nurture their passion for writing and successfully navigate the entertainment industry.
We do this in three phases over a yearlong program: A weekend-long retreat, weekly Basic Course, and monthly follow-up workshops and special events. Each military veteran is matched with WGA members. Our writer-mentors represent some of the most beloved movies and television series of the past and present, and are committed to guiding the voices of the future. Upon completion of the program, qualified participants will have the opportunity to pitch their finished screenplay to leading industry executives, managers, agents, and showrunners.
Applicants must be:
A veteran of the United States Military.
At least 21 years of age.
Able to demonstrate their interest in writing for film and TV.
Committed to completing 1 screenplay or TV pilot during the program.
Able to participate in all program meetings and fulfill all program requirements.
Open to constructive criticism and respectful to all other participants and mentors.
Please note, we do not accept candidates who wish to work on a pre-existing project. The program emphasizes the process of writing, so we encourage mentees to develop a new concept from start to finish.
Veterans who have already participated in the program may not attend a second time. However, if you have applied in the past and were not accepted, we encourage you to apply again.
In addition to other requested writing materials, please attach a copy of your DD214 with your social security number blocked out at the end of the application. Submission without proof of service will not be considered. You may save your application progress and return to it once you create an account.
After the application window closes, you may be contacted to set up a phone interview between March and April 2023. Not all applicants will be asked to do a phone interview. You will be notified about the status of your application on or after April 19, 2023.
Exact dates and scheduling details will be announced upon acceptance to the program. The structure is generally as follows:
The Weekend Retreat June 2023
Weekly Basic Course Meeting July - September 2023
Monthly Mentorship Meetings October 2023 - May 2024
The 2023-24 cycle will incorporate a number of hybrid in-person and virtual sessions. All participants - local and non-local - are expected to attend the kickoff weekend Retreat in Los Angeles near late June 2023. Subsequent sessions will be streamed via Zoom and, if permitted, hosted on-site at WGF's Shavelson-Webb Library. Regardless of location, we ask that all those who apply have reliable access to internet and a computer with a functioning microphone and camera.
Email vets@wgfoundation.org to connect with a staff member.
19. THE PLAYWRIGHTS' CENTER'S CORE APPRENTICE PROGRAM
DEADLINE: Feb. 23rd
WEBSITE: https://pwcenter.org/programs/core-apprentice?mc_cid=6a31d4bc7b&mc_eid=7ef197c927
The Playwrights' Center's Core Apprentice program is offered in partnership with the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival. Each year the Playwrights' Center will offer fully funded play development workshops for three student playwrights combined with a nine-month mentorship with a professional playwright.
Eligibility:
Any current student (graduate or undergraduate) or recent grad from a New Plays on Campus (NPOC) Member School may apply for the Core Apprentice program. Schools will no longer be limited to three students, and there is no need for a faculty nomination, only a letter of recommendation from someone chosen by the applicant.
Recent grads are eligible to apply for the Core Apprentice program up to one year after they graduate. This means that anyone who graduated in 2022 from a New Plays on Campus school is eligible to apply for the 2023-24 Core Apprentice program.
The three writers selected for the Core Apprentice development experience will receive: a professional mentorship with an established playwright who will read the student's work, provide career advice, and serve as a connection to the field; recognition on the Playwrights' Center website and consulting opportunities with Playwrights' Center artistic staff; Playwrights' Center Membership for two years; professional development and educational opportunities; an intensive workshop with professional actors, a dramaturg, and a director; a $500 stipend for the workshop in March 2023. Applicants do not need to be residents of Minnesota.
Each application will contain the following pieces:
-Application Form (including contact details, eligibility, and demographic information)
-Professional Resume that details work, education, and life experiences that are relevant to this opportunity.
-One-page Artistic Statement. This is a one-page artistic statement written by you describing how the Core Apprenticeship (which includes a nine-month mentorship, career development and educational opportunities, and a professional workshop) would be transformative for you as an artist. What goals would you hope to achieve by the end of this apprenticeship?
-Script Sample. Please submit a 15- to 25-page sample of the script that you are proposing to workshop. Please include a brief play synopsis and casting description at the beginning of the sample. Be sure your name and the play title are on the cover page. All script submissions must be written only by the applicant—no co-written submissions will be accepted. Scripts for musicals may be submitted by the book writer only. If you advance to the finalist round, you will be asked for the full script, but please only submit a play for which you have a complete, full-length draft. Full-length plays are defined as those that run at least one hour in performance.
-One Letter of Recommendation
Questions may be addressed to University Programs and Partnerships Assistant Shalee Mae Cole Mauleón at shaleec@pwcenter.org.
20. TSL FREE SCREENPLAY CONTEST
DEADLINE: Feb. 23rd
WEBSITE: https://writers.coverfly.com/competitions/view/tslfreecontest
Calling all writers for year five of The Script Lab’s FREE Screenplay Contest!
Come celebrate with us as we re-open our search for top new writers and projects. We’ve already helped past winners sign with Hollywood managers and option their work to producers. You could be next. We’re accepting features, TV pilots and short screenplays because great writing comes in all genres and formats. Who said nothing good in life is free? Clearly they haven’t met The Script Lab yet.
Here’s What All Three Winners Receive
• Distribution to our network of nearly a thousand industry professionals.
• Career consultation session with Coverfly’s Writer Development team.
• One Year Membership to TSL 360 screenwriting video library.
• 20 tokens for free peer-to-peer notes through coverflyX.
Additionally:
The first place winner will receive $500 plus, an optional written article published on The Script Lab about your work and journey, distributed to over 200,000 monthly readers and over 100,000 members.
The 2nd place winner will receive $100.
The 3rd place winner will receive $50.
21. CAMPBELL LIBRETTIST PRIZE
DEADLINE: March 3rd
WEBSITE: NA
The Campbell Opera Librettist Prize is awarded annually to an American librettist who demonstrates exceptional talent and experience for writing opera librettos, with the potential for making a substantial contribution to the American opera literature; and who is committed to making opera a central part of their artistic work and career.
Conceived and funded by acclaimed librettist and lyricist Mark Campbell, the Prize is the first award in the history of American opera that specifically recognizes the opera librettist.
It is designed to highlight the crucial role librettists play in the creation and success of new operatic works, and inspire a new generation of writers to dedicate their pens to opera and music theater
The Campbell Opera Librettist Prize bestows a $7,000 award each year to a librettist chosen from applicants by a panel of independent experts. Librettists who are citizens or permanent residents of the United States may apply.
Applicant notification: April 2023
Guidelines & Worksheets-
Below you will find the guidelines, intent to apply questions, and application questions from the previous cycle of this program. They are for reference purposes only, and are intended to provide an understanding of the program in advance of the release of this year's guidelines and questions. 2022 Guidelines (PDF)
Intent to Apply Questions (PDF)
Full Application Questions (PDF)
For questions about applications or eligibility, contact us at Grants@operaamerica.org or 646.699.5236.
22. ISA DIVERSITY INITIATIVE
DEADLINE: March 15th
WEBSITE: https://www.networkisa.org/contest/view/isa-diversity-intiative
The International Screenwriters’ Association’s Diversity Initiative strives to elevate writers from underrepresented and marginalized communities. We are seeking writers with unique perspectives based on race, sexuality, gender, neurodiversity, disability, economic inequality, age and other. Our aim is to break down barriers and celebrate authentic narratives.
Exceptional writers will be considered for acceptance onto the ISA Development Slate, the top tier of ISA writers. The ISA supports, applauds and promotes these writers to producers, managers and agents in Hollywood and beyond, forging relationships and building careers.
Selected Projects to Be Considered By:
Producer and Director Randall Winston (Scrubs, Cougar Town, Grace and Frankie)
Derek Martin of Bad Robot Productions
Gabrielle Utsey of HBOMax
Saul Delcompare, Katie Zdankus, and Jacob Cohen of One Community
Creative Cypher and mentors in partnership with Creative Cypher's XLerator including Diallo Riddle, Lamorn Morris, JaShieka James, JaNieka James, Brenda Gilbert, and more. More mentors to be announced.
Consideration for Option
Consideration for option from Creative Cypher
Mentorship from Creative Cypher and their industry partners
Strong consideration for the Creative Cypher XLerator
Development Slate Invitation
Up to 3 writers will be invited onto the ISA Development Slate, where our team of development execs will champion them and their work to industry partners. Industry partners include but are not limited to: Harpo Productions, HBOMax, Lifetime, Unanimous Media, Bron Studios, ABC Signature, MGM, ICM, LakeShore Entertainment, Miramax, Disney+, CAA, Nickelodeon, Paramount Players and more.
Career Consultation
Selected writers will have a career consultation session with Felicity Wren, the ISA's VP of Development.
Additional Benefits
A 12-Month ISAConnect Membership
23. THE JEWISH PLAYS PROJECT
DEADLINE: Rolling
WEBSITE: www.jewishplaysproject.org/guide
AN IMPORTANT NOTE: SUBMISSIONS ARE OPEN TO ARTISTS OF ALL
BACKGROUNDS, DENOMINATIONS, FAITHS, CREEDS, RELIGIONS, and other IDEALS.
SUBMISSION PROCESS: Fill out the Project Application Form and attach a play to the form as a PDF. You must submit your play with your name and other identifying information removed (we review all plays blind). We will consider submitted plays and musicals:
MUSICALS: Submitted musicals must include links to recordings of at least 3 songs to be reviewed. Please note, we review musicals on a different timeline than our other programming.
ELIGIBILITY: The following must be true of a submitted play or musical:
It contains significant Jewish themes, characters, content, or points of view.
It is in English, or primarily in English—we love plays that play with language as a theatrical tool, and plays that explore the differences in language. It just needs to be primarily accessible to an English speaking audience. (We welcome translations.)
It is full length, meaning over around 75 minutes in length. (For a guide, that usually means 60 pages or more. We DO NOT review 10 or 20 minute plays.)
It has not had a full production in the NY Metro region or a major regional theater (LORT C or above).
It has never been published in any form.
NOTE: We are most interested in submissions that embrace and depend on Jewish identity at their dramatic core, while avoiding stereotypical forms that rely on cultural or ethnic shorthands in lieu of dramatic development. This holds true whether dealing with the historical gravity of the Holocaust or employing stereotypical tropes for comic effect.
The JPP brings all the tools of new play development to bear on the plays we select: dramaturgical consultation and research; the involvement of collaborating artists - including directors, designers and actors - at all stages as needed; private and public presentations; and industry advocacy. We partner with great writers who not only have a great idea for a play, but have a heartfelt intention to write a Jewish play. To us, this means that during the development process, the writer is committed to making decisions about the progress of the play (or musical) that enhance and deepen the Jewish content, spirit, ideas and values in the work.
24. NATIVE VOICES PRODUCTION SUBMISSIONS
DEADLINE: Rolling
WEBSITE: theautry.org/events/signature-programs/native-voices-annual-call-for-scripts
We accept scripts all year long. Do you have a full-length script that has been developed and produced that you would like us to consider for a future Native Voices production in Los Angeles? Please follow the Checklist for All Submissions below and in the Native Voices Script Submission form check the box for 2023 General Production Consideration.
Checklist for Call for Scripts
Please label script attachment as follows: PlayTitle_Author’s Last Name, First Initial (Example: MyNewPlay_Doe, J.doc).
All submissions must conform to a standard play-script format (one-inch margins, #12 Times or Courier font, all pages numbered).
Include a title page with full contact information (mailing address, phone numbers, e-mail address) and a draft or revision date.
Include a character breakdown at the beginning of your script.
Provide a biography of 75–100 words. Please label attachment as follows: Bio_Author’s Last Name, First Initial (Example: Bio_Doe, J.doc).
Provide a press ready photo of at least 300dpi. Please label attachment as follows: Photo_Author’s Last Name, First Initial (Example: Photo_Doe, J.doc).
Provide development history for the play. Label attachment as follows: DevHistory_PlayTitle_Author’s Last Name, First Initial (Example: DevHistory_MyNewPlay_Doe, J.doc).
To submit, fill out our online form and upload your submission materials here: Native Voices Script Submission Form
Please do not send treatments or outlines. Previously produced plays should be submitted under the 2023 General Submission for Production Consideration. Playwrights are encouraged to make multiple submissions (up to three per event), but selection will be limited to only one play per playwright, per event.
25 AUDIBLE EMERGING PLAYWRIGHTS FUND
DEADLINE: Rolling
WEBSITE: https://www.audible.com/ep/audible-theater
In 2017, Audible launched a theater initiative, intended to radically increase access to exceptional plays and performances. A core pillar of the initiative is the Emerging Playwrights Fund, a program that invests in and nurtures self-identifying emerging playwrights, some of our most inventive, delightful, and provocative storytellers. Through the Fund, Audible aims to connect extraordinary performers with remarkable original work, amplifying new voices and harnessing the power and potential of audio to reach millions of listeners.
The Fund specifically supports t he creation of original dramatic work, written with audio in mind, but theatrical in spirit. Audible is dedicated to commissioning, developing, and producing work that reflects the diversity of our members and our world. To accomplish this, Audible is committed to granting at least 50% of emerging playwright commissions to artists of color and women.
To be considered as an applicant for a commission, please submit all of the following to AudibleTheater@audible.com:
1. One full-length script for an original or adapted play (in English language only) that represents your voice ("Script"). The Script can be in any genre and may include one-acts and solo pieces;
2. A short biography; and
3. A brief statement about why audio plays appeal to you.
If you have an idea for an original audio play, you are welcome to include a pitch or summary along with your statement (this is encouraged, but not required).
Any applicant over the age of 18 may submit a Script. Submissions are accepted year-round. Due to the number of Scripts that Audible receives, Audible will only consider one Script at a time from each applicant and will not consider resubmissions, including those that have been significantly revised. The Audible team evaluates submissions on a rolling basis, and applicants will be notified regarding the status of their submissions via email. Thanks in advance for your patience while we process your Script; our typical response time is 6-8 months.
26. THE STOCHASTIC LABS
DEADLINE: Rolling
WEBSITE: https://stochasticlabs.org/residencies/
The Stochastic Labs offers fully-sponsored residencies to engineers, artists, scientists, and entrepreneurs from around the world. Residencies include a private apartment at the mansion, co-working and/or dedicated work space, shop access, a $1,000 monthly stipend and a budget for materials.
27. THE FOUNDATION FOR CONTEMPORARY ARTS
DEADLINE: Rolling
WEBSITE: https://www.foundationforcontemporaryarts.org/grants/emergency-grants/
Created in 1993 to further FCA's mission to encourage, sponsor, and promote work of a contemporary, experimental nature, Emergency Grants provide urgent funding for visual and performing artists who:
Have sudden, unanticipated opportunities to present their work to the public when there is insufficient time to seek other sources of funding
Incur unexpected or unbudgeted expenses for projects close to completion with committed exhibition or performance dates
Emergency Grants is the only active, multi-disciplinary program that offers immediate assistance of this kind to artists living and working anywhere in the United States, for projects occurring in the U.S. and abroad.VEach month FCA receives an average of 95 Emergency Grant applications and makes approximately 12-15 grants. Grants range in amount from $500 to $3,000, and the average grant is now $1,700. We recommend that artists review all of our eligibility guidelines and FAQs before applying. You may also complete our Eligibility Questionnaire, but please note that the questionnaire is not a substitute for a thorough review of program guidelines.
28. THEATRE ARIEL OPEN SUBMISSIONS
DEADLINE: Open
WEBSITE: http://www.theatreariel.org/opportunities
Theatre Ariel is always seeking the next great Jewish play to present to our audiences. Theatre Ariel is looking for plays that engage with the rich world of Jewish life, thought and practice; plays where Judaism, Jewish identity or Jewish perspectives are significant or driving factors in the story (In other words, not plays where the characters ‘happen’ to be Jewish or that have a few yiddishisms or “Jewish jokes” in them, but plays where Jewish life/thought/history is integral or particularly relevant to the story.). Theatre Ariel seeks plays with casts of five actors or less.
You do not have to be Jewish to have your work considered by Theatre Ariel.
All our performances are presented as salon-style theatre readings in people’s homes, following a long tradition of Jewish theatre. For the foreseeable future, we will be presenting in a hybrid model of both in-person and virtual performances. To have your script considered, please email the following to submissions@theatreariel.org:
Brief cover letter introducing yourself and your play, as well as a short plot summary and character breakdown (indicating doubling, if any)
Ten minute excerpt from the script (if these are not the first ten pages, then please supply a brief explanation of where we are in the story when your sample picks up)
Theatre Ariel is committed to reading and responding to every submission we receive. Please allow three to six months for a response. Please forward any questions you may have to the same email address listed above.
29. THE DOROTHY ROSS FRIEDMAN RESIDENCE
DEADLINE: Rolling
and
If you think you are eligible, now is a fabulous time to apply to The Dorothy Ross Friedman Residence. The Friedman is a shared housing (roommates) residence that offers affordable housing for working professionals in performing arts and entertainment, persons with HIV/AIDS, and senior citizens (60 years of age or older). Most of the apartments are 2-bedrooms, where you would have one roommate and there are a few 3-bedrooms, where you would have two roommates. All tenants have a rent stabilized lease. All apartments are complete with dishwasher, washer/dryer, central heating, and AC. Many apartments have terraces with spectacular Manhattan views, and everyone has access to the Colleen Dewhurst Community Room and the newly renovated Bette Midler Rooftop and Garden. On-site social services include a range of community programs and the Waldman Living Room for seniors. The Friedman Residence also features 24-hour security.
Criteria: Income Eligibility: 1-person household: $28,500 - $47,760
30. WILD CULTURE , WILD PROJECT
DEADLINE: Rolling
WEBSITE: http://www.thewildproject.org/programs/wild-culture/
Wild Culture is a program where wild project partners with a cross-section of independent, downtown performance artists to help both professional and emerging theater performers nurture, broaden and advance projects that are in various stages of development. Wild Culture gives artists free or subsidized space at wild project’s 89-seat eco-friendly theater, a stipend, box-office split, tech staff, marketing and community outreach to sustain the innovative creativity of downtown performance and unburden independent artists from prohibitive production costs. The program generally grants each project limited engagements of one to three performances. Projects that wish to submit to Wild Culture should align with wild project’s mission to enrich and educate the community, explore issues relating to female, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ artist communities, and demonstrate a clear performance aesthetic.
Wild Culture adapts each partnership to the specific needs and artistic vision of the project. Wild Culture is an ongoing program throughout the year.
If you have a project that might be suitable for a Wild Culture partnership, please email Producing Artistic Director Ana Mari de Quesada at adequesada@thewildproject.org to get the conversation going to partner with u
31. LONG WHARF THEATRE LITERARY PROGRAM & NEW WORK DEVELOPMENT
DEADLINE: Year round
WEBSITE: https://longwharf.org/casting-and-literary
Long Wharf Theatre has a proud and rich history of forming meaningful relationships with artists, supporting the development of their work, and moving their projects towards production. We are particularly interested in incubating new pieces that center BIPOC voices, push form, and feature innovative dramaturgy. We are also eager to support projects that originate with artists other than playwrights, such as designers, directors, dramaturgs, and activists. Many of these works have become part of the modern American canon with more than thirty Long Wharf Theatre productions transferred to Broadway or Off-Broadway runs. We are revitalizing our commitment to playwrights at all stages in their careers, and are now welcoming scripts from unrepresented playwrights as well as agents.
Email scripts to: literary@longwharf.org
Type of Materials: Full-length, One act, 10-minute scripts, musicals, adaptations, translations, virtual/Zoom plays.
32. PURPLE ROSE SUBMISSIONS
DEADLINE: NA
WEBSITE: https://www.purplerosetheatre.org/opportunities/script-submissions/
It is our mission to develop and produce new plays that give voice to a wide and diverse range of playwrights. We are unique in our journey toward quality storytelling, as we accept scripts from playwrights who have agency representation, as well as those who do not. Because of this, we receive a large number of submissions, and while we want to read everything that comes in, we also want to make sure that all who plan to submit understands that the Purple Rose is a professional theatre and only wishes to see the best work in which a playwright is capable. In addition to selecting a play that exemplifies a playwright’s storytelling ability, he/she/they must please adhere to the following guidelines to be accepted or considered.
Please submit only the first 40 pages; the title page does not count, however the character description/setting page will. Please include a brief synopsis on this page as well.
The 40 pages must be part of a full-length play. At this time we do not accept One-Acts or monologues.
Please save the file as monthyear: TITLE OF PLAY_Last Name; ex. 0722: MY PLAY_Playwright
The file must be in PDF; .doc, .docx, Google Drive files, .fdx or any extension other than .pdf will not be accepted or opened.
Dramatists Guild Modern Stage Play format is preferred but not required.
Include a brief synopsis of the play in the body of the email; emails containing scene-by-scene breakdowns will not be read.
Provide any development histories and production rights including, but not limited to: workshops, readings, former/current/slotted productions, labs, conferences, liens, etc.
Please notify us of any agency representation and include their contact information.
33. NY THEATER FESTIVAL SPRING/SUMMERFEST
DEADLINE: Rolling
WEBSITE: http://newyorktheaterfestival.com/summerfest-festivals/
We strongly believe that self producing a play or a musical can offer a very important tool for the growth of every playwright’s work. Once a playwright sees their work onstage, it provides an opportunity for the playwright to improve or modify their story. It’s also a great opportunity to invite people from the industry to see your production. People are more likely to go see a show than to read an unsolicited script, as some industry people receive on average thousands of submissions per month, and they understand that the journey for a show to be successful often goes through several productions.
Our team is completely dedicated to help get your work seen. We are always with you to help, from the first moment of your tech rehearsal to the closing of your last show. You will never be left alone during the process. We will help you to choose some of the 85 set/furniture props we offer to dress your stage for your run, and give you a complete crash course on how to use the audio/light/video system, which are intentionally very user friendly. After we show you how to use the tools we provide and how to utilize the space, you will be able to rehearse your tech rehearsal with whatever plan works best for you and your production. A team member will be present to provide prime responses to every inquiry, as well as a telephone # you can call anytime during relevant hours throughout the run of your show. In 11 years and 19 seasons we have successfully hosted 1,200 plays and 300 musicals and rewarded with cash prizes over 300 artists who participated in our Festival.
PRIZES:
We offer up to $8,000 in Prizes. $3,500 alone goes to the season’s best production (either a play or a musical)
Prize categories include:
BEST PRODUCTION: $3,500
BEST PLAY OR MUSICAL SHORT: $500
MOST CREATIVE PLAY OR MUSICAL: $500
BEST DIRECTOR: $500
2 BEST ACTORS: $500 each
2 BEST ACTRESSES: $500 each
BEST SINGER $500
BEST MUSICAL SCORE $300
BEST CHOREOGRAPHY $300
