1. ISA FASTTRACK FELLOWSHIP
DEADLINE: February, 2024
WEBSITE: https://www.networkisa.org/contest/view/fasttrackfellowship
Looking for representation or to connect with working directors or producers? Get on the Fast Track! For 21 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.
*Been introduced to and then signed with management companies.
*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 an ISA Development Executive. Past seasons' executive meetings include writers, producers, directors and execs from WandaVision, Dear White People, Ted Lasso, LA LA Land, Whiplash, Harriet, Lessons in Chemistry and What Women Want 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 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
Suspense (Mystery, Crime, Horror, Thriller)
Spec Scripts ----> NOW ACCEPTING SPECS!
Please note: We define a spec script as an episode based on an existing television show. If your script is not based on existing IP, please submit to the television category.
2. SEVENTH ANNUAL ERIC H. WEINBERGER AWARD FOR EMERGING LIBRETTISTS
DEADLINE: December 2, 2024
WEBSITE: https://www.amasmusical.org/eric-h-weinberger-award
The Eric H. Weinberger Award for Emerging Librettists is a juried cash and production grant given annually to support the early work and career of a deserving musical theatre librettist. It commemorates the life and work of playwright/librettist Eric H. Weinberger (1950-2017), who was a Drama Desk Award nominee for Best Book of a Musical (Wanda’s World), and the playwright/librettist of Class Mothers ’68, which earned Pricilla Lopez a Drama Desk Award nomination.
The winner will receive $2,000 to help with cost-of-living expenses. The winning musical will receive development assistance in the 2025 New Works Development Program of Amas Musical Theatre, culminating in an Amas Lab production with New York theatre professionals. Amas, which is administering the Award, was the development home for several of Mr. Weinberger’s musicals, and which produced the World Premiere of Wanda’s World and the New York Premiere of Tea for Three.
With the many setbacks in the theatre industry over the past few years, we are grateful to be afforded this opportunity to continue making theatre and creating an impact in our community. We are excited to begin work with our 2024 winners Daniel and James Cullen on their piece Dubbo Championship Wrestling and welcome a new wave of inspiring voices to our musical theatre family.
Submissions open September 12, 2024 and will close December 2, 2024. All submissions must be sent through an online application that can be found HERE.
Only one submission per playwright/librettists will be accepted. The winner of the Award is announced in Spring 2025.
Amas Musical Theatre will not ask for any fees for entry or for any fiduciary involvement
from the playwright/librettists at any point of the process.
Submission Requirements:
The musical must:
• Be a full-length show (at least 80 minutes)
• Have no more than eight actors (actors may play multiple roles, if so, please include a suggested breakdown of role distribution)
• Be complete and ready for readings, workshops and/or productions
• Have a demo that is an accurate representation of the music and style of the show (at least five songs)
• Have full underlying rights clearance of any pre-existing material used in the script (music, source material, etc.)
• Not have had a full production or be published in any way, even if with a different name.
What to submit:
All documents must be submitted as PDF files and they should be named with the part of the submission it refers to and the title of the show in the format of PART_TITLE, i.e.: for Tea for Three; BIO_TEA-FOR-THREE, SYNOPSIS_TEA-FOR-THREE, etc.
1. Biography and resumes of the creative team like writer, composer, lyricist (if applicable)
2. History of the submission’s development, and any previous titles it has gone through (if applicable, maximum one page)
3. Brief synopsis (maximum 150 words)
4. Brief artistic statement on the piece itself, including all source material, inspiration, goal, message, etc. (maximum one page)
5. Proof of rights (if applicable)
6. Demo and track listings (Demo selections to be posted as a Dropbox or Google Drive link)
7. PDF document of the full-script and sheet music, if available (no writers named)
3. THE OLD LADY PROJECT
DEADLINE: December 16th, 2024
WEBSITE: https://filmfreeway.com/OldLadyProject
The Old Lady project is an initiative to encourage the development of plays and musicals that feature significant roles for female identifying characters over 50, a demographic that is mostly unseen in mainstream media. Scripts/Screenplays will be submitted to a national panel of directors and producers and staged readings of the winners will occur at the historic Noyes Cultural Arts Center. A directory of works will be featured on the Old Lady Project webpage to facilitate connections between theatre companies, directors and producers. Scripts with the highest score will be offered a staged reading at our expense.
4. NAMT’S FESTIVAL OF NEW MUSICALS 2025
DEADLINE: December 17, 2024
WEBSITE: https://namt.org/newmusicals/festival-submissions/
Now in its 37th year, NAMT’s Festival of New Musicals is the cornerstone of NAMT’s mission to be a catalyst for nurturing musical theatre development and production.
In 1989, the Festival of New Musicals was created to provide a forum to celebrate the new musicals that were being produced and presented around the country. Since then, the Festival has introduced musical theatre producers to 300+ musicals and 565 writers from around the world. More than 85% have gone on to subsequent readings, workshops, productions and tours; been licensed; and/or recorded on cast albums as a direct result of the Festival!
Held over two days in New York City every fall, the Festival produces 45–minute presentations of eight new musicals before an audience of over 800 industry professionals with the experience and resources to move the work forward. We look for new musicals at all stages of development from the broadest possible range of voices.
Please note the following deadlines for the 36th Annual Festival of New Musicals:
December 17, 2024: Early Deadline for All Submissions
January 7, 2025: Late Deadline for All Submissions ($40 fee applies)
Shows submitted by the early deadline require no fee for submission. Shows submitted after the early deadline will be charged a $40 late fee, which must be paid by credit card on the submission portal.
5. THE PULITZER PRIZE FOR DRAMA
DEADLINE: December 31st
WEBSITE: https://www.pulitzer.org/page/drama-submission-guidelines-and-requirements
All the information you need about the writers and (if applicable) agents, production/development history and more is outlined in the application, but you should read this entire page before prepping your materials. You may save and return to your application without having to complete it all in one sitting.
The Musical must be complete and ready for readings, workshops and/or productions.
The Musical should have a demo that is an accurate representation of the music and style of the show and at least 50% of the score must be available to submit on demo.
The Musical must have full underlying rights clearances for any pre-existing material used (music, source material, etc.) in the script.
The Writers must be ready for readings, workshops and/or productions at the time of submission and available for presentations in October 2025 at the Festival.Columbia University, on the recommendation of the Pulitzer Prize Board, annually awards a Pulitzer Prize in Drama of $15,000 "for a distinguished play by an American author, preferably original in its source and dealing with American life." Authors are eligible if they are U.S. citizens, permanent residents of the United States or if the United States has been their longtime primary home. Eligible works include full-length dramas that opened in the United States between January 1, 2024 and December 31, 2024. Please note that COVID-related expanded eligibility criteria (encompassing plays that were scheduled to be produced in theaters but postponed or cancelled due to the pandemic) are no longer in place.The Pulitzer Prizes honor contemporary creative work. Dramatic works previously submitted for the award and revivals are not eligible. The creator(s) of a dramatic work should determine when it is ready for award consideration, as it may be submitted only once. If necessary, eligibility will be determined on a case by case basis. Please follow these entry procedures: Complete the online entry form (including PDF upload of the required playscript) and pay non-refundable $75 entry fee by credit card. A video recording of the production is strongly urged to be included with the entry but is not required. If a recording is submitted, it will be used only to assist the judging process. Whenever possible, the recording should be provided as a web link on the online entry form. All video links must remain active and accessible until the Prize announcement in the spring of 2025. Any login credentials should be listed on the label of the uploaded item or emailed to pulitzer@pulitzer.org at the earliest convenience.
Alternatively, an mp4 video may be uploaded with an entry, although its resolution may not exceed 480p. Please provide a link if you want to submit high-definition video. Entries should be made in advance of the December 31, 2024 eligibility deadline.
Columbia University awards the Pulitzer Prize in Drama annually on the recommendation of the Pulitzer Prize Board, which acts on the nominations of a distinguished committee of Pulitzer Drama Jurors. The award is announced during the spring.
6. TOFTE LAKE RESIDENCIES
WEBSITE: https://www.toftelake.org/
DEADLINE: December 31, 2024
This year we are offering two Individual Artist Residencies. These residencies are focused on individual artists and/or small collaborative teams of all disciplines (literary, performing and visual arts) who wish to create work in the natural environment and in community with other artists in all stages of their career. There is also time for play and rejuvenation - all in support of each artist’s goals, needs and interests. Lodging is provided- we are not able to provide additional stipends or travel subsidies at this time.
This residency is open to artists of any discipline, career stage, and geographic location who are over the age of 18.
7. TERRENCE MCNALLY NEW WORKS INCUBATOR
DEADLINE: January 9th, 2024/500 apps
WEBSITE: rattlestick.org/terrence-mcnally-incubator-apply.
Applications are now open for the Terrence McNally New Works Incubator Cycle 3! As a continuation of Terrence McNally’s singular legacy of mentorship, and his commitment to fostering bold new voices in the American theater, the incubator is designed to support ambitious early-career playwrights by giving them time and space to develop their work, professional mentorship, and access to a community of artists and work being developed at Rattlestick and Tom Kirdahy Productions. Playwrights chosen for the Cycle 3 will receive mentorship from a veteran playwright, an incubation period and workshop for submitted play, artistic support from Rattlestick Theater. Each McNally fellow will receive a one-time stipend of $7500 to be used as the playwright sees fit to best further their goals.
In consultation with Rattlestick Theater and Tom Kirdahy Productions, each McNally Fellow will be paired with a veteran playwright mentor who will read a minimum of two drafts and offer one-on-one feedback, in addition to attending a workshop rehearsal and/or final presentation subject to their availability.
Three-Week IncubationAfter the initial mentor meeting, the playwright will revise and develop their play for three weeks. This is time for rigorous thinking, dreaming, and writing outside the constraints of a product-oriented rehearsal space.
In addition to mentor feedback, the playwright will meet with the literary teams at both Tom Kirdahy Productions and Rattlestick to discuss their work and process.
McNally fellows will be invited to participate in additional Rattlestick events where they will have the opportunity to get to know the teams at Tom Kirdahy Productions and Rattlestick as well as the other McNally Fellows and other industry professionals.
The second part of the incubator will take the form of a developmental workshop culminating in an industry presentation. Core collaborators (director, dramaturg, actors) will be chosen in consultation with the selected playwright, Tom Kirdahy Productions, and Rattlestick and will be compensated for their time.
Questions? Contact us at tmincubator@rattlestick.org.
Finalists are granted an interview with a selection panel, including representatives from Rattlestick and Tom Kirdahy Productions. In consultation with the Playwrights Advisory Panel, three playwrights will be awarded the Fellowship in April of 2025.
Only complete applications will be considered. Please review the Application Materials Checklist before submitting your application to ensure you have not missed any steps.
8. WOODWARD/NEWMAN AWARD
DEADLINE: ROLLING
WEBSITE: https://seeconstellation.org/get-involved/submit-play/
The Woodward/Newman Award is an exclusive honor offered by Constellation Stage & Screen, started through the support of Joanne Woodward, Newman’s Own Foundation, and the Newman family, celebrating Paul Newman & Joanne Woodward’s tremendous history of work on stage and screen. It presents the best unpublished play of the year with a cash prize of $3,000 and a full production as part of Constellation’s Mainstage season.
We are currently accepting submissions for the 2025-26 Woodward/Newman Award. The award recipient will be announced by May 15, 2025. 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). Each play should be individually submitted at the following link: CONSTELLATION STAGE & SCREEN PLAY SUBMISSION.
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). In 2025-26 we will no longer announce finalists and only announce a winner.
9. NES ARTIST RESIDENCY (IN SKAGASTRÖND, ICELAND)
DEADLINE: Rolling
WEBSITE: https://neslist.is/apply/
As one of the largest residencies in Iceland, NES currently hosts between 90–120 artists per year. NES provides artists with a workspace and living quarters within Skagaströnd, and the freedom to create as they wish. Artists receive a $175 stipend/week, with housing accommodations.
10. NATIVE VOICES PRODUCTION SUBMISSIONS
DEADLINE: Rolling
WEBSITE: theautry.org/events/signature-programs/native-voices-annual-call-for-scripts
Native Voices is devoted to developing and producing new works for the stage by Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and First Nations playwrights.
2025 OPEN Submission for Production Consideration
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 2025 General Production Consideration.
How to Submit
Checklist for All Submission Types
❏ 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(s) linked below
Where to Send Submissions
We only accept electronic submissions (preferably PDF format).
To submit, make sure you have everything on the checklist above, click on the link below to fill out the form and upload your materials:
- Short Plays: coming soon!
- Full Length Plays: https://bit.ly/2024NVScriptCall
- General Production Consideration: https://bit.ly/2024NVScriptCallGP
A Note About the Native Voices Distance Dramaturgy Process
Months prior to residencies, selected playwrights participate in dramaturgical conversations with an assigned director and dramaturg. Workshops with these creative teams and a cast of professional actors commence once the playwright arrives on-site. It is important to note that these conversations and workshops are playwright driven, allowing the writer to shape their own developmental path. Selected playwrights should be prepared to dedicate adequate time to this process prior to arriving on-site. For More Information or Questions: nvliteraryassociate@gmail.com
MISSION:
To support creative freedom for engineers and scientists outside of traditional institutional frameworks
To thoughtfully enable the creative ventures, inquiries, and expressions that will shape our technology-driven future
To build an interdisciplinary community of artists, engineers, scientists, and entrepreneurs to collaborate in meaningful and unpredictable ways
Since we opened our doors in 2014, Stochastic Labs has helped pioneer exceptional 20th/21st-century creative ventures including Lynn Hershman Leeson and NASA scientist Josiah Zayner’s epic transmedia artwork The Infinity Engine; JD Beltran and Scott Minneman’s Cinema Snowglobe; Alexander Reben’s film-making robot BlabDroid; Graham Plumb and Karen Marcelo’s volumetric Open Cube; street artist KATSU’s AI Criminals; and Lauren Lee Mccarthy’s interactive performance piece Follower, among others.
11. THE FOUNDATION FOR CONTEMPORARY ARTS – EMERGENCY GRANTS
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. Each month FCA receives an average of 100 Emergency Grant applications and makes approximately 12-21 grants. Grants range in amount from $500 to $3,000, and the average grant is now $1,900. We recommend that artists review all of our eligibility guidelines and FAQs before applying.
12. 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 submit your work to get the conversation going to partner with us.
