1. SKYPILOT THEATRE
DEADLINE: November 1st
WEBSITE: https://www.skypilottheatre.com
SkyPilot continues their Virtual Reading Series spotlighting playwrights of color in honor of the ever-important Black Lives Matter movement. For our upcoming December 2020 series, we are seeking short one-act play submissions, on any topic, which the company’s members will perform safely at home, on a digital Zoom platform. SkyPilot received great acclaim for our 2018 One-Act Festival focusing on three themes, #MeToo, Black Lives Matter, and March for Our Lives (preventing gun violence). Now, for the upcoming “BLM Volume 3” series, the company is looking for short one-act plays written by black/mixed playwrights that are appropriate for a virtual reading on the Zoom conference platform. Specific submission parameters are as follows:
Length: 10-20 Minutes maximum; Characters #: 2-4 Characters maximum; Story: Any Topic; Original material only, no adaptations or plays based on someone else’s copyrighted work, no musicals.
Please send scripts along with a bio and photo to SkyPilotSubmissions@gmail.com with “BLM Playwriting” in the subject line.
2. THE BLACK MOTHERHOOD AND PARENTING NEW PLAY FESTIVAL
WEBSITE: www.blackboardplays.com
DEADLINE: November 9th
The Parenting New Play Festival is open to parents and caregivers that identify as Black. Submit 10 pages MAX of a play that you would develop into a One-Act. Selected writers will develop a One-Act centering on The Black Parenting and caregiving experience to premiere Digitally during the Spring of 2021. 4 finalists will be selected to develop their work with a director and digital production elements to premiere during the Spring of 2020. 2 awards will go to plays that engage with the theme of Black motherhood. 1 award will be for plays that explore transgender, non-binary, and other gender-specific experiences of parenting. 1 award will be for a submission that examines Black fatherhood.
DEADLINE: November 1st
WEBSITE: https://arizonatheatre.org/national-latino-playwriting-award/
Submissions for the 2021 National Latinx Playwriting Award are now open. Latinx playwrights residing in the United States, its territories or Mexico are encouraged to submit scripts for the award. Each script will be read and evaluated by a culturally diverse panel of theatre artists; finalists will be judged by ATC artistic staff.
Submission Procedure:
Submit a single script via U.S. mail.
Scripts must be postmarked by November 1, 2020. Please include a title page on the script that includes the play’s title, the author’s name, and contact information (including a phone number, mailing address, and email).
Include a cover letter of no more than one page, describing the play’s developmental history, and how the play fits into the playwright’s broader career trajectory.
Submit manuscripts to:
National Latinx Playwriting Award
ATTN: Elaine Romero, Playwright-in-Residence
Arizona Theatre Company
343 S. Scott Ave. Tucson, AZ 85701
The award is open to all Latino playwrights currently residing in the United States, its territories, or Mexico. Scripts may be in English, English and Spanish, or solely in Spanish. (Spanish-language and bilingual scripts must be accompanied by an English translation.) Plays must be unpublished, professionally unproduced, and not currently under option at the time of submission. Full-length and one-act plays (minimum length: 50 pages) on any subject will be accepted. For more information contact Elaine Romero, ATC Playwright-in Residence: info@arizonatheatre.org.
4. RISE AGAINST FANATICISM THROUGH THE ARTS SCRIPTWRITING AWARD
DEADLINE: November 1st
WEBSITE: https://www.sohayavisions.com/rafta
We invite the submission of scripts that address fanaticism, extremism, and xenophobia
across the spectrum – whether it be Islamism or white nationalism. The script must be an original piece of work that promotes tolerance and understanding in imaginative ways. The winner will be awarded £1,000 to develop the work with Sohaya Visions and Mukul & Ghetto Tigers will be performed on stage. 2 runner-up scripts will be selected for a reading with professional actors in London.
Send submissions to both Sohaya Visions sohayavisions@gmail.com and Mukul & Ghetto Tigers mukul_tiger@yahoo.com with a short covering letter about yourself. why you wrote the script, and why it is suitable for RAFTA. The script must be an original piece of work and not submitted anywhere else for development or production. The script can be in any style on any historical or regional context so long as it addresses RAFTA aims to tackle extremism, intolerance and/or xenophobia. It must be a minimum length of 25 pages. Winners who accept the award must agree to work with the production team and commit occasional days at mutually agreed times for script development. Rehearsals will be held at a venue in London. All submitted scripts will be held in the strictest confidence and winners notified by email.
5. THE NYLON THEATRE COMPANY DEADLINE: November 1st WEBSITE: https://www.nylonfusion.org/submissions
Nylon Fusion Theatre Company is currently accepting submissions of new works for our short play festival “This Round’s On Us” PROSPECT: The Future. Every era has a “future” style. A future outlook based on the present. What does “future” look like now? What does it sound like? What does it feel like? We look at The Jetsons or Back To The Future and say “where is my flying car?” What do we expect now that we know that flying cars aren’t (yet?) a thing? Speculate. Have fun! To be considered This Round's On Us please submit/email the following: A cover letter, brief synopsis, resume and full script to nylonsubmissions@gmail.com Please be specific as to which project you are submitting to. Write on the SUBJECT LINE For example: This Round’s On Us: The Worst Of Times, Jane Jones. NOTE: accepted plays are produced (including casting) by Nylon Fusion Theatre Company. Playwrights are encouraged to attend rehearsals.
6. SNOW DANCE 10-MINUTE COMEDY FESTIVAL
DEADLINE: November 1st
WEBSITE: http://overourheadplayers.org/snowdance-submissions.html
The Snowdance10 Minute Comedy Festival is a festival of original comedies that run 10 minutes or less. Submitted scripts will be judged by the Snowdance Selection Committee. A selection of scripts will be chosen for production during the Snowdance Festival in the winter of 2021. Due to COVID-19, the exact dates and format are subject to change. Audiences attending Snowdance performances will have the ability to vote for the production they enjoyed the most. The votes will be tallied throughout the five-week festival run, and the Snowdance “Best in Snow” will be awarded to the winning playwright after the final performance on a date to be determined.
Cash award of $500.00 to “Best in Snow,” with $200.00 awarded to second place and $100 for third place. Should circumstances prevent a safe production of a 2021 Snowdance, the chosen finalists will be re-considered for the following year OR for another production format.
To enter a script, please follow these steps:
Competition is open to original 10 minute or shorter plays free of royalty and copyright restrictions. Submission is considered to be approval to produce the piece without royalty if selected for production in the Snowdance Festival. Musicals, adaptations, and translations will not be considered.Plays can have a cast of 1 to 3 characters and should be easily staged. Avoid any elaborate set requirements. And remember it is a 'COMEDY FESTIVAL'. The writer’s name, address, phone number, and e-mail address (if applicable) should be included on the title page and only the title page. The title page should also include a cast list, set requirements, and a 1 to 3 sentence synopsis of the play.
Send scripts by email to snowdance318@gmail.com. Any questions can be directed to Rich Smith at 262-632-6802 or by e-mail at snowdance318@gmail.com.
7. M ENSEMBLE COMPANY
Deadline: November 1, 2020
WEBSITE: https://themensemble.com
As we venture into our 2020/2021 season, we recognize that artist have been impacted tremendously from this Covid 19 Pandemic. It is important that we stand together as a community. It has always been The M Ensemble’s mission to promote African- American culture and experiences through the performing arts. Which is why we are so excited to give artist of color an opportunity to submit their original plays to be produced in or up and coming season! The M Ensemble Company is looking for new plays from people of color (10- 20 minutes) for our up and coming 2020 to 2021 Season. We want scripts that are conscious, thought provoking, lively, and timely. We are looking for plays of all genres. Plays cannot exceed 4 characters. There is no age restriction for the characters. Playwrights can submit only one script, so make sure you send your best work! Each play script must be no more than 20 pages long; not including production notes and character list. Please send all submissions to: TheMEnsemble@gmail.com
DEADLINE: November 6th
WEBSITE: Winterstheatre.org
While we would like nothing more than to host this festival in front of a live audience, we realize that this will be unlikely given the current pandemic. As a result, we are planning to continue the second annual Winters Theatre Company (WTC) 10-minute play festival in an online podcast format (audio only), which will be made available in 2 acts of 4 plays each, similar in format to the live performances last year. For many of us, this is a new approach to directing, acting, and managing a theatrical performance. Be sure to review the new set of rules and requirements to ensure that this new format will work for you.
REQUIREMENTS:
Both scripts that have been produced previously, or not produced before, are eligible for submission.
2. Any author who does not intend to direct the play must have someone identified as the director for the 10-minute play festival. The director will be responsible for coordinating their own rehearsal schedules and format, auditions, and casting. WTC will not be coordinating any live auditions; however WTC will be willing to assist in putting out a call for auditions if the director is interested in this. Every play must be fully performed (including all additional audio sources such as music and other sound effects) in 10-minutes or less. All roles and members of the cast in the 10-minute play selections must be 18 years of age or older and we encourage play submissions to have 3 or fewer roles given the audio format. There is a limit of 3 play submissions per author for the 10-minute play festival.
Please submit a PDF of the full script, with this completed application form, to: amkormos@gmail.com and jimhewlett@yahoo.com
9. DOWNTOWN URBAN ARTS FESTIVAL (DUAF) 19TH ANNUAL SEASON
DEADLINE: November 9, 2020
WEBSITE: https://www.duafnyc.com
DUAF will accept 16 theatrical works (plays, musicals and solo works) that reflect urban life and with running times up to 70 minutes. Each work is performed only once during the festival. There will be a $1,000 award in the categories of Best Play, Best Short and Audience. There is no submission fee and each playwright will receive a $500 monetary stipend as well as other supportive services to assist in developing the play for the stage.
SUBMISSION DETAILS:
1. Playwright's bio with contact info- name, address, phone # and email
2. Photo of playwright
3. Synopsis of theatrical work
4. Complete script of theatrical work
5. Estimated running time of work
6. Actor/director/crew bios, if available
7. Description of stage set (if any) and production needs (i.e. sound and lighting)
Please submit to coordinator@duafnyc.com
10. JULLIARD: THE LILA ACHESON WALLACE AMERICAN PLAYWRIGHTS PROGRAM
DEADLINE: November 15th
WEBSITE: https://www.juilliard.edu/arm/drama/college/playwriting/artist-diploma
Under the direction of Tanya Barfield and David Lindsay-Abaire, the Lila Acheson Wallace American Playwrights Program offers tuition-free, graduate-level fellowships to four or five writers each year. Selected playwrights may be invited to continue their studies through a second academic year, thereby earning an Artist Diploma in Playwriting. The cohort is purposely small. Fellows concentrate on the practical aspects of dramatic writing through a weekly master class with the program's directors. The focus is on dramatic structure and the cultivation of each writer's individual voice.
Twice-monthly Play Labs allow the writers to hear their work read by Juilliard acting students and alumni. Other opportunities to collaborate include quarterly PlayTime sessions and informal readings throughout the year. Many of the working relationships begun at Juilliard between actors and writers continue to flourish long after graduation. A September workshop series and a December festival of staged readings feature the presentation of full-length works by current and alumni fellows. The residency culminates in a showcase evening of scenes for the community and invited theater professionals.
Playwriting students are encouraged to take advantage of the wealth of resources within Juilliard's walls and also those afforded via the school's prime location on Broadway — the cultural offerings of greater New York City. Students may audit classes in the Drama Division’s acting program and are encouraged to see productions around the city, often receiving offers for free or discounted tickets to performances on and off-Broadway. Alumni of the Playwrights Program have garnered considerable recognition in the form of productions, commissions, publications, and awards, including the prestigious Pulitzer Prize. Other notable alumni recognitions include a PEN/Laura Pels International Foundation for Theater Award, MacArthur Genius Grants, an Olivier Award, as well as multiple Drama Desk Awards, Obie Awards, and Outer Critics’ Circle Awards, among others.
It is preferred that you hold an undergraduate degree; however, you will also be considered if you have advanced training equivalent to a bachelor’s degree or exceptional artistic accomplishments. International students are welcome to apply, however, play submissions must be in English. If you reapply, you should submit a new play with each application, unless it is a previously submitted play that has been significantly re-written. Room and board are not included, but there is a small stipend.
11. NATIONAL QUEER THEATER
DEADLINE: November 11th
WEBSITE: www.nationalqueertheater.org
National Queer Theater is now accepting submissions for the third annual Criminal Queerness Festival (CQF), which will take place at NYC Pride 2021. CQF strives to uplift and amplify LGBTQ playwrights and artists from countries that censor or criminalize queer communities through the creation of exciting theatrical productions. Up to four plays will be selected and given performances in New York City. The plays will be performed in a festival format with directors and actors from National Queer Theater. The winning playwrights will also be awarded a stipend of $1,000 USD each.
Queer voices across the world have been censored and silenced in countries where LGBTQ lives are criminalized and victimized. The Criminal Queerness Festival welcomes:
Plays by artists from countries that censor or discriminate against LGBTQ communities;
Plays that address themes of criminalization, homophobia, or transphobia outside the United States.
Plays that have not been previously produced in the United States.
Proposals for dance-theater or other storytelling formats are also welcome.
Submit the following package to submissions@nationalqueertheater.org with the subject line "CRIMINAL QUEERNESS SUBMISSION". Anonymous submissions, or submissions using an alias are welcome. The email must include: Playwright’s email address, country of origin, and country of residence. A character breakdown. A play script (pages must be numbered) in PDF attached. Two notes no longer than 100 words each answering the questions: How does your play fit the theme of ‘criminal queerness’. What has been your experience as a queer artist? Could you stage your play in your home country?
12. OTHERWORLD THEATRE
DEADLINE: November 15th
WEBSITE: https://www.ftfshows.com
We are holding a call for black female playwrights from the United States to submit monologues that reflect their personal experience. These monologues will be presented by Fantasy Theatre Factory in February, 2021 during Black History Month. An honorarium will be paid to those playwrights whose scripts are selected. Submissions accepted from female black playwrights who reside in the United States; two submissions per writer maximum; monologue should read between 2 and 5 minutes. On the cover page, indicate name, address, phone and email address. Email scripts to: blackfemaleplaywrights@gmail.com
13. VIRTUAL 10 MINUTE PLAY FESTIVAL
DEADLINE: November 15th
WEBSITE: http://lakeshoreplayers.com
Lakeshore Players Theatre is now accepting submission of 10-minute plays for its 2020-2021 season's contest. Scripts should be approximately ten-minutes in length and should have no more than five on-stage (speaking or non-speaking) characters. The ten winners of the contest will be performed for our 17th Annual Festival, in the spring of 2021. High school playwrights are encouraged to enter.
REQUIREMENTS:
The play should be approximately ten-minutes in length.
The play must have no more than five on-stage (speaking or non-speaking) characters.
Please do not make more than one submission.
The play should be in a "play format" making it easy for the readers. (We suggest 12-point, easy to read fonts, such as Times New Roman or Arial)
The play must be unpublished and unproduced at the time of submission to our contest. We DO screen for this, so do not send us your play if it has been produced. Staged readings are not counted as "produced." However, if you have had a staged reading of the play, please let us know so that we do not accidentally disqualify it.
Submitting your play to our contest grants Lakeshore Players the right to produce your play in our annual festival and photograph and/or videotape it for archival purposes if it is chosen as a winner.
High school playwrights are encouraged to enter. Plays must include a letter from a teacher or school administrator, written on school letterhead, verifying that the play was written during high school, in addition to the guidelines below. If the committee chooses to name a high school entry as a winner, the play will be produced with the other winners in our festival.
ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES:
14. SHAKESPEARE’S NEW CONTEMPORARIES
DEADLINE: November 18th, 2020
WEBSITE: www.americanshakespearecenter.com/index
Shakespeare’s New Contemporaries is a groundbreaking, industry-changing undertaking that is discovering, developing, and producing a new canon of 38 plays that are inspired by and in conversation with Shakespeare’s work. It’s an opportunity for playwrights of every background, perspective, and style to engage with Shakespeare and his stage practices. Playwrights get a world premiere production of their play; $25,000 prize; travel and housing for the rehearsal and development process. We’re looking for unproduced plays that engage with Shakespeare’s work and embrace Shakespeare’s staging conditions.
Online applications only
Play must be inspired by or in conversation with As You Like It, Henry VI, Romeo and Juliet, and Troilus and Cressida - Play must be unproduced
Play must be able to be performed by a company of 10-12 actors.
Play must be able to be performed with minimal sets
Play must be able to be performed with universal (shared) lighting
Play must be able to be performed with any and all music and sound effects created in real time, unplugged, and by members of the acting troupe.
15. JEROME FELLOWSHIPS
DEADLINE: November 19th
WEBSITE: http://www.pwcenter.org/
The Playwrights' Center's Jerome Fellowship is intended to support early career playwrights who demonstrate extraordinary potential, artistic vision, and a commitment to spending a year in residence in Minnesota developing their work with the Playwrights' Center in community with other fellows. Fellows will receive an $18,000 stipend and $2,500 in development support.
Fellows spend a year-long residency in Minnesota (July 1, 2021-June 30, 2022), working in an individualized and hands-on way with the Playwrights' Center artistic staff—some of the most experienced and connected theater professionals in the country. Beyond the financial stipend, the value of fellowships is more than doubled with the year-long support the Playwrights' Center adds through workshops with professional directors, dramaturgs, and actors—and through the connections the Center makes between playwrights and producers of new work. This holistic and customized combination of financial support, connections with other artists, and professional connections is career-changing for most playwrights.
Applicants must reside in, and have the legal right to work in, the United States during the fellowship term. Applicants may not have had more than two different works fully produced by professional theaters at the time of the application. Fellows commit to spending the 12-month fellowship period in Minnesota and actively participating in the Center's programs. Housing and travel are not provided. Playwrights may not receive more than two Jerome Fellowships. A previous Jerome Fellowship recipient applying for a second fellowship must submit a different play than the play that accompanied the previous successful application. Recipients may not receive any other Playwrights' Center fellowships during the year.
Please note clearly which productions listed on your resume (if any) meet the criteria for being "fully produced by a professional theater." Professional productions are defined as productions for which the author and primary artists (actors, directors, and creative collaborators) were reasonably compensated and that received at least three public performances each. Ten-minute or one-act plays and university, college, secondary school, amateur, and Equity showcase/waiver productions are not considered full professional productions. Productions that open after November 19, 2020 do not count.
-1 page Artistic Statement and Goals.
This is a one-page artistic statement and description of your goals for the fellowship year. While contextualizing your current artistic life, please also describe your artistic goals for the fellowship year. The fellowship offers time to write and develop work with professional collaborators—in addition to the opportunity to utilize the many and varied resources of the Playwrights' Center, including career support, connections with artistic leaders, and teaching and community engagement. In what specific ways would this fellowship impact your artistic growth? How prepared are you to fully take advantage of this opportunity? This statement, along with your script, should help provide insight into your vision as a theater maker.
-Full-length play script
Please be sure your name and the play title are on the cover page. A full-length play typically runs at least one hour in performance. 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. The submitted script must be a complete draft that represents your best playwriting. Please request two letters of recommendation from individuals who are familiar with your work as a playwright.
16. STONEHENGE NYC DEADLINE: November 30th WEBSITE:www.stonehengenyc.com
Stonehenge NYC is giving apartments to twenty creatives in 2021. It’s no secret that New York has been deeply impacted over this past year. The physical, mental, and economic wellbeing of our community has been tested by a global pandemic. But New Yorkers are no stranger to struggle. Whether you’ve visited once or have lived here your entire life, anyone fortunate enough to experience New York’s energy is forever changed. Our city will be reborn, reimagined, and recreated into an even greater version of itself. And the team at Stonehenge NYC is committed to ushering in this new era. We are dedicated to our city’s artists. These people are an essential part of our community, the ones who will tell -- and shape -- the story of New York during this monumental point in history. Which is why we’ve created the Still Standing artist residency. Beginning in March 2021, Stonehenge NYC will actively support creatives by providing housing within our residential portfolio. By easing the financial burden of city-living, we strive to give qualifying artists the time and space to create groundbreaking work, while leading New York City into its next chapter. Applications are open to any artist who is eligible to live and work in New York City. All creative disciplines are welcome. DOWNLOAD APP HERE.
The application will consist of two primary components -- the personal statement and the art submission. The personal statement will include two essays, no more than 800 words each. These essays will give applicants the opportunity to tell us about themselves and their work. New York doesn’t adhere to any singular narrative. It’s important that the Still Standing residency is a reflection of these multitudes, which is why we’re interested in getting to know each applicant’s story alongside their work. The creative submission provides an opportunity to showcase this work. Artists are asked to submit a piece fulfilling the prompt “I stand with New York City”. The prompt is purposefully minimal, because the creative process is deeply personal. We want to get to know you, so feel free to take artistic liberties here. We only ask that submissions are, at maximum: 1,000 words -- or -- 3 minutes -- or -- 5 images. Still Standing is a one-year residency, from March 2021 to February 2022, open to creatives across all disciplines. Twenty artists will live in a Stonehenge NYC apartment for free, in exchange for regular commissions of their work. The details and deadlines of these commissions will be agreed upon prior to move-in. While the structure may vary by medium, the goal remains the same -- we will show the world that New York City is still standing. Follow @StonehengeNYC on instagram, facebook, and twitter for up-to-date information. If you have any questions regarding the Still Standing residency, or application process, please contact Taylor Lhamon at stillstanding@stonehengenyc.com.
17. ERIC H. WEINBERGER AWARD FOR EMERGING LIBRETTISTS
DEADLINE: November 30th
WEBSITE: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. The winner will receive $2,000 to help with cost-of-living expenses. The winning musical will receive development assistance in the 2021 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.
All submissions must be sent through an online application that can be found HERE. Only one submission per playwright/librettist will be accepted. The winner of the award will be announced late February-early March 2021.
The musical must:
Be a full-length show (at least 80 minutes)
Have no more than seven actors (actors may play multiple roles)
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.
DEADLINE: December 1st
WEBSITE: newplays.org
The Woodward/Newman Drama Award is an exclusive honor offered by Bloomington Playwrights Project, remembering the many great dramas Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman performed in together. It presents the best unpublished full-length drama of the year with a cash prize of $3,000 and a full production as part of the BPP’s Mainstage season, along with travel reimbursement.
“Full-length” plays should have a complete running time of between 1 hour 15 minutes (75 minutes) to 2 hours 15 minutes (135 minutes). Plays submitted must be unpublished at the time of submission.
Each submission should be sent to BPP via email. Send your email to literarymanager@newplays.org
Your email should include the following:
Tell us for which competition you are submitting: Reva Shiner Comedy or the script Woodward Newman Drama. Tell us your name, phone number, and the name of your Play. Tell us how you are satisfying the $10 administrative fee. Agent submissions and Dramatist Guild members may apply for free; attach a copy of your DG card to the email. Attach a PDF file containing your script with the following information included in the following order:
Title page with author name; Synopsis (1 page or less); Character list/breakdown; Production history for the play—Include readings and productions; A brief bio of the playwright; Full Script; Submissions that fail to include all requested information in the order listed will be disqualified from the contest. Plays submitted in previous years will be accepted. Two separate submissions per playwright per annual competition are allowed as long as each submission has all the required materials.
19. EST SLOAN PROJECT
Deadline: Dec. 1st
website: http://www.ensemblestudiotheatre.org/est-sloan/submissions/
The EST/Sloan Project commissions, develops and presents new works delving into how we view and are affected by the scientific world. These plays examine the struggles and challenges scientists and engineers face from moral issues to the consequences of their discoveries.
The Project is designed to stimulate artists to create credible and compelling work exploring the worlds of science and technology and to challenge existing stereotypes of scientists and engineers in the popular imagination.
COMMISSION AWARDS
Commissions will be awarded to individuals, groups and creative teams for full-length and one-act plays and musicals. Commissions range from $1000 to $10,000. Commission amounts are determined on a case-by-case basis, as are deadlines for drafts, finished work, and research support (if appropriate). Extant, full-length works may be submitted and are judged on a script-by-script basis by the EST/Sloan Project staff. Rewrite commissions for existing scripts range from $1,000 to $5,000.
Commissions are also available for regional theaters who wish to sponsor a local project focused on science and technology, either by commissioning a new script or developing an extant piece. Regional commission amounts are determined on a case-by-case basis, ranging from $2,000 - $5,000.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:
The EST/Sloan Project is open to a broad range of topics related to the issues, people, ideas, processes, leading-edge discoveries, inventions, and/or history of the "hard" sciences and technology.
HARD SCIENCES INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING AREAS:
Mathematics, Physics (geological, nuclear, theoretical, etc.), Biology (evolution, zoology, animal behavior, ecology, molecular, genetics, etc.), Chemistry (industrial, biochemistry, etc.), Neuroscience, Anthropology and Archaeology
TECHNOLOGY INCLUDES:
Computer Science, Software Development, Computer Development, Engineering (civil, chemical, mechanical, electrical, aerospace, vehicle design),Space Research
NEW COMMISSIONS
Individuals, creative teams and theatre companies interested in receiving an EST/Sloan Project commission should submit the following as their application for a grant:
A one- or two-page description or a simple outline/synopsis of the project. This document should describe the actual story being explored and include in the description of the story how the science being portrayed would be inherently dramatic in the piece. Focus on plot and character development, and, as it ideally will in the finished play, how the science comes out through plot and character. A resume or biography of each collaborator involved.
20. THE BLACK PRODUCERS FELLOWSHIP
DEADLINE: December 1st
WEBSITE: https://form.jotform.com/202608481209150
Wavelength Productions and The Black TV & Film Collective have partnered to present a collection of short narrative films inspired by the Black experience of education in America. We're awarding six Black producers with a $25K production grant, in kind production support and critical career mentorship. These films will be produced as part of the Black TV & Film Collective’s Black Producers Fellowship. Each awardee will be actively supported as a Black TV & Film Collective Producing Fellow. Through the fellowships, they will advance their projects through the critical development, prep, production, post and delivery phases. Along the way, you’ll participate in roundtables with industry leaders, including producers, financiers, distributors and festival programmers, as they offer learnings, access and mentorship to level up in your career and better prepare yourself, not only for this opportunity, but also your next. Learning sessions will cover topics including leadership, emotional intelligence, team building, financing strategy and more. The fellowship is a critical professional development and mentorship component for Black producers seeking long term financial sustainability. This level of support is routinely not concentrated on Black producers and we are happy to be a part of changing that dynamic
So much of who we are as a society is shaped by the education we received as individuals. It’s no secret that the experience of education in America is vastly different for Black students and their families. We seek scripts inspired by this truth. Some of us now watch our children, nieces, and nephews whose experiences today are vastly more complex than those we experienced, even a few short years ago. In the face of the systemic racism embedded within the system, what hasn’t changed is our resilience, fearlessness and creativity. In each submission, we encourage a narrative story filled with authenticity, creativity, unique vision, and bold storytelling. We seek to be entertained, inspired and informed.
Eligibility: The fellowship is open to Black producers throughout the U.S., however production must take place in NYC. Producing teams are also welcome to apply. Applicant must have at least three producing credits (from associate to producer. Credits may include shorts, web series, features, docs…etc). Producers may NOT be the director of the project, however producers may be the writer of the project. Ability to attend mandatory bi-weekly virtual fellowship meetings starting in January 2021. Commitment to complete and deliver the short films by September 2021. Current BTFC membership at the Advanced Support level or commitment to join the BTFC if selected.
There are three parts to the application: Personal Information, Essay, Supporting Documentation.
– Script: A well written narrative short film script inspired by the Black experience of education in America (up to 10 pages). Be creative.
– Bios & Resume: For both producer and director
– Artistic Statement
– Work Samples: For both producer (2 samples, up to 10 mins each) and director (1 sample, up to 10 mins)
Tell us more:
– What has drawn you to producing? What goals do you have for your career? Limit 300 words
– Why would this program be especially beneficial and impactful given where your career stands now? How did you develop your team? Limit 300 words
21. THE MANY VOICES FELLOWSHIP DEADLINE: December 3rd WEBSITE: https://pwcenter.org/programs/many-voices-fellowships
The Many Voices Fellowship is intended to support early career Black playwrights, playwrights of color, and/or Indigenous playwrights who demonstrate extraordinary potential, artistic vision, and a commitment to spending a year in residence in Minnesota developing their work with the Playwrights' Center in community with other fellows. The fellowship is additionally supported by a professional theater artist mentor. Past mentors include Martine Green-Rogers, Christina Ham, Daniel Alexander Jones, and Mark Valdez.
Many Voices Fellows will receive an $18,000 stipend and $2,500 in development support. Fellows spend a year-long residency in Minnesota (July 1, 2021-June 30, 2022), working in an individualized and hands-on way with the Playwrights' Center artistic staff—some of the most experienced and connected theater professionals in the country. Beyond the financial stipend, the value of fellowships is more than doubled with the year-long support the Playwrights' Center adds through workshops with professional directors, dramaturgs, and actors and through the connections the Center makes between playwrights and producers of new work. This holistic and customized combination of financial support, connections with other artists, and professional connections is career-changing for most playwrights.
Applicants must reside in, and have the legal right to work in, the U.S. during the fellowship term. Applicants may not have had more than one play fully produced by professional theaters at the time of the application. (Note for 2020: If you had a production that was canceled or postponed due to COVID-19, that does not count when determining eligibility. Even if the play technically opened before cancellation, you do not need to count that production, so you will still be eligible for this fellowship. Please be sure to mark cancellations or postponements clearly on your resume.) Fellows commit to spending the fellowship period in Minnesota and actively participated in the Center's programs. Housing and travel are not provided. Playwrights may not receive more than two Many Voices Fellowships. A previous Many Voices Fellow applying for a second fellowship must submit a different play than the play that accompanied the previous successful application. Recipients may not receive other Playwrights' Center fellowships during the year.
The Many Voices Fellowship was created in 1994 in partnership with the Jerome Foundation in order to create a home for early career playwrights of color and Indigenous playwrights who would provide the American theater scene with diverse voices and aesthetics. Since that time, the Many Voices program has provided over 140 fellowships for more than 100 early career playwrights, offering class instruction, play development workshops, and mentoring opportunities.The Application
Each application will contain the following pieces:
-Application Form (including contact details, eligibility, and demographic information)
-Playwriting Resume
Please mark clearly which productions (if any) meet the criteria for being "fully produced by a professional theater." Professional productions are defined as productions for which the author and primary artists (actors, directors, and creative collaborators) were reasonably compensated and that received at least ten public performances each. Ten-minute or one-act plays and university, college, secondary school, amateur, and Equity showcase/waiver productions are not considered full professional productions. Productions that open after December 3, 2020 do not count. (Note for 2020: If you had a production that was canceled or postponed due to COVID-19, that does not count when determining eligibility. Even if the play technically opened before cancellation, you do not need to count that production, so you will still be eligible for this fellowship. We want to make sure that the pandemic does not negatively impact your ability to apply for this program. Please be sure to mark cancellations or postponements clearly on your resume.)
-1 page Artistic Statement and Goals. This is a one-page artistic statement and description of your goals for the fellowship year. While contextualizing your current artistic life, please describe your artistic goals for the fellowship year. The fellowship offers time to write and develop work with professional collaborators—and the opportunity to utilize the many and varied resources of the Playwrights' Center, including career support, connections with artistic leaders, and teaching and community engagement. In what specific ways would this fellowship impact your artistic growth? How prepared are you to fully take advantage of this opportunity? This statement, along with your script, should help provide insight into your vision as a theater maker.
-Full-length play script. A full-length play typically runs at least one hour in performance. 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. The submitted script must be a complete draft that represents your best playwriting.
-Two letters of recommendation
Please request two letters of recommendation from individuals who are familiar with your work as a playwright. Letters must be received by the application deadline: December 3, 2020. You will be sending a request through the application portal below.
Questions may be addressed to Artistic Programs Manager Julia Brown at juliab@pwcenter.org.
22. MCKNIGHT NATIONAL RESIDENCY AND COMMISSION
DEADLINE: December 10th
Website: https://www.mcknight.org
The intent of the McKnight National Residency and Commission is to support an established playwright from outside of Minnesota who demonstrates a sustained body of work, commitment, and artistic excellence. The Recipient of the Residency and Commission will create a new play which will be developed with the Playwrights' Center through a series of workshops and will culminate in a public reading of the play.
Recipients will not move to Minnesota but will have opportunities to engage with local artists and the Playwrights' Center staff and fellows throughout their term (July 1, 2021-June 30, 2022). One of the goals of this program is to create dialogue between Minnesota-based artists and those outside of the community. Benefits include: A $15,000 commission, up to $12,250 in workshop funds to support the development of the play, and a public reading. Applicants must reside in and have the legal right to work in the U.S. Applicants must be nationally recognized playwrights who have had at least two different plays fully produced by professional theaters at the time of application. (Note for 2020: If you had a production that was canceled or postponed due to COVID-19, that does count when determining eligibility. Even if the play was canceled before opening, you may count that production, so you will still be eligible for this fellowship. Please be sure to mark productions that were canceled/postponed as professional pRecipients may not receive any other Playwrights' Center fellowships or Core Writer benefits during the grant year.
Each application will contain the following pieces:
-Application Form (including contact details, eligibility, and demographic information)
-Playwriting Resume
Please note clearly which productions listed on your resume (if any) meet the criteria for being "fully produced by a professional theater." Professional productions are defined as productions for which the author and primary artists (actors, directors, and creative collaborators) were reasonably compensated and that received at least three public performances each. Ten-minute or one-act plays and university, college, secondary school, amateur, and Equity showcase/waiver productions are not considered full professional productions.. (Note for 2020: If you had a production that was canceled or postponed due to COVID-19, that does count when determining eligibility. Even if the play was canceled before opening, you may count that production, so you will still be eligible for this fellowship. We want to make sure that the pandemic does not negatively affect your ability to apply for this program. Please be sure to mark productions that were canceled/postponed as professional productions on your resume.)
Submit a play that is representative of your work. A full-length play generally runs at least one hour in performance. Co-written work will not be accepted, and musicals may be submitted by the book writer only.
-2-3 page Project Proposal. This proposal should explain the project you intend to create if you receive the commission. The evaluators are looking for a project that is relevant, compelling, original, and that could reasonably have a first draft finished within the year. Please also detail why you would like to develop this piece with the Playwrights’ Center and your interest in engaging with the community here.
-One letter of recommendation. Please request one letter of recommendation from an agent or theater professional. Letters must be received by the application deadline: December 10, 2020. You will be sending a request through the application portal below.
Questions may be addressed to Artistic Programs Manager Julia Brown at juliab@pwcenter.org. An information session about the application and program will be held on Thursday, November 5 at 12:30 p.m. CST on Zoom. A recording will be available after the session. Click here to join the Zoom meeting.
