Tuesday, January 24, 2023

1st Generation Artists

 When I see someone who is a 1st gen artist  (w/ no family or friends in the industry) making their way fwd, I am aware that they have had to overcome so many obstacles, get doors slammed in their face, be humbled, humiliated, fall, fail, learn mostly by failure, thought about giving up 100 times, faced dark nights of the soul, dealt with lack for years (money, housing, stability, freedom, healthcare, etc) overcome the doubts of family members, claw their way up (while smiling), walk over hot coals (w/ a smile...no 'not angry, I love these hot coals burning my feet, yay!'), not scare away the rich ppl, absolutely DO NOT SCARE AWAY THE RICH PPL, work shit jobs, hold their tongue against 'hot emerging' artists who are industry babies with publicists, miss the dentists, miss the vacation, probably have some ailment or injury from school or work that they can't afford to fix, live on the razor's edge of despair and AND AND...

...have to actually be talented! Like obviously brilliantly gifted in some way to succeed on just gumption, guile and talent (but not bitter, do not scare away the gatekeepers) and to not let addiction, anger, envy and the unfairness of it all sink their spirit, I am in awe. 

Some times I step back and look at where my artsy friends were 10 yrs ago and where they are now and it's astonishing. Yes, where do I want to be in five years? Absolutely. But also, look at how far you've come. Look at how far your peers have come from raiding school events for free cheese, trying group reiki b/c it's the only healthcare you can afford, stuffing catering leftovers in plastic bags, and being told 'no, no, why are you still here? No. No...I said NO! GTFO....never. NEVER and HELL NO' to 'hmmm, well maybe. Ok...hey, we love you, hey can we get a meeting? Oh, we LOVE her' and manage to be coherent, compassionate, imperfect adults dealing with the scar tissue, and continuing to move up.

And if you're just starting out and you don't have any friends or family in the industry and are making those professional mistakes and being told no, and don't have healthcare or stability...you are not alone. You are not the first or the last. But you can be a link in a chain that lifts others up if you just find a reason to get the fuck up in the morning and go out into a world that's going to scream 'NO' at you for years until they coo 'we've always loved you.'


Friday, January 20, 2023

Death and Dying: Rumination and Meditation

 Talking about death and dying is considered depressing, but there were a few things I was vividly aware of when my dad passed in 2021...

- at a certain point my Dad didn't want to go to a hospital again and his wishes were honored. My grandfather Opa died in his sleep when I was kindergarten. He ate dinner, read the paper, went to bed, had a massive heart attack while he slept, and never woke up again. That was my first experience with a death in the family. At the time, I thought that was so sad. Then I went on to experience dozens of deaths and realized that Opa was lucky. Really. There were no tubes, no monitors. No outrageous hospital bill. He had a meal and died in his bed without drawn-out pain or leaving his family in debt. 

- dying without medical debt or ambulance bills is a luxury in America. The only way Opa could have 'died better' is if it was after the last meal on the last day of his vacation... and after charging everything to his credit card.

-Dad died in his bed with no tubes or outrageous hospital bills. And surprisingly, he didn't die from COVID even though he had almost no immune system left. We didn't bring home the virus to a very vulnerable person. We masked up and stayed away from people.  

- dying and death is an art form. The clear-eyed planning, the rites, the preparations. It's something that should be taught in schools. There would be less depression if people in our culture could deal with dying/death as a natural process. Some times people are 'ready to go' and keeping them alive is the greater pain and depression. 

-technology saved me a lot of pain! I was able to be there with my dad and mom because of zoom. There is no way I could have taken 8 months off in 2020-2021 to be down in Miami. I was working on two tv shows that met almost year around in NYC. The pandemic radically reoganized my life-to-work balance. And that means it reoriented me toward life-work-death balance. In March 2020 I got the phone call from an exec saying 'hey, how would you feel about switching to Zoom?' Now it seems almost hilarious, but I was vaguely familiar with Zoom. I got the link and signed up. Then I cancelled my booked flight back to NYC. If work was on zoom, I could stay down here a little longer. And that went on for several months. And this led to...

-thinking about if I just wanted to spend my life parked in front of a computer and working all day. This epiphany happened one day on zoom. A colleague was in the South of France. And she was working. She had her mornings and afternoons free and decided to spend a little extra time away from her apartment. It was like a wave of 'OMG's' went through the room. Suddenly people were popping up on zoom in upstate cabins, in the mountains of California, Spain. I started traveling. And the thought in the middle of a pandemic was clear: if death is everywhere...I'm not going to sit in my apartment and click away at the keys. Life is for the living. I'll wear two masks, socially distance, wipe down the armrest, load up on vitamin D, but I gotta get out and live. Death is so close!

-people change their priorities when death is so close. Two tv writer friends stopped answering their phones and stopped staffing. They sat down and wrote the novel that was inside of them. Other people started teaching. One told me that the pandemic made them realize their life was 'so small, so sad' and that they weren't going out like that! Fuck this shit. Drink, Screw, Travel!

-Dad always wanted to retire and travel around in a Winnebago. He talked about that a lot. When he passed I figured 'why wait to honor him and honor life. Let's go out on the road.' Life is short. Live. 

2nd Remembrance Day of Dad’s passing

 On the morning of January 19, 2021 it felt like we were heading toward an ending. I went to the beach to pray. There was a sense of urgency to wrap things up and prepare. After coming back home, the nurse came up to us at the end of her shift and just shook her head. I took out an iPad and played Bob Marley and Motown. My mom and I sat around his bed and held him. His breath went shallow and then dwindled into silence. We waited. I went into my bedroom and all the lights were blown out. Every light bulb. You are missed today and all days…dear dad.




Wednesday, January 11, 2023

Time Management: Intention and Attention

 I have been asked about time management techniques so I'll just put it here. Time-management is about intention and attention. What is your macro intention and what do you give attention to on the micro level? The first part determines where you aim your mind. The second part determines how much time you spend on these focal pts. 

Example: today was a busy day. I worked out, had tv zoom work, 2 pitch meetings after work, a general meeting, cooked lunch and dinner, wrote outline for tv show, and fielded request for more meetings for tv and theatre stuff. 

On Monday I knew that Wednesday was going to be busy so I prepared myself with an intention. Then I filtered things through that intention: anything that didn't meet that intention doesn't pass through. I didn't spend my attention on miscellaneous stuff. Over the course of Tue-Wed, I was sent funny videos and links to goofball stuff. I don't click on these links. It's not because I dislike my friends or don't want a laugh. But on a day in which I'm running a gauntlet, anything outside of intention saps my focus. 

"But it's just a minute video, what does it matter?' Well first, it's not just a minute. The video saturates and then leads to other videos. Social media is an attention-based device. It's very goal is to first suck you in and then dilute your intention. Second, what I send out comes back to me.

So what does this have to do with anything? Time management comes from the seeds I plant with others. One of the best ways to be more efficient with your time is to not waste other ppl's time. If distraction is your main form of communicating with ppl, then you plant seeds to be distracted when you sit down to create or work. If grievance and anger is your main form of communicating, then you plant seeds to have an uneasy mind. If gossip or silly videos is what you put out, then it plants seeds to short-circuit critical thinking and deep analysis when addressing serious issues.

If it's gossip I'm sharing in my DM's, I try to ask the ancient Roman question of the 3: is it true? Is it useful? Is it kind? If it doesn't fit at least 2 out of the 3, I'm less likely to pass along the info (although I slip all the time.) In turn I hope it plants seeds for ppl to share stuff that is true, useful, kind. But it also plants seeds for me to see things around me as useful. And that's how I use Facebook to actually harvest new stories (like I did today at work, based upon yesterday's exchange about women dealing with uncomfortable situations.) So even an attention-sucking app like Facebook can be flipped and turned into a useful/truthful thing for the creative process...with the right intention.

Without intention, the mind defaults to distraction and that dissipates its energy. What's truly awful is that -at a certain point- the perceiver stops noticing their own regression. The degeneration seems natural. Usually we surround ourselves with with ppl going though the same type of mental progressions and regressions (anger, distraction, or gossipers, pursuing truth, etc.) We think 'everyone else' is experiencing the same thing on Facebook and that's why we have to get off FB. That's why I have to leave my job...that's why I have to leave this city...everyone is so nasty or awful or yelling all the time. And we're not aware that we are screaming at the same decibel while complaining about loud noise. We are not aware of our part in the environment. We assume that the answer is to travel to some future paradise over there, while packing our suitcases with the same hell right here.

What is intention?

Intention can be a list of 'what' but at the bottom of 'what' is always 'why?' So you get (blank), so what? Why did you want it? For what purpose? Why is this important to me, to others? Usually the 'why' involves some sort of contentment and happiness. I want (blank) because it will make me happy. But really beneath that search for happiness is always worldview and other ppl. The idea of 'this year I'm gonna focus on my happiness' is a bit misleading. Ok yes, you should be happy. But then what? Are you just going to sit around all day being happy? Or rich? Or famous? A person who get all their wishes fulfilled is like a kid who get a big giant mansion to sit in alone. They get antsy, anxiety, paranoid, lonely, suspicious, and then they are no longer happy. It's a shallow happiness that the perceiver doesn't trust b/c they know it's a house built on a foundation of sand. So they start building all these 'protections' around their happiness which, in fact, makes them less happy. Soon, the bulk of their energy is on protecting this thing that no longer exists. So intention has to return to 'why?' Why did I want this house of happiness if I'm sitting all alone in it surrounded by gates, guard dogs, security systems, deadbolt locks? Well usually we want happiness or wealth or anything that involves EXPANSION b/c we intend on sharing it. 

Some forms of expansion: intimacy, friendships, exercise, art/creativity, spirituality, wealth accumulation (business), fame. These are all things that expand ourselves to reach other people. These expansions naturally build community. We intend on expansion to bring ppl in to some sort of family unit or collective. No one builds a 30-room mansion to sit alone in it. Return to the real intention of happiness and expansion and that is the deeper intention in our new year resolutions and checklists that keep us going on a day-to-day basis. It's always about others. So that is the real intention. That is the real purpose of time management...it allows us to expand creatively and efficiently to others. 

Time management is about using the 'right here and now' and not waiting for a future paradise down the road. Ultimately the dream we seek is right here and in every moment. Every day I have the chance to to plant the seeds of paradise with others by what I say, do, and think. 


Sunday, January 1, 2023

Kwanzaa: Imani

 Kwanzaa’s 7th Day: Imani (faith) Blind faith corrupts. To have thoughtless devotion to a political movement, economic systems, spirituality, ethnic purity, or nationalism leads to fanaticism and fatalism. Yet it’s the rabid voice which gets the most attention from ppl desperate to believe in something/anything. Faith can be a beautiful unifying thing that brings ppl together during troubled times. It can carry a ppl through war, enslavement, genocide. 

To me, Imani means you have faith backed by proof or previous experience (ancestors.) Imani means that confidence comes from a knowing within, rather than proselytizing to others. Imani means listening and responding to different obstacles and circumstances with a clarity that comes from history and critical thinking skills. Lord Buddha told ppl 2500 years ago to NOT have blind faith in what he was saying. He said to always test the truth, filter it through your experience, apply it to your life. 

I can’t help but think where we would be as a nation and global community if an understanding of history and critical thinking were applied to those who blindly put their faith in the con artists, crooks, and sinister systems designed to divide and conquer the human spirit.

Get What You Want: January 2023

 1. NEW VOICES THEATRE FESTIVAL

DEADLINE: January 1st, 2023

WEBSITE: https://newvoicesfestival.ua.edu/submission-info/

The New Voices Theatre Festival of The University of Alabama Theatre and Dance department is seeking stories from diverse and underrepresented communities. The New Voices Theatre Festival is accepting submissions of unpublished and unproduced full-length plays to develop during a summer residency that will culminate in a staged reading. One new work from the festival will be chosen to be mounted as a fully-produced production during the upcoming show season at The University of Alabama. During the summer residency, plays may be collaboratively developed in the rehearsal space.  

Please submit scripts with no identifying information about the playwright. With the script, include a brief plot synopsis, cast size, and character list with description.  

At this time, all play submissions must be for full-length plays. Submissions may not exceed 90 minutes. Cast size is preferred to be between six to twelve characters.

Musical submissions are allowed. Please submit digital version of score.  

Who is Eligible to Submit: 

Any individual who has a unique and/or diverse story to share/tell that meets the submission requirements. Only one submission per individual.

How Are Submissions Selected: 

All submissions will be reviewed blindly and chosen by a script selection committee.  

Your selection status will be revealed no later than February 15th. 


2. LIFELINE THEATRE 2ND ANNUAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP

DEADLINE: January 1st, 2023

WEBSITE: https://lifelinetheatre.com/writers-workshop/

Lifeline Theatre announces our 2nd annual developmental workshop! We continue to be invested in bringing new and diverse voices to our stage. As a new works company specializing in literary adaptation, we believe writers who adapt literature to the stage need dramatists to bounce ideas off of, actors to read it out loud, and experienced theatre makers to engage in discussion with the work. Also, writers need TIME to digest and incorporate the results of those experiences into their play. Lifeline Theatre has been developing new adaptations through an ensemble feedback process for decades. Therefore, we are excited to use our organizational knowledge about new adaptation development once again to support writers of color who are adapting literary works for the stage which may have the potential to be considered for production by Lifeline in the future.


3. WATERWORKS FESTIVAL 2023

DEADLINE: January 2nd, 2023

WEBSITE: https://livearts.org/show/waterworks-festival/

CALL FOR NEW WORKS

Works submitted in this category must be original and cannot have been published. Works may be any length, including full-length. The deadline to submit is midnight, January 2, 2023.

Emerging Artists: For writers and writing teams between 16 to 25 years old.

Artists in this category may be students, but do not have to be for consideration. Works submitted in this category may have been produced at a school-based presentation, at a concert reading, or in a workshop.

TO SUBMIT TO “EMERGING ARTISTS”

Please complete this form by 11:59 PM on Monday, January 2, 2023. Selected Emerging Artists works will receive notification of status by February 1, 2023.

Debut Works: For writers and writing teams over 50 years old.

Works submitted in this category may have been produced at a school-based presentation, at a concert reading, or in a workshop.

TO SUBMIT TO “DEBUT WORKS”

Please complete this form by 11:59 PM on Monday, January 2, 2023. Selected Debut

Works will receive notification of status by February 1, 2023.

Unstaged Works: No age restrictions for writers or writing teams. Works submitted in this category may not have been produced in any format, including concert readings or school-based presentations.

TO SUBMIT TO “UNSTAGED WORKS”

Works will receive notification of status by February 1, 2023.

We are committed to cultivating new theater pieces, supporting playwrights in the development of their work, and diversifying the stories told on our stages. As a new endeavor within a predominantly white theater, we seek to construct diverse teams and programming representative of the abundant talent and craftsmanship across our dynamic community. 

● Maximum submission limit of three (3) works per writer, or writing team, in total. 

● “Full-length works” means all works with a foreseeable runtime of 60-120 minutes, including stage business. “Micro-plays” means works 10 minutes or less. 

● Wherever noted, “key artistic roles” means applicants have secured the  actors/performers, director/producer, and stage manager, as applicable, prior to submission. 

● By submitting work to a specific call, applicants affirm they are the sole or  co-creator and meet the particular criteria. Please review all calls to determine the best place for your work.

We will employ an anonymous submission process to eliminate unintentional bias on the part of our team of qualified readers. All scripts will be considered by multiple readers prioritizing artistic distinction to determine finalists. We will honor the aesthetic and cultural importance of BIPOC artists. We will prioritize artistic distinction in our selection processes. 

Interested in reading? Contact waterworks@livearts.org. 

Final programming will be selected and curated by the New Works Director Adrienne Oliver, together with a core artistic team at Live Arts, co-producer organization staff, and other local artists representing the cultural wealth and expertise of the community. 

Artistic Distinction 

● Works that explore culture, humanity, and justice-minded themes. 

● Works that celebrate theatricality, expression, and connectivity. 

● Works prominently centering womxn and other marginalized voices. 

● Age-embracing works, with opportunities for senior and/or junior artists. 

● Innovative and thought-provoking material. 

● Works exploring language, dialogue, communication, ideas, and energy. 

● Works by historically erased artists and writers. 


4. DRAMA LEAGUE DIRECTING FELLOWSHIP

DEADLINE: January 3rd, 2023

WEBSITE: https://dramaleague.submittable.com/submit

 Part of an umbrella of programs collectively known as "The Directors Project," these Fellowships are designed for early-to-mid-career stage directors who wish to expand their experiences, hone their artistry, and elevate their professional development.  The Drama League recently altered and expanded its Directors Project programming, and each has its own application and area of focus.  We strongly encourage you to read about them in depth before beginning any of the applications. by visiting the following pages:

The Drama League Stage Directing Fellowships (two-year program, next application opens in autumn 2023)

FutureNow Stage Directing Fellowships (this application)

The Drama League Stage Directing Assistantships

The Drama League Film and Television Directing Fellowships (two-year program, next application opens in autumn 2023)

The Beatrice Terry Directing Residency

The Next Stage Directing Residency

The FutureNow Stage Directing Fellowships allow early and mid-career stage directors to practice their craft and explore directorial leadership. While in residence at the Hangar Theatre, the Fellows direct and produce the second stage season of the company, including productions for young audiences as part of the KIDSTUFF Series and for adults in the Wedge FutureNow Festival. This year, the Wedge Futurenow Festival will focus on site-specific and promenade practices, with material chosen by the Hangar Theatre Artistic Director and developed with the Fellows. In these works, the Fellows will direct the Hangar Performance Fellows and collaborate with Hangar Design and Production Fellows. At TheaterWorksUSA, the Fellows remount a repertory production for TYA audiences that will tour nationally for the season.  The FutureNow Directing Fellowships offer production experience, career development, mentorship, and intimate access to the processes of major theatrical institutions.

The FutureNow Stage Directing Fellowships are for stage directors in the early or middle stages of their professional career.  Please see our F.A.Q. page for eligibility questions.  Applications are encouraged from directors who identify as members of populations that have historically been denied equity, access, inclusion or belonging in the field and in society, who have been marginalized, underrepresented, and/or those whose paths to direction may have been nonlinear or nontraditional.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants are NOT required to have a university degree.

Applicants must have directed at least three theater productions outside of any academic colleges or universities they may have attended.

Applicants cannot be enrolled in any university undergraduate or graduate degree program during the program's period of support.

Please make sure that you are fully committed to participating in the program as your personal priority BEFORE applying.  Applicants must be available for all program components during the program period without exception. This means that applicants cannot participate in other career development programs, fellowships, residencies, or other opportunities during this time window.  Conflicts with the program components will result in the cancelation of those components, without being rescheduled, and a reduction in the program.

Please review the program schedule to ensure that program components do not conflict with your planned directing work.  Applicants may have directing commitments during the program period, which The Drama League supports.  Conflicts with the program component timeline, however, will result in the cancellation of those components and a reduction in the program, without being rescheduled.  

ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES 

Please see our Eligibility F.A.Q. page for details to determine your eligibility for this program.  We understand, however that every individual comes to directing on their own individual path; to speak with Drama League staff about your specific experience and its appropriateness for this opportunity, please email artistic@dramaleague.org with your questions. 

If a candidate feels they fall outside the bounds of these guidelines and chooses to apply, it is hoped they will note this in the application and address the reasons they've applied in their answers to the narrative questions.

Thank you for participating! We look forward to learning more about you and your work!


5. DRAMA LEAGUE NEW VISIONS/NEW VOICES

DEADLINE: January 3rd, 2023

WEBSITE: https://dramaleague.submittable.com/submit

New Visions/New Voices (NV/NV) is a rigorous after-school theatre training program for high school students in the New York City metropolitan area. It is the only after-school program in the United States to exclusively focus on the techniques of stage direction as a lens into exploration -- empowering students with creative skill-building, personal agency, and leadership techniques to discover, trust, speak, and amplify their personal voice and visions of the world around them.

Students have the opportunity to work with professional actors and directors throughout the course, to help them manifest their creative growth. The lessons taught in NV/NV can spark future career interest in theatre, other creative industries, or non-artistic professions -- law, medicine, marketing, politics, science, and more -- where the tools learned are directly applicable and essential.

New Visions/New Voices is offered at no cost to the student. The class will meet in-person at The Drama League. Transportation (via MTA) is available at no cost for those who need it.

Please check out our YouTube page for past New Vision/New Voices shorts. Our most recent set of shorts can be viewed here. 

PROGRAM

Expand your ability to...Comprehend. Question. Articulate.

New Visions/New Voices gives high school students the ability to confidently analyze and critically respond to any situation in life, by utilizing utilizing the techniques of creative direction. Through understanding the power of one’s own voice and influence, one can meaningfully impact communities and the world. In this after-school course, students interact with, and learn from, directors, actors, and other professionals from Broadway, Off-Broadway, film, and television. Through active exercises, they learn to deepen their critical thinking and express their personal inner vision.

Students, under the guidance of Teaching Artists, will learn techniques to write and direct scenes and monologues performed by professional actors. This immersion into art-making broadens and refines their aesthetics, while illuminating the possibilities inside a career in the cultural sector. During the final weeks of the program, students will write their own monologues and/or scenes to direct short films, which will be shared in a work-in-progress showing.

ELIGIBILITY

This program is open to all enrolled high school students across the five boroughs. Students outside of New York City need to email Nilan, Associate Artistic Director at education@dramaleague.org before applying

Students will need to abide to the New Visions/New Voices Winter/Spring 2023 Calendar(Click here)

Classes will be held: January 18, 2023 - June 7, 2023. All Classes meet on WEDNESDAYS from 4-6pm, All Saturdays in April 2023 are held for rehearsals (times TBA)

All students applying to the program this cycle must be vaccinated and will be required to show proof of vaccination for all in-person classes and events. Please note that all Drama League Staff and Guest Artists are vaccinated

3rd Annual New Visions/New Voices does...SHORTS will be held on June 7, 2023 at 7pm

To participate, students will have to turn in signed approval from their parent/guardian once offered a spot in the program.   

CONTACT

For questions or concerns please contact Nilan, Associate Artistic Director at education@dramaleague.org or call 212-244-9494 x116


6. KUMU KAHUA THEATRE/UHM THEATRE  DEPARTMENT PLAYWRITING CONTEST
DEADLINE: January 3, 2023
WEBSITE: https://www.kumukahua.org/contests-writing

Kumu Kahua Theatre is a non-profit theatre company that has presented original productions of special relevance to the people of Hawai‘i since 1971.  

Each year Kumu Kahua Theatre co-sponsors a playwriting contest with the UHM Theatre Department in its effort to bring new and exciting drama to the stage. Although Kumu Kahua Theatre has a strong commitment to producing the works of local playwrights in recent years they have produced several plays pertaining to Hawai‘i that have been written by non-Hawai‘i residents. Kumu Kahua Theatre recognizes that many playwrights who have moved to the mainland, for example, may have valuable insights to offer about their local experiences.

The playwriting contest is offered in three separate categories. One prize will be offered in each category. All plays must be original and not involve adaptation form any copyrighted source. They should not have received previous production in their current form. Any number of scripts may be submitted by an individual, but a different pen name must accompany each play. Plays previously submitted to the contest are not eligible. Members of the board of Kumu Kahua Theatre will read all entries in the competition and consider each for workshops, which may lead to a production. Kumu Kahua Theatre is especially interested in plays pertinent to Hawai‘i.

For the Hawai‘i Prize ($600), which is open to residents and non-residents of Hawai‘i, the play must be set in Hawai‘i or deal with some aspect of the Hawai‘i experience. Some examples of appropriate topics might be: pre-colonial life in the islands; relation between indigenous and colonizer; the coming of whalers; missionaries and merchants; the history of ethnic immigration and adaptation to Hawai‘i; the development of enter-ethnic relationships; labor history; the territorial era; militarization; the move toward statehood; tourism and development; contemporary immigration and diaspora; women’s rights; the experiences of Hawai‘i’s people outside of Hawai‘i. Restricted to full-length plays (minimum 50 pages of standard form).

For the Pacific/Rim Prize ($450), which is open to residents and non-residents of Hawai‘i, the play must be set in or deal with the Pacific Islands, the Pacific Rim, or the Pacific/Asian American experience. Restricted to full-length plays (minimum 50 pages of standard form).

For the Resident Prize ($250), which is open to the residents of Hawai‘i at the time of submission, the plays may be on any topic, and of any length.

To submit a play:

1) You may email your script to kumukahuatheatre@gmail.com or mail three copies. Plays should be formatted/typed on ordinary bond paper, double-spaced, and on one side of the paper only.

2) Prepare a front page for the manuscript which bears the play title, pen name, and the division in which the play is being entered. Do not place your name anywhere on the script.

3) In an ordinary envelope place a piece of paper with the following information clearly printed or typed (if you are emailing your script, this should be in the body of your email):

a) play title and pen name

b) playwright's real name

c) social security number

d) address and phone number

e) competition division

4) If you are sending via US Mail, seal the envelope and print or type the play title on the outside.

5) Place the playscript and the sealed envelope in a large envelope (or otherwise wrap them together) and mail to:

Kumu Kahua Playwriting Contest

Kumu Kahua Theatre

46 Merchant Street

Honolulu HI 96813

6) If you are emailing your script, put "2022 Playwriting Contest" in the subject line.

Submitted playscripts become part of Kumu Kahua Theatre/UHM Theatre Department Competition Plays, a collection of manuscripts housed and bound in the Hawaiian and Pacific collection of Hamilton Library at the University of Hawai‘i. Kumu Kahua Theatre reserves first production rights for two years to all contest winners. All other rights are retained by the playwright. Three judges, whose decisions will be final, will be selected by Kumu Kahua Theatre to evaluate the plays. If, in the opinion of the judges, the plays submitted do not show sufficient merit, one or more prizes may be withheld. Results of the contest will be announced to the press.

All contestants will be notified. Stay tuned for recent contest winners!

Any more questions? Contact us.


7. CIRCLE OF CONFUSION WRITERS DISCOVERY FELLOWSHIP
DEADLINE: January 6th, 2023
WEBSITE: http://www.circleofconfusion.com/fellowship/

OUR MISSION

Circle of Confusion has established an ongoing fellowship program to nurture and assist in accelerating the diversity of voices in our industry. Circle of Confusion’s core mission has always been discovery, and we have been fortunate enough to have identified and promoted many talented writers, directors, actors and creators from all walks of life. It is based on this tradition and fundamental strength of the company that Circle of Confusion launched the program. The excitement of film and television has always been the joy that great storytelling brings to audiences around the globe. By promoting voices that have been historically excluded, the Fellowship will enrich both the professional lives of the Fellows and the dynamic quality of the entertainment industry.

THE FELLOWSHIP

Circle of Confusion will provide an immersive introductory experience to the world of professional screen and television writing to a diverse group of aspiring writers who have not yet been employed or represented by the industry. The Fellows will each be given a stipend by way of a first look deal with Circle of Confusion Television Studios. Once per year, the program will select six to eight writers for a six-month fellowship which closely replicates the writer-manager dynamic. Each Fellow will be assigned a mentor who will educate and guide them by way of script development, career advice, and support. While the Fellowship cannot guarantee the sale of the pilot or specific employment, by the end of each Fellowship session, each Fellow will have developed a submission-ready television pilot, been afforded multiple opportunities for industry networking, and generally equipped with the essential tools for their success as writers in the entertainment industry.

The Fellowship is open to applicants of all ethnicities, races, cultural backgrounds, gender identities, sexual orientations, and ages.

MENTORSHIP

Our mentors will include Circle of Confusion literary managers and other senior industry professionals, offering general business advice and script development within the duration of the Fellowship. In the first four months, each Fellow will develop an original pilot script with their dedicated mentor. The pilot scripts will be reviewed by the Fellowship’s Advisory Board (composed of established members of the film and television community with an expertise in content evaluation) and then submitted to relevant industry professionals, with the explicit goal of using the last two months of the Fellowship to arrange general one-on-one Zoom meetings with producers and executives. Throughout the entire Fellowship session, the mentor will be available to guide the Fellow through each step, assisting the Fellow in their development of writing and storytelling skills, pitching skills and navigating the meeting process.


8. ABINGDON THEATRE COMPANY'S VIRTUAL FESTIVAL OF SHORT PLAYS 2023
DEADLINE: January 9th, 2023
WEBSITE: https://abingdontheatre.org/virtual-festival-of-short-plays-2/

It is Abingdon Theatre Company’s mission to produce brave, new American work by emerging and established artists. Abingdon’s Virtual Festival of Short Plays is set to provide a platform for underrepresented voices across the country to submit their new works for development and outreach in the New York theatre community.

Submissions should be no longer than 40 pages and written by BIPOC individuals.

Please send all scripts to Kate Bell, Abingdon's Artistic Associate, at

kbell@abingdontheatre.org.


9. OC CENTRIC NEW PLAY FESTIVAL
DEADLINE: January 9th, 2023
website: https://www.ocnewplays.com/

Do you live in or hail from Orange County, CA? If so, please submit a play to OC-centric: Orange County’s New Play Festival! Our twelfth festival happens in August 2023 at Chapman University in Orange.

𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯, 𝘄𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗰 𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗴𝘀, 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝘂𝗯𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲. Of course, we also welcome non-musical works. As was the case in 2022, we are looking for longer one-act plays (30-60 minutes long) and full-length plays that are roughly 90 minutes long. Each play we produce will receive several performances during the festival.

𝘚𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘱𝘵 𝘚𝘶𝘣𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘋𝘦𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘭𝘴

* Submit scripts to occentric@gmail.com in PDF or MS Word format.

* Submissions accepted through Monday, January 9. Submissions after January 9 will not be considered.

* No submission fee.

* Playwrights will receive a small honorarium/royalty ($100-150).

* No restrictions on language or subject matter, but no nudity.

* Plays should have casts of 12 or less and be producible in a black box theatre space with playing area of approximately 20' x 25'.

* Playwrights may submit a maximum of two plays. If you are resubmitting a script that you have submitted to us within the past three years, let us know if (and how) it differs from the earlier version.

* The playwright’s name and contact information must appear on the title page of the script(s).

* 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆𝘄𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗲𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗼𝗿 𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗢𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘆, 𝗖𝗔. (For scripts that are collaborations, at least one collaborator must live in or hail from Orange County.)

Questions? Email us at: occentric@gmail.com

We look forward to reading your work!


10. EST SLOANE PLAY COMMISSION
DEADLINE: January 15th, 2023
WEBSITE:  https://kristin-gole-gvwa.squarespace.com/est-sloan/submissions?fbclid=IwAR3aq5fZfRDnSl-d-NStRJXWKcfnk5SfdWsNtYLhqmn6p342kFvdDSz8zR0

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. The Project commissions and develops new works throughout EST’s developmental season, including one Mainstage Production, as well as workshops and readings in an annual festival called FIRST LIGHT.

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


11. ANDERSON CENTER: GENERAL ARTIST RESIDENCY PROGRAM
DEADLINE: January 16th, 2023
WEBSITE: https://theandersoncenter.submittable.com/submit

The Anderson Center's Artist Residency Program is an opportunity for emerging, mid-career, and established artists working across all disciplines and based anywhere in the world. The program is interdisciplinary and the organization welcomes applications from a wide range of creative and intellectual genres, including those that don't fit neatly into one category.

Selected artists receive live/work space, fellowship & exchange within a 5-artist cohort, chef-prepared meals, and more. Selected artists, wait-list, and runners-up will be notified by March 2, 2023. Applications are juried by a panel of professionals working in the field and former residents. There is only one application deadline for all available residencies.


ANDERSON CENTER: EMERGING ARTIST RESIDENCY PROGRAM
DEADLINE: January 16th, 2023
WEBSITE: https://theandersoncenter.submittable.com/submit

The Emerging Artist Residency Program is an opportunity for early-career artists living within the state of Minnesota or one of the five boroughs of New York City in need of focused time and dedicated space in an inspiring residency work environment that empowers them take risks, embrace challenges, and utilize unconventional approaches to problem-solving.

Thanks to support from the Jerome Foundation, a month-long cohort of five artists will each receive a $625/week stipend, a travel honorarium, documentation support, and more. Selected artists, wait-list, and runners-up will be notified by March 2, 2023. 


12. MINNESOTA - SALZBURG ARTIST EXCHANGE IN JULY 2023
DEADLINE: January 16th, 2023
WEBSITE: https://theandersoncenter.submittable.com/submit

In partnership with Stadt-Salzburg, this program is an opportunity for visual artists living within the State of Minnesota to participate in an individual artist residency at the Künstlerhaus in Salzburg, Austria. Thanks to support from the City of Salzburg, the selected visual artist receives a live-in studio for one month at the Künstlerhaus and a 500 Euro stipend for food. Travel expenses to Salzburg and back to Minnesota are not covered.  Selected artists, wait-list, and runners-up will be notified by March 2, 2023. 


13. THE LEAH RYAN FUND
DEADLINE: January 17th, 2023
WEBSITE: https://communityfoundationshv.org/Grants/The-Leah-Ryan-Fund-The-Leah

All women, trans and non-binary playwrights who consider themselves emerging (as distinct from fledgling or mid-career playwrights) are eligible to apply for The Leah.

Playwrights from all over the world are encouraged to apply, but the play must be written in English. Eligibility does not require that a submitted work adhere to the traditional three-act structure - the only absolute requirement is that the submitted text be a completed full-length work for theater. (We cannot accept musical submissions at this time)

The winner will be chosen by readers selected by the board members of the Leah Ryan Fund and will receive a cash prize of $5,000 and a public reading / summer workshop as part of the Powerhouse Theater Program at Vassar College in 2023.

Finalists will be contacted in mid-March and will have one week within which to submit their full play.

If you have any questions please contact Dev Bondarin at dev@leahryanfund.org


14. NEXTFEST MAINSTAGE CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
DEADLINE: Jan. 20th, 2023
WEBSITE: https://nextfest.ca/theatre-call-for-submissions/

The Nextfest Arts Company is delighted to post our submission calls for Theatre (both Scripts and Project Pitches).

Are you an emerging artist looking to produce a project at Nextfest 2023 (June 1-11, 2023)?

NEXTFEST 2023 takes place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Nextfest works on a presentation model similar to the Fringe Festival. Projects are chosen and curated within the festival run but the project itself is lead by a producer who oversees the content and creation of the project as well as all artists associated with the project and all design elements such as set, costumes, etc. Questions, concerns, queries about submitting?  Have an idea, but not sure how to write about it?  Submitting a script and need some guidance? Hit Ellen up to chat! Contact Ellen Chorley at ellen@nextfest.ca

Please read the following before submitting your project or script.

The Nextfest Arts Company defines emerging artists as:

any artist within the first ten years of their career

an artist who is NOT represented by any organization or union (ACTRA, EQUITY, IATSE, PGC, DGC, ADC, etc.)

an artist who is NOT represented by an agent or agency

Please read the following before submitting your project or script.

Please be sure that the artist(s) submitting is an emerging artist within the first ten years of their career, that is NOT represented by an agent or professional organization (like Equity, Actra, etc.).

Please be sure that the artists submitting is NOT a high school student (we have a special submission call for high school students here:https://nextfest.ca/high-school-submission-call/).

Please be sure that artist sends any other important documents with your pitch, script, or digital project to Ellen Chorley (Festival Director, Theatre Curator) in either a WORD DOC or PDF format to ellen@nextfest.ca

Please be sure that you and your team will be available to present your project LIVE in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada during Nextfest 2023 (June 1-11, 2023).


15. LUCILLE LORTEL NYC PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOL PLAYWRITING FELLOWSHIP
DEADLINE: January 23rd, 2023
WEBSITE: https://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.

WHAT TO SUBMIT

Students will submit a play that is:An original one-act play.

Approximately 10 minutes in length.

No more than ten pages of dialogue, two scenes, two locations, and four characters.

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 plus two additional Fellows, one from District 75 and one from District 79 schools. 

Each Fellow will receive: 

A professional staged reading of the Fellow’s play.

Mentoring from theatre professionals.

Publication of the Fellow’s play.

A certificate of recognition.

Dinner and tickets to a Broadway show.

Complimentary theatre tickets to productions at the Lucille Lortel Theatre for one season (subject to availability).


16. THE OLD LADY PROJECT
DEADLINE: January 23rd, 2023
WEBSITE: https://filmfreeway.com/OldLadyProject

SUBMISSION FORM

The Old Lady Project is an initiative to encourage the development of plays and musicals that feature significant roles for women over 50. Plays will be submitted to a national panel of directors and producers and two staged readings will occur in Evanston per year. A directory of works will be featured on the Old Lady Project webpage to facilitate connections between theatre companies, directors and producers.

Scripts of any length accepted. Scripts selected will be given a staged reading at our expense, author will waive rights fee for initial staging. Author retains all rights.   

For more information, call 847-448-8263 or email aallyn@cityofevanston.org


17. BLACK THEATRE FRINGE FESTIVAL OF SOUTH FLORIDA 2023
DEADLINE: January 27, 2023
WEBSITE: https://forms.gle/zwBBCFkT8AgAomZd8

We are now accepting submissions for the 2023 Festival. If you're interested in presenting during our 2023 Black Theatre Fringe Festival, sign up now at https://forms.gle/zwBBCFkT8AgAomZd8

If you have questions, email BlackTheatreASF@gmail.com. Festival Dates projected for 06/8-10/2023. We have two submission evaluation periods for works inclusion: late Nov 2022 & late Jan 2023, or until all spaces are full. All submissions must be received by Jan 27th, 2023.


18. 3RD ANNUAL BLACK MOTHERHOOD AND PARENTING NEW PLAY FESTIVAL
DEADLINE: January 30, 2023 
WEBSITE: https://blackboardplays.submittable.com/submit

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. #BMPFest is seeking stories centering the Black parenting and caregiving experience. 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.

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 Caregiver Reimbursement Stipend per artist.

We ask that you wait a year before re-submitting if you were one of our finalists.


19. FRESH FRUIT FESTIVAL
DEADLINE: January 30th, 2023
WEBSITE: https://freshfruitfestival.com/radioplays-2023/

PROGRAMMING

The Fellowship program will begin in May of 2023 and include informational panels, speakers and workshops with industry professionals. Additionally, Fellows will have the opportunity to participate in several practice/mock-general meetings in preparation for their final professional meetings.

This season the All Out Arts “RadioPLAY” Program will have 2 Divisions: 

SHORTS

Short subjects: Extended LGBT-themed scene or 1-Act. 3 to 5 characters. 12 to 25 minutes runtime. Must be complete and stand alone as a finished work.

SHOTS!

Very short dialogue bits: 2 characters. 2 to 10 minutes runtime. (Okay. A 3rd character bit-part or VO if really needed). Think of these as blackout skits, short dialogue bits, etc. Must feature some aspect of LGBT life.

GENERAL NOTES

Please submit as finished a script as you can muster; we understand it may be a work in progress, and revisions are expected, within the time limits. If you are sending a very rough draft, at least finish a few pages fully – as a radio script – with detailed Sound Notes and voice “blocking” (people usually listen with stereo headphones) so our readers can see attention to detail.

Thanks to the New York City Cultural Affairs Dept., there are No Submission Fees, and ALL Finalists will receive a minimum $175 to $250 author/producer award. 

ACCEPTED FINALISTS will provide an audio master in 16-bit stereo format. We strongly urge you to produce a master with each voice on its own track, plus 1 “sound fx or music” track, and 1 “composite” track for safety. For such multi-track masters we will provide some free Post-Processing to fix problems you might be having, or to clarify voices if possible. We will gladly “attend” a virtual recording rehearsal to check for audio quality of your cast and crew. We have a pretty large library of unique sound effects your Sound Designer (you MUST have one) may draw from. We also have a few pre-licensed music clips. Short, simple works can easily be produced on a Zoom-type platform. Or you may use our high quality recording platform on Cleanfeed (like Zoom, but optimized for voice; the same platform the BBC uses for interviews). More technical help sheets will be provided to accepted producers. We are here to help.

All finished works will be hosted on our Fresh Fruit Radio podcast at Podbean and our website, advertised, and our full Program Book will be made available for free download. We will create both introductory and credit voiceovers for the Podcasts. Your participating voice artists may have access to our Purchase Subsidy Program which pays a percentage of the purchase price when they upgrade their recording hardware.

APPLICATION: NOW. No Fee. Submit only a Script and Details by online form (below),

AIRING PODCASTS: Works will be presented on a rolling schedule from January through May 2023.

Applicants can browse our earlier podcasts from 2021 and 2022 from the website or at https://freshfruitfest.podbean.com/


20. VII INTERNATIONAL PLAYWRITING CONTEST
DEADLINE: January 31st, 2023
WEBSITE: https://www.nycplaywrights.org/

Each entry must contain only one play.

The play must be written in a document of text without images.

The script must contain a front page stating: 

2) The contest category (A / B / C)

3) Contact e-mail.

The author's name must be deleted to facilitate fair, anonymous judging

The file of the document may have the following formats: DOC, DOCX, ODT, PDF, RTF, TXT.

You may use this procedure to re-submit (for some reason) the file.

Your play will be added to the list of Contest entries. Check it using Info→Contest entries menu.

The contest aims to encourage writers in the creation of bold and powerful plays for young people.

The competition is open to all writers worldwide 

there is no age or nationality limit for the entrants

The heart of this competition is the participation of playwrights worldwide, regardless of nationality, age, gender or language.

€12.800 in prizes to be won

1. The competition is open to all writers worldwide and there is no age or nationality limit for the entrants.
a) We do accept plays co-authored by more than one writer. Hereafter, ‘writer’ or ‘playwright’ means either a single writer or a group of writers in a collective work.
b) The participation of an underage writer must be authorised by the legal guardian.


2. The competition is restricted to plays for young audiences. 
a) We do not accept plays for children or adult audiences.
b) We do not accept musicals.


3. Writers are asked to submit a play for either:
a) Category A (the play must cater for a performance time of no less than 60 min. and no more than two hours).
b) Category B (the play must cater for a performance time of no less than 30 min and no more than one hour).
b) Category C (the play must cater for a performance time of no less than 10 min and no more than 30 min).

4. The play can be written in any official language of the world.

5. The play must be a new and original piece of work. The play must not have been published in any form or awarded previously. 
a) The copyright of the play must be owned and/or controlled by the entrant to the full extent necessary to enable Editorial DALYA to use the work as contemplated by these contest rules. 
b) Performed plays can be submitted.

6. There is no fee to enter and no hidden costs for the entrants.

7. €12800 in prizes to be won:
a) Category A (4800€) 
A cash prize of 2400€ for the writer, translation to another European language, publication and public reading, plus economic aid for performances and public readings of the play within two years after its publication. 
b) Category B (3200€)
A cash prize of 1000€ for the writer, translation to another European language, publication and public reading, plus economic aid for the performances and public readings of the play within two years after its publication. 
c) Category C (2000€)
A cash prize of 400€ for the writer, translation to another European language, publication and public reading, plus economic aid for the performances and public readings of the play within two years after its publication. 
d) Shortlist (2800€)
The shortlisted plays will automatically be considered for publication in Editorial DALYA.
e) Awards cannot be shared or reduced, and the prize must be granted at least in one category.
f) The Jury may award Honourable Mentions without cash prizes to any play of the contest.


8. The competition opens on Saturday, 1 October 2021, with the deadline for entry being on Tuesday, 31 January 2023.
a) We do accept up to three plays per writers.
b) Each entry must contain just one play.

9. The play may be submitted via links provided at edalya.com/index.php/youngtheater or on Editorial DALYA web page: www.edalya.com. (→Premios →Premio Teatro Joven).
a) The document must contain a front page stating: 
1) The title of the play
2) The contest category (A or B or C)
3) Contact e-mail.
c) The writer's name must be deleted from the entry and document to facilitate fair, anonymous judging.

10. An updated list of the plays submitted to the competition will be published on the web of the competition.
a) The Jury can change the category at his sole discretion.
b) The organization will send a notification to the writer to confirm that the entry has been accepted.
c) Writers whose plays are not listed or have not received the acceptance of the entry should notify the organization this by email.
d) The entries with no contact email or this is incorrect will be discarded in the finalists selection.


21. Heartland Theatre Company 10-Minute Play Competition 2023
DEADLINE: February 1, 2023
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.

17. 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


22.  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.


23. 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.


24 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.


25. 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.


26. 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.


27. 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.


28. THE DOROTHY ROSS FRIEDMAN RESIDENCE
DEADLINE: Rolling 
WEBSITE:  https://actorsfund.org/services-and-programs/housing-resource-center?mc_cid=1266183bf9&mc_eid=7436d341a2

and

https://actorsfund.org/sites/default/files/Friedman-Application-Revision-7-21-20.pdf?mc_cid=1266183bf9&mc_eid=7436d341a2

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


29. 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  


30. 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.


31. 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.





Get What You Want: April 2024

  1. PAC NYC- THE DEMOCRACY CYCLE DEADLINE: April 1, 2024 WEBSITE: www.pacnyc.org/the-democracy-cycle-submission-guidelines/ Over a 5-year p...