The A Chronicles: A Ten-Minute Play Festival

Website

Deadline: July 25, 2025

SUBMISSION FORM AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE

The A Chronicles invites submissions of ten-minute plays that take a wide-angle lens to reproductive rights.

We’re looking for work that ignites the stage—whether triumphant, tragic, or comedic—and illuminates the diversity of experiences surrounding reproductive rights.

Submission Guidelines

• Plays should feature 2 to 5 characters
• Must be performable in 10 minutes or less
• All are welcome to submit
• Previously published or produced work is accepted, as long as the playwright retains submission rights
• Include a 50-word synopsis with your submission

We’re interested in:

• Originality of plot
• Strong character development
• Engaging, authentic dialogue

Selected plays will receive:

• A $50 honorarium per production
• Billing credit in all programs, advertising, and publicity
• A professional staged reading at the Museum of Contemporary Art of Connecticut (Fall 2025)
• Playwright bio and contact info featured in the program

For more information, visit www.AChronicles.org or email Jennifer.Bangser@gmail.com or achronicles@gmail.com

Little Plays Big Murder short play festival

Website

Deadline: June 30, 2025

​

Email a Word or PDF file of your script to producer@westchesterplays.com. We will respond that we have received the script. All communications will be via email. Read the format section above for what to include.

Westchester Civic Theater (WCT) is holding another round of our 8x10 Play Festival. It will include 8, ten-minute scripts that are new. We hope one (or more) will be written by you!

WHO KILLED THE DIRECTOR?
Your job as the writer is to come up with a 10 min play using the characters provided in the opening as well as any other characters you feel you may want to add to enhance the play and solve the crime as to who killed the director and why. One catch, the opening of your play must have a character start your play by saying, "This is what happened."

At the start of the show, the attached scene: view here will provide the setup your play will be one of the 8 short plays that follow.

GRACE GODPLOP, 20's, young and a bit naive when it comes to the theatre world, originally from the south and acts like a Southern Belle. Many eyes are on her due to her charm and looks.

DONALD SPEAR, 50's, older actor and a bit of a grump, seems to be stuck doing Community Theatre and wants to some day breakout, he does not suffer fools

MORRIS CATROPHY, also in 50's, this guy IS a fool, nice man but clueless to the point where others think he cannot be that dumb

DEBBIE LITTLE, 50's-60's, loud mouth and intelligent but puts her foot in her mouth too many times, is never afraid to speak her mind and one not to mess with

KAT CROTHERS, older than 40, female, all business and no pleasure make this person a dullard

JOHNNY NICER, 30's, works with the lights and has the hots for Grace, he knows his job well and hopes to someday break away from lighting and maybe direct his own show one day

You must incorporate the theme but feel free to color outside the lines.

From script submission to performance - the process:

Phase 1: Script Submission - Due by June 30

Requirements

Ten Minutes - This is about 8 pages of dialogue in 12 pt font. While we will read all scripts, if they are much over 8 pages they will not be considered for production. 

Subject Matter - Write the best story that incorporates the theme in some way. 

Cast Size - No requirement.​ If your script is on the convention hall floor, know that we'll add in extras as appropriate to pass by in the background. 

Playwright Location - We don't care where you're from. Have an amazing script, submit it!

**Format - PDF or Word. On the title page include your Name, location and email address. Do not include your name on the script pages.

Never Performed Material - We want scripts that have never been performed with set, cast and all the drama. If it went through a stage reading or two, okey doke.

Set - When writing your script, know that we have limited space, tech, and no projection. Single set works best but if things need to come in and out, that's cool we'll figure it out. We use chairs and simple items to represent the area.

You can submit as many scripts as you'd like! More the merrier

**SPECIAL OPTION - Feel like submitting 3, 2-3 minute scripts that are vignettes telling one story? Do that. We will weave each of the 2 minute scripts in-between the other 7 scripts. You can submit them in one document.

Scripts remain your property. If selected, we will produce them, perform them, take production pictures, and record them in production. The pictures will be shared and the recordings will live on our YouTube page. Beyond that, they are yours.

We look forward to reading your scripts! 

Phase 2 - July 1 - July 20, 2025

We have an awesome group of people who will read all the scripts to determine which are the best fit for WCT and the production. Keeping to the ten minutes is critical! This team will reduce the submitted scripts down to 15-20. These scripts will enter Phase 3 - director matching.

Phase 3 - Script/Director Matching - July 21 - 30

8 Scripts, 8 Directors

The narrowed down selections will be shared with 8 directors (director spots still open). The directors will read the scripts and determine which they would like to direct. The core WCT team will do some fancy analysis of the 8 director's responses and complete the final matching. From there...on to casting.

Phase 4 - Three Performances

Friday, September 5, 7:00pm

Saturday, September 6, 2:00pm

Saturday, September 6, 7:00pm

Cry Havoc Play List 2025

Website

Deadline: June 23, 2025

SUBMISSION FORM.

We are pleased to announce the third annual cycle of PlayList, a short play development series. Each participating playwright will complete the project with a submission-ready 10-minute play and the project will culminate in a public presentation of the play collection. PlayList is for writers of any background, identity, education or experience level who are interested in honing their work on a short script with a room full of artists experienced in new play development. Applicants need to be local to the NYC area to participate, and CRY HAVOC is especially seeking artists from underrepresented communities for this project. No fee to apply or participate, and writers are paid a stipend for the use of their work in the public presentation.

The CRY HAVOC Company believes that writing a script doesn’t have to be a solitary experience. Feedback at key points in the writing process can bring you closer to your goals. Our approach to script development places your writing goals at the center of the workshop discussion, ensuring that collaborators are offering feedback in service of the play you are trying to write.

If you are interested in seeing how our structured feedback process can support your work, apply to be one of our PlayList writers!

PlayList participants will write new 10-minute scripts inspired by creative prompts linked by a theme. The 2025 theme is Cover to Cover; each writer will draw inspiration for a two-character play from a cover song and an album cover.

What’s the Process?
SELECT: Playwrights apply to the project, sharing a writing sample and a cover song and album cover to serve as inspiration for a ten-minute play.
SHUFFLE: The songs and album covers are reassigned randomly among the five selected playwrights.
CREATE: Each PlayList writer drafts a ten-minute, two-character play inspired by another playwright’s prompts.
COLLAB: Writers develop their drafts over several feedback sessions in the CRY HAVOC Workshop.
PLAY: Actors and directors join the process to present the PlayList collection as a public Equity 29-Hour Reading of the plays.

How does the collaboration work?
Each writer works with a facilitator—a CRY HAVOC artist to confer with before/after each feedback session. Facilitators moderate each session in support of the playwright and their goals. The feedback sessions will include our roster of artists with years of new play dramaturgy experience, the other PlayList writers, and their invited guests and colleagues.

PlayList applicants are asked to commit to participation in a preliminary welcome meeting via Zoom, six in-person workshop sessions in NYC, two final-draft Zoom workshop sessions, and the public reading in NYC. See schedule below (all sessions will be in the evening):

Wed. 8/20: Welcome Zoom meeting
Tue. 9/2 and Thu. 9/4: In-person workshops, 1st drafts
Mon. 9/8 and Wed. 9/10: In-person workshops, 2nd drafts
Mon. 9/15 and Wed. 9/17: In-person workshops, 3rd drafts
Wed. 9/24 and Thu. 9/25: Zoom workshops, rehearsal drafts
Wed. 10/8: Public presentation

Who is PlayList for?
This program is for writers of ANY background, especially if you are:
- looking for tools to support the development of new work
- searching for a community to serve as a “home base” for creative feedback and support
- not sure what you are going to write next
- an artist at any stage of your career, from emerging to established, who is looking for new collaborators

What are we looking for?
CRY HAVOC is looking for artists who are interested in:
- discussing their work and their goals
- supporting the work of others
- exploring a system for structured feedback

How can I apply?
If you are interested in participating in PlayList, please submit:
- a 10-page writing sample and brief description why/how is this sample representative of your work?
- a cover song that has particular significance to you and brief explanation - why this song?
- an album cover and brief explanation - why this album cover?

Veterans' 10 Minute Playwrighting Contest 2025

Website

Deadline: June 30, 2025 11:59 PM

SUBMIT VIA SUBMITTABLE

All playwrights, regardless of military affiliation, are invited to enter Salem State University’s 10-Minute Playwriting Contest. However, preference will be given to those with a direct military connection. This includes active-duty military, reservists, National Guard, Veterans, and direct family of any of these.

The theme of the play should directly touch on military service and/or how military service affects a community. The contest and festival look to recognize and celebrate those that have served and currently serve. We are looking to bring together a variety of voices exploring both the challenges and the victories and positive influences that Veterans have on our community.

Judges will select finalists, whose plays will be part of a series of staged readings in November 2025.

Important Dates

June 30, 2025 - Entry deadline

August 15, 2025 - Notification of finalists

November 2025 – Staged readings with post-performance discussions. Additional details forthcoming.

Contest Rules

• Only submissions through Submittable will be considered.
• One submission per playwright.
• Only original plays, not-yet produced or published, are eligible.
• All plays are judged blind. Do not include any personal, identifying information anywhere on your submission.
• Musicals and adaptations are not eligible.
• Simultaneous submissions are allowed. If your play is accepted elsewhere, please let us know immediately. If your play is chosen to be performed, you agree to withdraw your play from all other places where it is under consideration.
• By submitting, you agree to allow Salem State University to produce the first staged reading of your play.
• Scripts meeting the rules and submitted by the deadline will be reviewed by judges.
• Judging will be done by SSU faculty and members of the SSU Veterans’ community.

Judging Criteria

StoryPlot seems fresh, intriguing and original
Something happens; sufficient conflict and tension throughout the play
Plot is active, vital and dramatic on stage
Story moves along; pace is engaging

VoiceStrong, interesting writing style
Clear viewpoint that’s well integrated into the play

CharactersInteresting and compelling characters
Characters seem credible and real
Main character evolves or develops through the course of the play

DialogueDialogue suits the characters
Dialogue sounds natural and credible for the plot and location
Each character has own unique voice
Dialogue seems fresh and compelling (not dull, boring, or generic)

AppropriatenessThe play can be staged in the 10-minute time allotment in a black box theatre with limited set, sound, and design.

Overall effectPlay is transformative and memorable

Submitting Your Work

The script must be in standard playwriting format with 12-point Courier font. Use double spacing when changing from one character to another. Use single spacing everywhere else. If you are unfamiliar with standard playwriting format, please check out this example.

PLAYS THAT FAIL TO MEET THESE CRITERIA WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

Questions: email arts@salemstate.edu

SUBMISSIONS for the 2nd On One Foot 10-Minute Playwriting Contest

Website

Deadline: June 14. 2025

but may close the window for submissions once 500 ten-minute plays have been received

SUBMISSION FORM

The “OOF! On One Foot” Contest is part of the Jewish Plays Project, plays2gather and the Berkshire Theater Group’s 2nd Festival of New Jewish Plays, to be held August 28-31, 2025 at the Colonial Theater in Pittsfield, MA. Up to six selected 10-minute plays will receive cash prizes, and their plays will be produced by the JPP in the Festival. 

2025 Prompt: Moving Forward at the edge of the Unknown : In one of the first freedom stories, Moses leads the Jewish people to the edge of a dangerous unknown. They respond: “Were there not enough graves in mitzrayim? You had to bring us here?” Moses appeals to G-d, but is told simply “Go forward.” Then one brave soul, Nachson, simply moves into the abyss, and the way becomes clear. Channeling the courage (chutzpah?) of Nachson, the JPP and p2g seek a range of 10-minute plays that ask: What does it take to move ahead in these times, when the way seems blocked or uncertain? We invite responses that reflect the broadest range of Jewish experiences and wisdom including (and especially) humor.

The Contest is inspired by Hillel the Sage’s teaching summarizing the whole Torah while standing on one foot: “That which is hateful to you, do not do unto your fellow. That is the whole Torah; the rest is commentary. Now, go and learn.”

FULL CONTEST ELIGIBILITY
Eligible plays:

• must contain significant Jewish themes, characters, content, or points of view.
• must respond to the 2025 prompt above – Moving Forward at the Edge of the Unknown.
• will have a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 6 actors
• You can apply with more than one ten minute play for this contest, as long as the writer feels all submissions connect with the prompt
• We do not accept musicals at this time.
• do not need to be created for this Contest, but should not have already been published. 
• Plays submitted can be on any topic, with any characters, but readers will be evaluating the ten minute plays in relation to these teachings, and the ways they inspire us to move forward in the world. 

CHECKLIST

• Plays must be in a single PDF document.
• Plays must include a title page without the author’s identifying information.
• Plays must include a character breakdown, which includes a doubling scheme for six actors if the play has more than six characters.

We acknowledge that with the variety of theatrical styles and artistic forms, a ten minute play may be more or less than 10 pages. However, the running time for each play should not exceed 10 minutes.
Please note that while we accept plays in many formats, we prefer the Dramatists Guild Standard Format.

TIMELINE

Ten minute plays will be received on a rolling basis beginning May 1.

Jewish Plays Project will accept plays through June 14, 2025, but may close the window for submissions once 500 ten-minute plays have been received.
No entry fees. Application and further details- https://jewishplaysproject.org/artists/oof/

Mini Plays magazine seeks submissions for their JUNE 2025 anthology

Website

Deadine: June 15, 2025

We are looking for submissions for our JUNE 2025 anthology.

The theme of the June 2025 issue is 'LOVE'. Please send us mini plays and monologues on this theme.

The length of a mini play or monologue should not exceed 2 pages of text.

Last date of submission: June 15th, 2025

Please send your work to miniplaysmag@gmail.com

Submit your high definition photo in JPEG format for publication with your work.

Please share your author profile (60 words) for publication in the anthology.

Note:

The anthology will be published in pdf and paperback edition.

A free Pdf edition of anthology will be published on our website .

A paperback edition will be published on ingram spark or lulu.com.

There is no publication, reading, processing or publishing fee.

SUMMER 2025 Online Class in Writing the Ten-Minute Play

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

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

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

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

Six Sessions, 3 hours each: choose one section

1. Mondays, 1 – 4 pm EST (June 9 – July 14)
2. Mondays, 6:30 - 9:30 pm EST, (June 9 – July 14)

Newcomers Tuition: $299 early bird through June 1st; $329 after

Course Repeaters Tuition: $150 early bird through June 1st; $165 after

Discount: $20 discount for newcomers who are a member of The Dramatists Guild or South Florida Theatre League.

Minimum 3 participants per section; maximum 10.

Course Description:

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

This eight-session course is a combination of lecture, reading, discussion, and most importantly, in-class sharing of your work for feedback. Whether you’re a new or seasoned dramatist, Writing The Ten-Minute Play will assist you in your craft. Topics include the elements of a successful 10-minute play, dramatic structure, generating ideas, character development, giving and receiving constructive feedback, effective rewrites, formatting your play, submissions, and log-keeping.

Please contact Arianna Rose at rockawayrose@gmail.com, or via her website where there is more course information: https://ariannarose.net/playwriting-classes-and-other-workshops

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

Interested but not available?

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

One-on-One Private Dramaturgy

If you prefer one-on-one coaching, I am a member of the Dramaturg and Literary Managers Association of the Americas (LMDA) and the Dramatists Guild Plays-in-Progress Mentor Program. More information here: http://ariannarose.net/dramaturg-for-hire

New York Classical Theatre New Visions

Website

Deadline: June 6, 2025

New York Classical Theatre is proud to continue New Visions, our first-ever new play development program, with the launch of Cycle 2 on May 12.

As an AEA Off-Broadway company known for producing free, site-specific productions of classic plays across New York City, NY Classical is committed to making theatre accessible to all. At the heart of New Visions is a bold goal: to confront the exclusion of People of Color, Women, Non-Binary, Trans, and Disabled People from the traditional theatrical canon—and from our own company’s history.

Through New Visions, we are expanding our artistic scope by supporting living playwrights whose work redefines what a “classic” can be and reimagines the canon on their own terms.

NY Classical’s vision affirms that everyone—regardless of social, economic, or educational background—deserves the opportunity to experience live, professional theatre as a shared community. At the same time, we recognize that the so-called “classics” have long upheld systems of oppression and erasure. This program is our response and our invitation: to build a more inclusive and representative theatrical future.

New Visions champions new works that:

• Engage with or reinterpret the classical tradition,
• Expand our collective idea of what a “classic” can be, and
• Challenge the power structures that have historically shaped the canon.

Cycle 2 Program Details & Application Info
Help shape the future of classical theatre. Find out how New Visions works—and how your play could be part of it.
Applications for Cycle 2 are being accepted
May 12th–June 6th, 2025

These New Visions can include, but are not limited to:

1. Adaptation/Translation. 

2. Response/Subversion. Examples include: Branden Jacobs Jenkins’s An Octoroon and Tom Stoppard’s Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead

3. Prequel/Sequel. Examples include: Lucas Hnath’s A Doll’s House, Part 2 and Taylor Mac’s Gary: A Sequel to Titus Andronicus

4. Plays that engage with history and bring forgotten events to life. Examples include: John Guare’s A Free Man of Color and August Wilson’s Gem of the Ocean

5. Plays that engage with written stories beyond the stage, including novels, poems and poetry collections, and journals that exists in the public domain. Examples include: Kate Hamill’s Pride and Prejudice

6. Plays that derive from oral histories, rituals, and other forms of creating, knowing, remembering, and documenting the world beyond the written word. Examples include: Ondinnok’s Rabinal Achi

*We are especially interested in plays that engage histories and traditions from outside the Western European and American canons and historical traditions.* 

*We are especially interested in works that challenge and contest the classical canon.*

Each play selected for “New Visions” will receive:

A two-day, public staged reading, including:

A professional director and cast

12 hours of rehearsal

One hour of guided discussion and feedback with the cast and director

One hour of guided discussion and feedback with the audience

Up to ten hours of further engagement and development with NY Classical’s Literary Director.

A $300 stipend and up to $500 travel reimbursement

Each selected play will also be considered for further development and production with NY Classical.

We invite and encourage playwrights of all backgrounds, experience, and training to apply.

Eligibility Requirements:

1. USA Based Playwrights Only.

2. Play must be primarily in English. Bilingual plays, including ASL, are encouraged.

3. Only plays that have not had a professional, AEA production are eligible. Scripts that have had readings, workshops, non-AEA or university productions are welcome.

4. Plays must have an estimated run time between 70 and 150 minutes.  

5. Plays must include a minimum of 50% characters from historically excluded groups.

6. We are not looking to commission a new play. We are looking to develop existing original works. 

How to submit

Please submit the following as one PDF to literary@nyclassical.org including:

1. Your name

2. A 100-200 word synopsis of the play

3. A character breakdown. This must include which roles are written to be performed by actors from historically excluded groups. A minimum of 50% of roles must fulfill this requirement.

4. A brief statement (as short as one sentence) of how this play is in conversation with an idea of “classics.”

5. The first ten pages of dialogue from the play you would like considered. 

Playwrights selected from the initial review of applications will be invited to submit a full script for consideration. NY Classical may also request to have a conversation with the playwright regarding the work. 

Please do not send complete scripts unless requested.

We look forward to reading your work.

M. T. Pockets Theatre open for season submissions

 Website

Deadline: September 30, 2025 11:59 PM

Submit on the online form

Submissions are open for our 2026 season. 

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

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

Mission

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

Conch Shell Productions 2025 Bluelight Series

Website

Deadline: May 30, 2025

SUBMISSION FORM

Conch Shell Productions is now accepting submissions for our 2025 Bluelight Series

We are seeking full-length plays (5 characters max) by Caribbean heritage writers based in the tri-state area (New York, New Jersey, Connecticut). Selected plays will receive one (1) free public staged reading in Queens, NY, followed by an audience Q&A with the playwright.

The 2025 Bluelight Series theme is 'Voices Unbound.' We are looking for plays that defy convention, celebrate freedom of expression, and expand the narrative landscape of Caribbean and Diaspora storytelling.

Playwrights whose works are selected will receive:

A $75 stipend 

Development support from Conch Shell Productions’ Resident Dramaturg to prepare the script for the reading

Public reading (date: TBD)

Eligibility:

Playwright must identify as of Caribbean heritage.
Must currently reside in the tri-state area (NY, NJ, or CT).
Play must be a full-length work (minimum 60 minutes in performance time).
Scripts must require no more than 5 actors.
Scripts must be original, unpublished, and unproduced (readings/workshops ok).
Playwright must be available to attend the in-person staged reading and post-show Q&A (dates TBD).

Submission Deadline: May 30, 2025

This is a wonderful opportunity to develop your work, build audience connection, and celebrate Caribbean heritage storytelling.

Literature Today- an International Literary Journal seeks short plays

Website

Deadline: June 18, 2025

Send all submissions to : editorliteraturetoday@gmail.com

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

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

Simultaneous submissions are welcome.

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

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

Main Topic: "Echoes of the Human Experience"

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

Subtopics

1. Whispers of Identity

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

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

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

2. Threads of Connection

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

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

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

3. Shadows and Light

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

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

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

4. Footprints on Earth

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

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

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

5. Time’s Tapestry

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

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

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

6. Dreamscapes and Realities

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

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

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

7. Voices Unheard

Amplifying marginalized perspectives, untold stories, and silenced voices.

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

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

8. Sacred Spaces

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

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

9. The Art of Living

Celebrating creativity, artistry, and the pursuit of passion.

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

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

10. Fragments of Tomorrow

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

Encouraging speculative literary works that questions where humanity is headed.

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

Go Try Playwrite - May 2025

Website

Deadline: May 31, 2025

SUBMISSION FORM

We're proud to announce a new monthly playwriting contest in collaboration with Bamboo Ridge Press. Every month, Kumu Kahua's artistic director Harry Wong III will select a writing prompt on the first day of that month. We're looking for 5-page monologues or 10-page scenes based on that prompt; the due date for submissions are always the last day of the month. All entries must be written in traditional play format; instructions on this format can be found here (https://www.dramatistsguild.com/script-formats), courtesy of the Dramatists Guild.

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

The prompt for May 2025 is:

A preschool revolt prompt. Write a 10-page maximum scene or an eight-page max monologue of group of preschoolers fighting an unfair directive from the school’s administration and teachers. The scene could be about the preschoolers coming to realize their oppression, them organizing, them fighting, them succeeding or failing, or all the stages of the revolt. The monologue could be a preschooler organizing or inspiring, or a teacher trying to quell the upraising. But really, just take the idea/prompt and go for it.

Vidalia Winter Yield seeks 10-minute plays

Website

Deadline: June 30, 2025

We're accepting submissions for our Winter Yield collection of 10-minute plays to be produced in January 2026. The setting for this show is the airport. It can be at the gate, ticket counter, baggage claim, etc… as long as it’s in the airport (not on an airplane). We are only seeking plays that fit this setting at this time.

Submissions should contain a maximum of 6 characters, minimal prop requirements, and provide opportunity for diverse casting. Adult language and content are permitted, but it should be relevant to the story and not gratuitous.

Submissions cannot have been previously produced in the Atlanta Metro Area.

Limit TWO (2) submissions per playwright.

(Any playwright caught violating this will be disqualified)


PAY: A $30 stipend is paid to the playwrights whose plays are selected.


***PLEASE READ THE SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS THOROUGHLY***

If submitting two plays, send each submission in a separate email


Email submissions to: vidaliatheatre@gmail.com


In the subject line type: Your Name - Title of Play – WY26

Be sure to include the following information in the body of the email:

your email and telephone

city, state (or country if outside USA) in which you reside

Number of characters

Comedy or Drama

All scripts must be attached as a PDF. No other file types will be accepted.

Note: *We do not utilize blind submissions in our review process*


**ANY SUBMISSION THAT DOES NOT FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED**

OPEN TO ALL PLAYWRIGHTS

(with special consideration for those who reside in Georgia)

CONTACT US


Mail: 2382 Charleston Ter, Decatur GA 30034

Email: vidaliatheatre@gmail.com

Tel: 678-315-2767

Break A Leg Productions' One-Act Slam

Website

Deadline: June 15, 2025

Send submissions to plays.balproductions@gmail.com

BREAK A LEG PRODUCTIONS seeking short plays (no longer than 15 minutes) for our 2025 Slam on September 27th at Polaris North. 

The Slam is a festival of short plays, and at the end the audience votes on a winner. The winner receives $100. The theme of the evening is political satire, but please cast your imagination wider than the white house.

Only one submission per playwright, please. Applications will remain open through June 15th.

Nashville Rep Ingram New Works Project

Website

Deadline: May 30, 2025 at 5PM CST

APPLICATION PAGE

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

We will only accept one submission per person.

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

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

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

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

The 2024-2025 Lab Weeks are as follows:

Lab 1: October 6-11, 2025

Lab 2: January 12-17, 2026

Lab 3: March 9-14, 2026

Do playwrights have to attend all dates?

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

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

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

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

Applicants must send the following:

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

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

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

Who reads the submissions?

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

What happens after I submit?

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

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

Indigo Inferno Short Play Festival

Instagram

Deadline: May 31, 2025 at 11PM ET

SUBMISSON FORM

Important: THE THEME IS OCCULT/MYTHICAL/FANTASY/SCI-FI ! These plays must have some sort of magical element to them. For example, a play about a vampire and werewolf and a human living as roommates or a fairy that falls in love with a spaceman, things like that (yes, time travel is okay).

UPDATE: Due to a high number of submissions, as of 3:00PM ET on Saturday, May 10th, only plays by NYC area-based playwrights (NY, CT, NJ, Philly) will be considered. Anyone who submitted before this time who is not from the NYC area will still be considered.

Short Play Submissions Must Include:

~ Cannot exceed 40 minutes in run time (50 Pages max)

~ Cannot require more than 4 actors

The playwrights of the selected plays will receive a $55 licensing payment from Indigo Inferno. 

Don McCann Playwriting Contest 2025

Website

Deadline: June 15, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sapphest seeks short plays

Instagram

Deadline: May 25, 2025 at 11:59 PM ET

or once they have reached 200 submissions 

SUBMISSION FORM

Sapphest is NYC's premier sapphic playwriting competition and play festival. The next installment of Sapphest will take place on 7/19/25 and 7/20/25 at Brooklyn Art Haus.

Eligibility:
Submissions are open to playwrights who:
Are 18 years of age or older
Live anywhere in the world
Identify as Sapphic*

*In our context, we use “Sapphic” as an inclusive term for those who identify as women, nonbinary, trans, two-spirit, genderqueer, or agender and who experience love or attraction for others within these communities. Sapphics may identify as queer, bisexual, pansexual, asexual, aromantic, lesbian, or use another term that resonates.

Submission guidelines:
Please write an 8–10 minute piece inspired by a sapphic song (think Good Luck, Babe, Honey, Lunch, Slumber Party, Where Does the Good Go, Her Body is Bible, Lipstick Lover, Fast Car, etc.). The play should have no more than four actors (you may include more than four characters, but they must be played by a maximum of four actors).

The audience will guess which song inspired each play. Please note: the play should not be a direct retelling of the song, but rather inspired by the title or lyrics. Each playwright/writing team may submit one play per submission cycle.

Plays will be selected by a committee of queer judges. All plays will be read blind. The other questions in the form will help us get to know you as an artist and understand who we are reaching, but will not be shared with the readers. Selected playwrights will be notified by the end of June and will receive a ticket-split stipend after the festival has completed.

Submissions close May 25th at 11:59 PM ET, or once we reach 200 submissions — whichever comes first. Please submit early!

Helpful reminders/tips:

Make sure the title of your play is not the same as the title of the song that inspired it.
Remove your name and any identifying information from the play and title of the document before submitting - (submissions that include identifying details may not be considered)
Your play must not exceed 11 pages, 12pt font, standard margins.
Only one submission per playwright or writing team.

If you have any questions, email us at sapphestnyc@gmail.com.

Eliza Moore Fellowship for Artistic Excellence 2025

Website

Deadline: May 31, 2025

SUBMIT VIA SUBMITTABLE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

work samples

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

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

Eligibility

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

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

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

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

Monday, March 2, 2026

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

Monday, June 1

Monday, July 13

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

Monday, September 21

Award

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

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

Nomad Theatre seeks short plays for Order in the Court

Website

Deadline: June 16, 2025

SUBMISSION FORM

Nomad Theatre seeks 6-10 short plays to be a part of our upcoming show, Order in the Court in September 2025 in Normal, IL. Submissions will open on May 12th and close on June 16th, 2025. Nomadtheatre.org

Experience the drama and intrigue of the courtroom like never before with "Order in the Court," a selection of original plays specifically crafted to be performed in the McLean County Courthouse. We hope to delve into themes of justice, morality, and the human condition, set against the authentic backdrop of a courtroom, immersing the audience in the tension and intensity of legal battles.

Selected plays must take place in a courtroom. We encourage you to use the space creatively. They must be unpublished and unproduced at the time of submission.

Mclean County courthouse is a historical landmark housed in the Mclean County Museum of History, and many historical court cases have taken place here. We encourage you to be inspired by local Mclean County History cases, or include themes that showcase at the Museum of History and themes surrounding America 250, such as Unfinished Revolutions; Power of Place; We the People; American Experiment; Doing History: 250th Anniversary – AASLH

You can also browse the exhibits at the museum for inspiration: Digital Exhibits

A picture of the space has been included for your reference. PLEASE NOTE: the jury box will house audience members - so plays can only include one or two actors that sit in the jury box.

This call is open to all playwrights in the United States. Selected playwrights receive a $25 honorarium, full production of their show and a ticket to attend. We encourage anyone to submit, even if you’ve never written a play. We want to support underrepresented playwrights, including women, LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, disabled, neurodiverse, etc, and encourage you to submit.

Entries will be judged on the following criteria:

· How well it meets the theme of ‘Order in the Court’

· Overall writing quality (Plot - we like different or quirky, weird, out-of-the-box theatre; Character Development; Dialogue)

· Suitability for our actors and space - low tech, 1-4 characters, flexible casting

Submissions will open on May 12th and close on June 16th, 2025. Selected playwrights will receive notification by August 25, 2025. If you have not received notification from us by that date, we did not choose you for the production.

Submission Guidelines:

· One submission per playwright

· a running time of 10-12 minutes long

· A cover page should include the title, the playwright’s name, contact information, a brief synopsis, and character descriptions.

· Pages should be numbered.

· Minimum of 1, maximum of 4 characters

· Label your document as TitleOfPlay_LastName

· Must take place in a courtroom.

· No musicals.

We suggest formatting similar to the Dramatist Guild Guidelines: https://www.dramatistsguild.com/sites/default/files/2020-01/General-SFI-Formatting-Guidelines-Complete.pdf

If you have questions or need any accommodations for submission, please email nomadtheatresubmissions@gmail.com

Nomad's mission is to provide an immersive theatre experience by exposing audience members to eclectic and moving stories, taking theatre outside of a traditional theatre space and into site-specific locations.

If you have questions or need any accommodations for submission, please email Nomad Theatre at nomadtheatresubmissions@gmail.com

Community Players Theater - Page to Stage 2025

Website

Deadline: July 31, 2025

Please note new deadline
Deadline: August 31, 2025

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

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

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

Screaming Media & Gi60 International seek submissions for Gi60 NYC

Instagram

Deadline: June 1, 2025

• Submissions must not last longer than 60 seconds
• Your submission needs your name, play title, geographic location, and contact information in the document as well as filled out in this form
• You may submit as many one minute plays as you wish, but only one submission per form entry
• All work must be totally original and the author's own work
• Plays should not have been previously produced
• Please do not submit plays that have been submitted to Gi60 prior to 2025 for consideration
• Entries from schools should include a teacher's contact and the school name, as well as that of the author
• For consideration in Gi60 NYC, plays must be submitted by June 1, 2025

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

• There is no submission fee, prize or payment for Gi60 participation
• Copyright remains with the author
• Plays lasting longer than 60 seconds may not be considered
• The organizers may use individual plays to promote the Gi60 festival
• Final play selection will be announced on the Gi60 city websites and social media
• Gi60 NYC is staffed and created by professionals who are volunteers and give their time free of charge
• The organizers reserve the right to cut scripts without notification where necessary. (E.g. if a play is running significantly longer than 60 seconds, we may delete some small lines if their intention is communicated elsewhere in the script)
• Gi60 festivals may be recorded and made available for viewing on the Gi60 YouTube Channel. To view past plays: Gi60 Channel YouTube

Gi60 is a Screaming Media Production (c) 2004

PLEASE NOTE: We annually receive between 700-900 submissions. Due to the high volume of plays we receive each year we are unable to write to individual playwrights to notify them if their play has not been selected.

Gi60 NYC | The International One Minute Theatre Festival
theatre in a New York minute
gi60nyc@gmail.com
Instagram | Facebook

46 Minute Mixed Bag variety show

Website
Instagram

Deadline: May 19, 2025

Submit your in-development short piece (~10-15 min) on this short google form.

If you have any questions, please email us at 46mincollective@gmail.com

Seeking 10 minutes, specifically in-development for a low-tech staged performance of “in-progress” to inspire further development for the artist 

Must be able to make it to the performance - (Thursday, July 24, 2025, at The Brick Aux in Brooklyn, NY) 

Yes, a playwright can submit more than one play 

Playwrights and other artists can submit whatever they’d like; however, Mixed Bag is meant to be a low-tech//low-stakes opportunity specifically for in-development new works 

Submitter will be notified of their submission status TBD 

The playwright must self-cast and self-produce their rehearsals. This event is meant to provide artists of all media a stage to present new works in progress to audiences in a low-tech space

Mixed Bag is a variety show for first drafts. We provide artists with a low-tech space and audiences to further develop their early works. We hope this will be a space to learn about your piece and discover the next steps in your process. If you are an artist in any medium with new work you want to test out, apply using the form below! We look forward to seeing what you have been working on!

The 46 Minutes Collective is a non-hierarchical performance collective founded by artists committed to nurturing and producing boldly original, interdisciplinary time-based work. We aim to bolster emerging artists in their pursuit to push the limits of form, challenge the purity of medium, and foster collaborative processes. Our works exist in the in-between and the surreal; they tap on the fourth wall in a quest to make art that is accessible and creatively adventurous. Learn more about us on our website or follow us on Instagram @46mincollective.

11th Annual Pyro PlayFest 2026 Call for Plays Theme: "Spark of Creation: Humanity, Invention, and Expression"

Facebook page

Deadline: January 12, 2026

 SUBMISSION FORM

Paris Junior College Department of Drama's 11th Annual Pyro PlayFest is now accepting submissions!

In a season celebrating new voices, we are looking for bold, original short plays that explore the heart of creativity — the human spirit, invention, imagination, and the drive to express. Whether you tackle these ideas literally, abstractly, or metaphorically, we want to experience the spark that fuels your storytelling!

The chosen submissions will receive a full production on our 3/4 thrust stage space performed by students and community members in late April 2026, right here in Paris, Texas, on the Duane Allen Stage in the Ray E. Karrer Theater.

Please note: This is a non-paying opportunity. While we are unable to offer financial compensation at this time, selected playwrights will have the opportunity to have their work brought to life in front of a live audience by a dedicated team of emerging artists and community members.

Submission Guidelines

• Unpublished, minimally produced plays (readings okay; no full productions).
• Length: 10 minutes or less.
• Page Limit: 10 pages max (standard format, 12-pt font, with page numbers).
• Cast: No more than 6 characters.
• Technical Requirements: Keep it simple — minimal sets, basic lighting, and modest props.
• Theme Connection: Must explore creation, humanity, invention, or expression in some form.

Content Note: Please keep language and themes suitable for a general adult audience.

Important Dates:
• Submission Deadline: January 12, 2026
• Festival Dates: April 22-26, 2026

How to Submit:
Please submit your scripts (Up to three) in PDF format through this Google Form: New Works Submissions

Include a cover page with the following information:
• Play title
• Playwright's name
• Contact email
• Short synopsis (2-3 sentences)
• Character breakdown

Please make sure that your name is not on any part of the play except the Cover Page as we submit our shows to a panel, blind.

Woodward/Newman Award 2026-27

Website

Deadline: August 31, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gallery Players 29th Annual Black Box New Play Festival

Website

Deadline: July 1, 2025

NOTE the post-marked date. Mail your submissions accordingly. 

The Gallery Players in Park Slope, Brooklyn, New York, is seeking plays for its 29th Annual Black Box New Play Festival to be held in January (exact dates to be determined) 2026. 

Each play selected will be given a black box production with non-equity actors. 

Playwrights must be available, if not in person, via Zoom or other virtual venue for some rehearsals and use this as an opportunity to continue work on their play. 

1). Plays must be un-produced (readings are ok); must be the play’s world premier 

2) Length of Plays: Plays should be 30 - 60 minutes. Plays must have at least 4 characters; more is even better. No monologues. No period costume pieces. You may only submit two (2) plays. 

3). Format: Pages must be numbered; A cover page with Title of the play and playwrights contact information is required, along with a page that gives plot synopsis of the play and a character breakdown 

4). Submit a copy of your playwriting resume, showing the names of plays and if produced, where produced. 

5). Playwrights cannot direct their own work 

6). Send three (3) copies of your play(s), along with your resume, to: The Gallery Players Black Box New Play Festival 199 14th Street Brooklyn, NY 11215. 

We will only contact you if your play has been accepted into the Festival. If you want confirmation that your mailing was received by us, please include a self-addressed stamped return postcard. We do not accept email submissions. We do not return scripts. Any scripts not chosen for the Festival will be destroyed to protect the copyright.

The Braid Salon Theatre seeks short plays

Website

Deadline: July 1, 2025

Santa Monica, California

Click Here to Submit

Two Faiths, One Love: Interfaith families reveal the humorous challenges and unlikely situations that lead to often surprising outcomes in a blended home.

What happens inside homes located at the crossroads of religions? How does it work or not? Is yours a mix of religions or even just different approaches to Judaism? Share with us your true stories that resulted in everyone laughing together or pushing the family to its breaking point.

How long can the story be that I’m submitting?
No more than 1500 words.
Please do not submit a full length play.
All one-acts must be 5 pages or less with no more than two characters. 

Do I have to be Jewish to submit?
No, you need not be Jewish to submit, but we prefer the work to have some Jewish content or Jewish resonance. All are welcome to submit.

Can I submit more than one piece?
Yes. However, each piece needs to be submitted separately.

What if my piece doesn’t fit the theme?
Please do not submit your work unless it fits the theme.

If my work is accepted, is there remunerations?
Yes, all works selected are given an honorarium. Written pieces that are selected for Salon Theatre will be given an honorarium based on the number of times the work is performed in the show for which it was selected. Writers also receive royalties if works are reprised. With StoryNosh, you will win a $100 prize for being selected.

My story has previously been published/produced. Can I still submit?
Previously produced or published work is welcome. Please include production and/or publication history.

Can I submit my musical?
We encourage composers, song-writers, and performers to submit one song from a musical, or one scene with a song with no more than two characters. Full length musicals will be rejected without reading.

Is there an age limit to submit?
Submissions are open to writers of all ages.

Does The Braid assume rights to my piece?
No. You give us permission to distribute your story digitally and/or perform it live. However, you retain all the rights to your story.

When I will be notified if my piece is selected?
We read every piece submitted at least twice, a process that takes time. If we plan to use your work in an upcoming Salon show or StoryNosh, we will contact you by email within two weeks of the performance date or Youtube release date. Please check our website for posting of those dates. If we cannot use your piece this season, we will keep it in our files for possible future use, when it may be better suited to another theme.

What happens if my story is selected?
All selected pieces will be edited and adapted by our skilled dramaturges to fit The Braid’s theatrical style. All edits will receive your approval before production begins.

Your work will then be performed by professional actors and produced by The Braid’s production staff.

You will receive an honorarium for your written piece included in our Salon Theatre based on the number of times it is performed in the show for which it was selected. You will also receive royalties whenever the piece is reprised. 

Why would I submit to StoryNosh instead of a Salon Theatre show?

You can submit to both as long as you do not exceed the word limits for each and your story relates to the theme. StoryNosh just allows us to explore additional themes in a digital format that are different from our Salon Theatre series.

Can I perform my own story?

No. Writers do not perform their own work. However, in rare cases, we will allow a writer/performer to perform their own story. Writer/performers will need to send a performance reel along with their submitted story.

Lost Lake Folk Opera is open for short play submissions

Website

Deadline: August 1, 2025 at 11:59 PM

SUBMIT VIA SUBMITTABLE

We are accepting submissions of short stories, short plays, poetry and opinion essays for the Fall 2025 issue of Lost Lake Folk Opera from April 1-August 1, 2025. 

Lost Lake Folk Opera is proud to announce that Submissions are Open for its fifteenth issue, Volume 10, with the special theme, United We Write. LLFO v10 will feature a guest editorial team led by Joshua Davies serving as Managing editor. 

LLFO will feature poetry, fiction, short plays and essays responding to the socio-economic and political realities in the United States, writing that identifies political crises, societal grief, economic shocks, social injustice. We are not looking for political writing per se, but rather literary art that address the struggle we individuals face collectively to maintain a grip on reality and a firm foothold safe from the sinkholes, ruptures, and buried ordnance littering the landscape of our lives. 

Suffering is endemic to human existence. It is shaped by the times, by race and culture, by politics, war, economics—and by each person’s experience. The ancient Hebrew concept of Tikkun Olam captures this reality: that this world is made by brokenness, by disconnections. Or the Japanese art of kintsugi, where broken pottery is soldered back together with gold – not to disguise the breakage, but to illuminate it. To witness the sacredness each being carries, to honor the interconnection in life, and art, and one’s conduct is to aid in mending of the world. With this in mind, please submit up to five poems or maximum 2500 words of fiction, essay or short play. Rough maximum of ten pages. Submissions deadline is August 1, 2025.

Line by line, word by word, at Lost Lake Folk Opera, we aim to stitch each broken seam together. Voice by voice and ear by ear, we seek to honor all that’s most precious in each other. In our own small way to work towards repair and healing, in community: United, We Write.

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

Website

Deadline: May 16, 2025

SUBMISSION FORM

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

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

Winners Announced: July 7, 2025

Festival Dates: September 25 - September 28, 2025

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

On the cover of your script, please include;

NAME OF PLAY

PLAYWRIGHT’S NAME

CONTACT INFORMATION [Address, Phone Number, Email Address]

Script Summary

CHARACTER BREAKDOWN

SETTING

TIME PERIOD

Supporting Materials

COVER LETTER

BIO OF PLAYWRIGHT and COLLABORATORS

MUSIC FILES [for musical submissions only]

Playwright Eligibility

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

Winning Playwrights

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

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

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

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

A playwright and cast talkback will follow each staged reading

Redhouse will market and advertise each new work chosen

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

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

Email babelfest@theredhouse.org with questions

CHAIN THEATRE SUMMER ONE-ACT FESTIVAL

Website

Deadline: May 21, 2025

APPLICATION FORM

1. Choose your show.

2. COMPLETELY fill out the application form.

3. REVIEW your completed application to make sure it is complete and correct.

4. EMAIL PLAY as per instructions received upon submitting application. Make sure that the PDFs of your script and cover letter are included in your submission email.

If there are technical issues, contact us at info@chaintheatre.org to discuss them.

5. Include the title of your show in the subject line of the email and on all relevant materials.

Should they become separated, this is how we will reunite them.

CHAIN THEATRE SUMMER ONE-ACT FESTIVAL
July 11th - Aug. 3rd

Plays are chosen for the Chain Summer One-Act Festival based on originality, inspiration, and innovation. The background or experience of the playwright is taken into consideration, but submissions will be judged on the quality of the play. All themes or genres are welcome. One-Act Play runtime must be no shorter than 10 minutes and no longer than 1 hour. Shows will be performed in person.

NON UNION shows will have the ability to LIVE STREAM for at least one performance.

Chain Theatre is curating the event, not producing it - each production is responsible for staffing their own director, design team and cast.

PLEASE INFORM US IN THE APPLICATION IF YOU PLAN ON APPLYING FOR EQUITY SHOWCASE. All Equity Showcase paperwork is the responsibility of the producer, not the Chain Theatre. It is crucial that we have this information in advance because it affects our scheduling of the productions for streaming. If you do not plan on applying for Equity Showcase you cannot use Equity Actors.

You will assign a contact person for the piece; that person will be considered your play’s producer should it be part of the Festival. That person will receive all information and is responsible for passing it onto the rest of your team.

Though we will be doing overall festival promotion, you are responsible for the marketing of your piece.

Your entire team must be from the Tri-State area (New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut). We will not be accepting playwrights from any other areas of the country.

APPLICATIONS

The deadline for submitting to the 2025 Chain Summer One-Act Festival will be May 21, 2025. There are no submission or participation fees for the Chain One-Act Festivals. Complete the following application and you will be directed to information on submitting your play.

After completing the application form you will need to email a PDF (no Word, Pages, or Final Draft files, please!) of the script, and a brief cover letter explaining your goals for the play.

Applications ask for a contact name, address, phone, and email. Show contacts will be the one contact point between Chain Theatre and your production. The email given will be the sole email address that Chain Theatre will use to contact you regarding acceptance, any issues regarding participation, and festival communications.

We will need an estimated running time of your piece that will be factored into the programming. As such, we will enforce this time limit. If during your dress rehearsal or performance the play runs significantly over, we may insist that you revise or forfeit your participation in the festival and any ticket split revenue.

Applications that are not complete will not be accepted. No materials will be returned.

ONLY ONE SUBMISSION WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR EACH PLAYWRIGHT.

If any false information is given in the application the Chain Theatre will not accept any future submissions from the applicant. Your address, email, name must be accurate.


ACCEPTANCE

Notification of acceptance status will be sent by email on or about May 28, 2025.

If you are accepted into the festival, your email will inform you of the location of the organizational meeting to be held on June 2, 2025 at 6:30pm. IT IS REQUIRED AND MANDATORY THAT SOMEONE REPRESENTING YOUR SHOW BE AT THE ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING. This meeting is where you will receive your performance schedule and meet your fellow participants.

Each accepted ONE ACT show will be given 5 free hours of rehearsal space at one of the Chain Theatre rehearsal rooms. Availability and scheduling of these hours is at the Chain Theatre’s discretion. They must be used to rehearse the show in the festival and cannot be gifted, sold or used for other purposes. Additional rehearsal hours/locations are the production’s responsibility. If you choose to rehearse at one of the Chain Rehearsal studios you can book subsidized rehearsal space for this production for $10 an hour.

Each accepted show will receive a code for ticket tracking. Each show will receive 20% of the net box office for every ticket purchased using their code. (Code use for online sales is mandatory to receive this box office split. No exceptions.)


SCHEDULING

Each One-Act show will be guaranteed at least three performances. The precise number of shows is TBD, based on number of submissions and running lengths. However, depending on the schedule there may be more. Performance blocks will be at 6:30pm and 8:30pm during the week and will run throughout the weekend between 12-10pm.

There will be limited time between shows for changeovers. Keep in mind that when you are striking or setting up your show, another show is also likely striking or setting up. Minimalism rules. PLEASE FACTOR THIS TIME INTO YOUR TECHNICAL PLANS. Houses will be opened 5 minutes before the start time and will start promptly.

BOX OFFICE and TICKETING

Chain Theatre handles all aspects of ticketing and box office. Tickets will be $23 in advance online and $26 at the door.

TECHNICAL

You will need to keep the technical requirements of your show very simple. There will be no projection in shows. The Chain is equipped with a full light board and sound system, however the board will be shared by several shows and we will maintain a standard rep lighting plot. Keep light and sound cues as simple as possible. No show will be able to refocus lights. Each company will have only one cue-to-cue technical rehearsal in the venue which will be run by a Chain Theatre hired PSM. The Chain Theatre PSM will be running lights and sound for all shows at no cost to participants. Storage space/dressing room space is also limited and will be shared by all shows. You will be given a small, unlocked area to store your props, set pieces, and costumes, which must be completely cleared at the conclusion of your performances.


Any additional equipment your show requires should be listed on your application and will be need to be approved by Chain Theatre. Chain Theatre has the right to disqualify any shows that bring in unapproved technical elements. If approved, this equipment will be provided for your show by you. Chain Theatre assumes no liability for this equipment; it is your responsibility.

PUBLICITY

Chain Theatre will publicize the festival and coordinate overall press relations, including interviews and critic attendance. You may be asked to submit publicity photos and PR materials. You are also responsible for publicizing your own show through your own press releases, mailers, handbills, busking and/or posters. Should a critic accept your invitation to see a performance, this information must be forwarded to Chain Theatre so we may coordinate this. Chain Theatre will provide a blanket press kit to help all shows promote.

EXCLUSIVITY

If you are accepted to the Chain Summer One-Act Festival, part of our agreement prohibits the performance of your show anywhere in New York, New Jersey or Connecticut any time from acceptance into the festival through September 2026. Please keep this restriction in mind when accepting other invitations to perform your show during these months, particularly before you have received acceptance status notification from Chain Theatre. Chain Theatre is making an investment in you and your production. We are not previewing your show to take to other festivals and want our mutual efforts of promotion to bring an audience to this production.

If you can no longer participate in the Chain Winter One-Act Festival, you must notify us before May 21, 2025. If the production drops out after you are accepted, you will be disqualified from participating in future Chain Festivals.

If you still have questions, we are available to help you in advance of the deadline at info@chaintheatre.org. You may want to print and keep or bookmark these instructions and your original application for your reference.