Writing Fellowship Program
The Playwrights Realm
INFO: The Playwrights Realm Writing Fellowship Program awards four early-career playwrights with nine months of resources, workshops and feedback designed to help them reach their professional and artistic goals. Over the course of the season, Fellows develop a single new play. Monthly group meetings provide a collaborative, energizing space for writers to share and refine their work. One-on-one meetings with The Realm’s artistic staff support each writer’s specific artistic process. Fellows work with a director, design consultants, and actors over the course of two readings to see their work come to life. Professional development resources are also an integral part of the program and are tailored to the individual group of Writing Fellows. Mentor opportunities, meet-and-greets, and professional seminars are designed to shed light on the business of theatre, and empower the Fellows to be active, informed participants in their own careers. The culminating event of the program is our INK’D Festival, which features a public reading of each Fellow’s play.
Writing Fellows Receive
$3,000 Award
Internal reading
Public reading
Professional development activities
Access to Realm office resources
An occasional hug
What We’re Looking For
Above all, we look for dedicated early-career writers who crave a long-term, rigorous development process. We value intellectual curiosity, imagination and bravery. We love plays with evocative language, plays that contemplate big, unanswerable questions, that embrace the complexity of life, and demonstrate an understanding of the possibilities of dramatic storytelling. And of course, plays that are inherently theatrical—that could never be anything other than a play!
As a playwright-centric company hoping to help create the next generation of successful playwrights, we believe it is our responsibility to ensure that the playwrights and the stories we support fully reflect the diversity of the society we live in. As such, we encourage writers and stories with unique cultural perspectives, experiences and backgrounds.
Program Criteria
Playwrights must be able to attend meetings and readings in New York City approximately twice monthly from September 2020 through early June 2021.
Playwrights should identify as early-career.
Submitted script must be a full-length play, at a stage of development that would benefit from a nine-month developmental process.
Plays should have no commitments to other theaters that will limit their development with The Playwrights Realm.
Those enrolled in an academic program during the span of the fellowship are not eligible.
Plays which have had a production outside of an academic environment are not eligible.
Plays committed to another similar development process during the same period as the Writing Fellowship are not eligible.
Writing Fellows Application Components
Online application (short-answer questions)
Theatrical résumé
A complete draft of the play you wish to develop, with your name and play title on a cover page (PDF format)
Optional professional reference or letter of recommendation
DEADLINE: February 2, 2020
https://www.playwrightsrealm.org/fellow-app/
Scratchpad Series
The Playwrights Realm
INFO: Scratchpad Series opens The Realm’s doors to early-career playwrights from around the country, deepening our ability to do what we do best: listening to what playwrights need, and giving it to them. Whether it’s a place to hear a rough draft aloud for the first time, space to fine tune a more mature work, or time to focus in on a particular aspect of a piece, The Realm aims to provide playwrights with what they need to thrive. Scratchpad is a chance for The Realm to engage with an entirely new group of playwrights each year, erasing limitations of geography or access by identifying and inviting playwrights from across the U.S. to participate.
Scratchpad participants receive a developmental workshop of up to one week in New York City, working with top-notch professional collaborators—director, cast, and The Realm’s artistic staff. If the playwright is based outside of New York, The Realm also facilitates the playwright’s travel and housing for the workshop.
Playwrights Receive
Developmental reading of up to one week.
Professional collaborators, such as a director, cast, and The Realm’s artistic staff.
Travel and housing or per diem if the playwright is based outside of New York City.
Program Criteria
Playwrights should identify as early-career.
Submitted scripts must be a full-length play. (A full-length play is a single play that constitutes a full evening of theater. For example, a 90-minute intermission-less play is a full-length play.).
Submitted script has not been produced in NYC.
Submitted script is not under commission from, or slated for production by, another institution.
What We’re Looking For
We love plays with evocative language, plays that contemplate big, unanswerable questions, that are intellectually curious, embrace the complexity of life, and demonstrate an understanding of the possibilities of dramatic storytelling. And of course, plays that are inherently theatrical—that could never be anything other than a play!
As a playwright-centric company hoping to help create the next generation of successful playwrights, we believe it is our responsibility to ensure that the playwrights and the stories we support fully reflect the diversity of the society we live in. As such, we encourage writers and stories with unique cultural perspectives, experiences and backgrounds. With Scratchpad in particular, we aim to help artists break through any barriers that may exist—geographical, economic or otherwise—bringing voices and stories as diverse as our country to work with us and hopefully one day be seen on stages all across the United States.
With regards to Scratchpad, preference will be given to projects that can’t be served by the Realm’s Writing Fellowship (i.e. musical projects, playwrights who do not live in the greater NYC area etc.)
Scratchpad Series Application Components
Online application (short-answer questions)
Theatrical résumé
A complete draft of the play you wish to develop, with your name and play title on a cover page (PDF format)
Music samples, if applicable
Optional professional reference or letter of recommendation
DEADLINE: February 2, 2020
https://www.playwrightsrealm.org/scratchpad-series/
Ain’t i a woman playfest
INFO: Submissions are now open for Season 3 of Ain't I a Woman Playfest 2020 (in Louisville, KY). We are looking for original, unproduced 10-min plays from WOC playwrights.
Play must be an original, unpublished and unproduced piece written by a woman-of-color playwright (Transgender or gender-queer women encouraged to submit).
Maximum Length: 10-12 pages not including title page.
Submissions should require minimum set, costume and technical needs.
Submissions should have a title page with Playwright’s name, mailing address, phone number, and email address)
Attach a recent headshot with submission
Submissions must be submitted as a PDF to aintisubmission@gmail.com by F
DEADLINE: February 14, 2020
https://aintiwomanfest.com/#post-63
10-MINUTE RADIO PLAYS
Whiskey Radio Hour
INFO: At present, we are only accepting new radio play submissions from persons of color, female-identifying and/or nonbinary playwrights.
Kindly email whiskeyradiohour@gmail.com with your complete script (in either .doc or .pdf format).
Only complete scripts will be considered.
Your play should be around ten minutes long (so read your play out loud before you submit!)
Your play can be in any genre you like, but try to engage the radio play format in some way.
Due to space constraints, up to four actors can perform in each radio play. Therefore, actors will play multiple roles if there are more than four characters in your piece.
Each writer can submit up to two radio plays per Radio Hour.
Each episode of the Whiskey Radio Hour is recorded, and then put on the internet for anyone to download free of charge. To check out past episodes, visit our bandcamp page.
If you’re interested in the correct format of a radio play, the BBC has a handy guide here.
Submission Guidelines for Directors
Please email a directing resume to whiskeyradiohour@gmail.com, along with a short description of your interest in the radio play format.
You and your cast MUST be available for a rehearsal with the Whiskey Radio Band on the Sunday, March 29. At this rehearsal, our talented Foley artist will work with you and the rest of the band to integrate the Foley cues (which will be performed live) into your show.
Due to all of the sound cues being performed live, no digital recordings can be used during the performance. You will be asked to create a Foley cue sheet to communicate your sound needs to our Foley person. (And think big—we’ve done everything from a train going by to covers of The Smiths.)
There is no space for large physical objects on the stage. Likewise, the turnover time between radio pieces is extremely small—around thirty seconds. Therefore, setup time must be kept to an absolute minimum.
A maximum of four actors can be on stage for each play. If your play requires more characters, you’re welcome to double cast or come up with a creative solution.
The Whiskey Rebellion will provide up to four music stands for your actors’ scripts. They can be on book.
Each episode of the Whiskey Radio Hour is recorded, and then put on the internet for anyone to download free of charge. To check out past episodes, visit our bandcamp page.
DEADLINE: February 16, 2020
https://www.whiskeyradiohour.com/submit/
CALL FOR WRITERS: PUNCHING LABUTE VOLUME 2
INFO: Looking for short plays (10 mins max), monologues, songs, spoken word, fables, haikus etc. forPUNCHING LABUTE 2.0. LGBTQA+ writers and writers of color strongly encouraged to submit.
Punching LaBute will be a show consisting of work that metaphorically punches misogyny in the face. It’s about womxn flipping problematic work (like Neil LaBute’s) on its head, and reclaiming the narrative. How you would like to do this is completely up to you, and we are so excited to read all your submissions.If chosen for PUNCHING LABUTE 2.0, your work will be cast and staged in a black box with minimal props for a one night show:Where: The Lincoln Loft, Chicago ILWhen: June 8th, 2020To see the playbill for last years show visit: www.punchinglabute.weebly.com
Currently, this show is completely volunteer based with all ticket donations going to a local charity. Last show, we raised over a hundred dollars for Connections for Abused Women and their Children - a non profit committed to ending domestic violence.
If you are interested in submitting, please send your work as a PDF with the subject PUNCHING LABUTE SUBMISSION_ FIRST NAME LAST NAME to :punchinglabute@gmail.com.
DEADLINE: February 22, 2020 at 11:59pm.
https://punchinglabute.weebly.com/
SPACE GRANT PROGRAM
Brooklyn Arts Exchange
INFO: The Space Grant Program is designed to give choreographers, playwrights, and multi-disciplinary artists working in performance the opportunity to create new work in a setting that is conducive to working deeply and exploring new territory. BAX's Space Grant Program is the oldest of our programs that support developing artists. Space grants are often an artist's entry point into a deeper relationship with BAX. A significant number of our Artists In Residence started their relationship with BAX as space grantees and then claimed the organization as their artistic home.
Space grants acknowledge that seasoned artists and newly emerging artists need uninterrupted space and time to try new ideas or to change directions. Again and again, in surveys of NYC's performing artists, access to space is the most essential resource. We remain committed to space grants as one of the core provision of our Artist Services offerings.
Artists are selected by application and reviewed by a panel of former resident artists, artist advisors, board and staff. Recipients receive free rehearsal space in one of BAX's four studios and have the opportunity to share their work with other Space Grantees and Artist Advisors in an in-progress showing and feedback session.
BAX has a proud history and commitment to developing cohorts that are reflective of our mission and core commitments to racial and social justice. In our curation and residencies, we take into account our field's history of racism and discrimination, and take active steps to undo the effects of that history. We believe that this commitment enriches the artists' experience for all members and audiences.
There are two (2) separate Space Grant program periods-Summer 2020 and Fall 2020. Applicants must choose only one (1).
Summer Space Grant (June 29-August 21, 2020, 8 week residency). 3 artists/groups. 50 hours of free developmental rehearsal space per artist/group. $350 stipend. Informal Show & Share Tuesday August 11, 2020 from 7-9pm. **(Evenings and Weekend space available only)
Fall Space Grant (September 8-December 18, 2020, 15 week residency). 3 artists/groups. 100 hours of free rehearsal space. $500 stipend. Informal Show & Share Saturday November 7, 2020 from 2-4pm. Performance Showcase on Friday and Saturday December 4 and 5, 2020 at 8pm.
DEADLINE: February 24, 2020
http://artistservices.bax.org/applications/2020-space-grant-application/
CREATIVE CAPITAL AWARDS
INFO: Creative Capital supports innovative and adventurous artists across the country through funding, counsel, and career development services. Our pioneering venture philanthropy approach helps artists working realize their visions and build sustainable practices. Creative Capital provides each funded project with up to $50,000 in direct funding and career development services valued at more than $50,000, for a total commitment of over $100,000 per project.
The application for the Creative Capital Awards is open to artists, collectives, and collaborations working in all disciplines, including Literary Fiction, Poetry, Theater, and Narrative Film, among others.
DEADLINE: February 29, 2020
https://creative-capital.org/award/about-the-creative-capital-award-open/
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
Live & In Color
INFO: Live & In Color is looking for playwrights, composers, and lyricists of color and/or other underrepresented communities interested in developing their new musical or play. The work must be able to be performed with a multiethnic cast.
The winning musical submission will have a two-week workshop this fall at The Bingham Camp in Salem, Connecticut culminating in a staged presentation to an invited audience.
The winning play submission will have a one-week development period this fall at The Bingham Camp in Salem, Connecticut culminating in a reading for an invited audience.
DEADLINE: March 1, 2020
https://www.theatreincolor.org/submissions
THIS IS HOW WE QUEER THEATER
The Parsnip Ship
INFO: The Parsnip Ship is always looking for new plays and new voices, and for Season Six, we are looking for plays exclusively written by
Queer (LGBTQIA+) playwrights. As we believe there are as many distinctive styles and voices as there are playwrights, we remain open to a wide range of plays that will engage audiences in an intimate setting and on a podcast format. We see our recordings as a fun collaborative effort among us, the playwright, the directors, the musicians and the actors! Queer People of Color and Trans + Non-Binary folx are highly encouraged to apply!
Before you send in your play for consideration, please either attend a live episode recording or take a listen to one of our episodes AND read our FAQs on submissions.
The Parsnip Ship is a podcast play company that amplifies bold artists for audiences who crave accessible stories and storytellers. Our live events and audio podcasts are eclectic and transformative, creating communities in person and digitally. Through our work, we revolutionize the way you hear theatre.
The Parsnip Ship re-imagines the concept of the radio play by specifically focusing on stories that differ in form, content and plot by emerging playwrights. The series features new plays and new music performed live and released as a free podcast. This live event and podcast series highlights diverse voices in both theater and music and brings awareness to inspiring artists. No other theatrical event provides a free live event with our format: curation of live independent musicians and a personal interview with the playwright. Hosted by Iyvon Edebiri and recorded live every month in Brooklyn, The Parsnip Ship is available on iTunes, Spotify, and Stitcher.
What are we looking for in a TPS produced audio drama/radio play?
Does the play not only work, but excel in an audio only format?
Is the play exciting and unexpected?
Does the play express diversity in its perspective, voice, or content?
Is this play engaged in socially conscious and civic dialogue?
What would the world be missing if it didn’t have this play?
How does the two-round submissions process work?
Due to an overwhelming volume of submissions in past years, The Parsnip Ship does a two-round submission cycle for applicants. We are asking playwrights to only submit the first 15 pages of their plays for consideration of Round One evaluations. If selected to go forward, playwrights will be asked to send their full length draft or complete script for Round Two evaluation.
What are the logistical elements you should know before applying:
The Parsnip Ship episodes are comprised of 3 major parts: the play, the music, and the interview with the playwright.
Your play must have an estimated run time of no less than 50 minutes and no more than 90 minutes.
Minimum 50 pages for the full script in standard format, text and font
Maximum 90 pages for the full script in standard format, text and font
We can ONLY accommodate up to 6 readers (this includes a reader for stage directions). Please do NOT submit a play that will require more than 6 readers.
We do not accept 10-minute play submissions. Please do not send in 10-minute plays.
We do accept plays with music as long as the music is either original or does not infringe on the copyright of the original artist
Selected playwrights in the NYC area are required to come to an episode prior to their scheduled episode, especially if they’ve never attended a live recording of The Parsnip Ship.
You are only able to submit one play for consideration for this season.
We prefer New York City or locally based playwrights.
Unfortunately, as a young arts org we cannot afford to pay for or reimburse travel expenses related to attending rehearsals/the live recording.
Our playwright must be present for the live recording (and usually rehearsals too). Please DO NOT apply if you live outside the NYC area and you can not travel for the live recording.
We can accommodate 3 inputs for our musical guest, i.e. 1 mic and 2 instruments/2 mics and 1 instrument/3 mics.
It is strongly encouraged to listen to a previous episode via http://www.theparsnipship.com/#listen-in
Does The Parsnip Ship work on an AEA, SAG or SDC contract?
The Parsnip Ship does not work on an AEA or SAG contract or any union contract. Due to our hybrid format of storytelling and music, our focus on voluntary artistic collaboration, along with our free admission for the live recording, and free downloads of our episodes, none of the unions have found reason to have jurisdiction over our operations. Even though we are not beholden to a union, The Parsnip Ship believes in creating and fostering a fun, collaborative and respectful environment between our team and our artistic collaborators.
Who does the casting for each episode? What about a director?
The Parsnip Ship believes in being as playwright-led as possible. This means that you (the playwright, and/or director) are free to cast and collaborate with whomever you would like with The Parsnip Ship’s approval. If help is needed with casting a particular role or finding a director, The Parsnip Ship team has a wide network of actors and collaborators to reach out to. Playwrights should consult with us about public casting calls and other methods, should the need arise. Although we love when playwrights are excited to confirm their collaborators, it is important to speak with us before confirming the cast, director or musician for the live recording.
DEADLINE: March 2, 2020
BRTW ARTIST SUBMISSIONS: MELANATED MONDAYS
Black Revolutionary Theatre Workshop
INFO: Each month, Black Revolutionary Theatre Workshop (in New York) producers curate a selection of new works by the hottest up-and-coming Black writers around a new theme. On the 3rd Monday of each month, BRTW’s ensemble brings these pieces to life and facilitates a conversation with the audience about the underlying societal issues highlighted in the pieces and potential solutions to those challenges.
If you're a writer [plays, poetry, music, screenplays] of African heritage who would like to share your work that directly relates to Black experiences with our audience, please submit your work.
HONORARIUM: $50
DEADLINE: Ongoing