GULF SOUTH WRITER IN THE WOODS
A Studio in the Woods
DEADLINE: January 8, 2021
INFO: Gulf South Writer in the Woods, a program of A Studio in the Woods and the New Orleans Center for the Gulf South, supports the creative work, scholarship and community engagement of writers examining the Gulf South region.
Specifically, this year we aim to support BILAPOC Speculative Fiction writers working in prose, poetry and stage/screenwriting. Special consideration will be given to southern voices, under-represented communities, and perspectives not often heard. Eligible writers must live in the Gulf South, be from/have heritage in the Gulf South, and/or write about the Gulf South. The awardee will receive a stipend of $5,000, a 6-week residency at A Studio in the Woods over 18 months, Tulane University library access, and staff support from the presenting partners.
DATES The term of the Gulf South Writer in the Woods will be Winter 2021 through Summer 2023. The six weeks of residency at A Studio in the Woods can be scheduled in up to three sessions between July 2021-June 2022.
REQUIREMENTS
Exploration and early development of concept for a significant manuscript
Creative and radical thinking
Participation in six week residency
Giving a public lecture
Design and implement a community engagement event
Participating in a public dinner
ELIGIBILITY Creative writers working in Speculative Fiction in the format of prose, poetry, or stage/screenwriting will be considered. This year we aim to support BILAPOC writers working in prose, poetry and stage/screenwriting who live in the Gulf South, are from/have heritage in the Gulf South, and/or write about the Gulf South. There are no degree requirements. If the applicant is a student, they must be an active and advanced graduate student—in their second year of coursework and beyond. Note that this is an opportunity for a single writer, not a collaborative team or ensemble. Foreign language projects are welcome, however application and primary work sample must be in English.
SPECULATIVE FICTION Speculative Fiction is a broad category of fiction encompassing genres with certain elements that do not exist in terms of the recorded history and observed phenomena of the current universe, covering various themes in the context of the supernatural, futuristic, and many other imaginative topics.[1] Under this umbrella category, the genres include, but are not limited to, science fiction, fantasy, horror, superhero fiction, alternate history, utopian and dystopian fiction, and supernatural fiction, as well as combinations thereof (e.g. science fantasy).[2]
SELECTION PROCESS Every two years, a new Gulf South Writer in the Woods is selected through a jury process. The position will be awarded on the merit of the proposal, the stage of the manuscript, and its potential to result in new and refreshed understandings about this region. We will also consider the impact of the position on the writer’s career trajectory. The next selection process will take place in Winter 2023.
SUPPORT The awardee will receive a stipend of $5,000, a 6-week residency at A Studio in the Woods over 18 months, Tulane University library access, and staff support from the presenting partners. We are looking to support projects in the exploratory phase and will endeavor to connect the writer with faculty and experts in relevant fields. We will provide full room and board including food, utilities for living and studio space to selected resident. Resident is expected to cover personal living expenses, additional materials and supplies, and any other expenses relating to the cost of producing work incurred while in the program. Travel and shipping expenses to and from A Studio in the Woods for the residency are also the responsibility of the artist. To better understand project impact, each artist will work with an external evaluator.
GUIDELINES:
Gulf South Writer in the Woods proposals should include the following:
500-word project summary.
Project narrative of no more than five double-spaced pages.
http://www.astudiointhewoods.org/2020/11/18/open-call-for-next-gulf-south-writer-in-the-woods/
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MCKNIGHT FELLOWSHIPS IN PLAYWRITING
Playwrights’ Center
DEADLINE: January 14, 2021
INFO: The McKnight Fellowship in Playwriting recognizes and supports mid-career playwrights living and working in Minnesota who demonstrate a sustained body of work, commitment, and artistic excellence. The fellowship, which runs July 1, 2021-June 30, 2022, includes: a $25,000 stipend, an additional $2,500 to support a play development workshop and other professional expenses, and $1,400 in travel funds.
Applicants must reside in and have the legal right to work in the U.S. during the fellowship term. Applicants must have been continuous residents of Minnesota since January 14, 2020, and must maintain residency in Minnesota during the fellowship year. Applicants must have a minimum of one work fully produced by a professional theater at the time of application. (Note for 2020: If you had a production that was canceled or postponed due to COVID-19, that does count when determining eligibility. Even if the play was canceled before opening, you may count that production, so you will still be eligible for this fellowship. Please be sure to mark productions that were canceled/postponed as professional productions on your resume.)
Each application will contain the following pieces:
Application Form (including contact details, eligibility, and demographic information)
Playwriting Resume: Please note clearly which productions listed on your resume (if any) meet the criteria for being "fully produced by a professional theater." Professional productions are defined as productions for which the author and primary artists (actors, directors, and creative collaborators) were reasonably compensated and that received at least three public performances each. Ten-minute or one-act plays and university, college, secondary school, amateur, and Equity showcase/waiver productions are not considered full professional productions. Productions that open after January 14, 2021 do not count. (Note for 2020: If you had a production that was canceled or postponed due to COVID-19, that does count when determining eligibility. Even if the play was canceled before opening, you may count that production, so you will still be eligible for this fellowship. We want to make sure that the pandemic does not negatively affect your ability to apply for this program. Please be sure to mark productions that were canceled/postponed as professional productions on your resume.)
Artistic Statement: Use this statement to describe your artistic goals and vision as a theater maker. This is also an opportunity to provide context for the play you submitted and discuss how it fits into your larger body of work and how you envision your work developing.
Full-length play script: A full-length play generally runs at least 45 minutes. If you are hoping to submit a script that is shorter than 45 minutes in length, please contact Julia at juliab@pwcenter.org to discuss. All script submissions must be written only by the applicant—no cowritten submissions will be accepted. Scripts for musicals may submitted by the book writer only. If you have previously received a McKnight Artist Fellowship, this script must have been completed after that fellowship year.
References: Please list two individuals who are familiar with your work as a playwright and who we may contact during the evaluation process.
https://pwcenter.org/programs/mcknight-fellowships-in-playwriting
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Kresge Artist Fellowships for Literary & visual artists
Kresge Arts in Detroit
DEADLINE: January 14, 2021
INFO: Kresge Artist Fellowships are $25,000 awards plus professional development support for emerging and established metro Detroit artists.
Fellowships recognize creative vision and commitment to excellence across a wide range of artistic disciplines, including artists who have been academically trained, self-taught artists, and artists whose art forms have been passed down through cultural heritage.
Gilda Awards are $5,000 prizes for emerging artists, named in honor of artist, CCS professor, and 2009 Kresge Artist Fellow Gilda Snowden (1954–2014). Fellowships and Gilda Awards are no strings attached awards, meaning artists may spend the money on any aspect of their creative practice or life (i.e. making new work, renting or purchasing studio space, travel, general living expenses, paying off debt, etc.).
Twenty fellowships and ten Gilda Awards
Literary Arts: 10 Kresge Artist Fellowships and 4-6* Gilda Awards
Visual Arts: 10 Kresge Artist Fellowships and 4-6* Gilda Awards
LITERARY ARTS DISCIPLINES:
Arts Criticism
Creative Nonfiction
Fiction
Graphic Novels
Playwriting
Poetry
Spoken Word
Zines
Interdisciplinary Work
http://www.kresgeartsindetroit.org/get-started
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Wurlitzer Foundation RESIDENCY
Helene Wurlitzer Foundation
DEADLINE: January 18, 2021
INFO: The Helene Wurlitzer Foundation of New Mexico (HWF) is a private, 501(c)(3) non-profit, educational and charitable organization committed to supporting the arts. Founded in 1954, the HWF manages one of the oldest artist residency programs in the USA and is located on fifteen acres in the heart of Taos, New Mexico, a multicultural community renowned for its popularity with artists.
The Foundation offers three months of rent-free and utility-paid housing to people who specialize in the creative arts. Our eleven artist casitas, or guest houses, are fully furnished and provide residents with a peaceful setting in which to pursue their creative endeavors.
The Foundation accepts applications from painters, poets, sculptors, writers, playwrights, screenwriters, composers, photographers, and filmmakers of national and international origin.
Applications are reviewed by a selection committee consisting of professionals who specialize in the artistic discipline of the applicant. Numerous jurors serve on committees for each: visual arts, music composers, writers, poets, playwrights, and filmmakers. Jurors, who know nothing about the artist's demographics, score in five categories based purely on the merit of the applicant's creative work samples.
Artists in residence have no imposed expectations, quotas, or requirements during their stay on the HWF campus. The HWF’s residency program provides artists with the time and space to create, which in turn enriches the artistic community and culture locally and abroad.
GUIDELINES:
Literary artists may upload writing samples in .pdf format using the application form above. Alternatively, literary artists may choose to mail hard-copies. Include a cover sheet containing your contact info and table of contents, but please omit names and contact info on the writing samples themselves.
• Writers: samples should not exceed 35 double-spaced pages
• Poets: a maximum of six poems.
• Playwrights: include one complete play.
• Screenwriters: include one complete screenplay.
Digital work samples are accepted and encouraged for applications from visual artists and composers. Applicants should prepare to submit five work sample files when filling out the online application form. Acceptable file types for images include jpg, gif and png. Accepted types for audio files are mp3 and m4a.
Filmmakers must mail a DVD or USB-drive containing up to 30 minutes of video which represents no more than five different samples of your work.
APPLICATION FEE: $25
https://wurlitzerfoundation.org/apply
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CORE WRITER PROGRAM
Playwrights’ Center
DEADLINE: January 21, 2021
INFO: The Core Writer Program is a three-year appointment designed to support a diverse group of playwrights who demonstrate a sustained body of work, commitment, and artistic excellence. The program is available to emerging and established writers nationally and offers significant resources intended to further a playwright's career.
The Core Writer program gives 25-35 of the most exciting playwrights from across the country the time and tools to develop new work for the stage. All Core Writers receive play development workshops with the Center, in collaboration with prominent directors, actors, dramaturgs, and designers. All writers are paid for their workshop time. Core Writers are eligible to be included in our formal season of public readings: the PlayLabs festival and the Ruth Easton New Play Series. Core Writers are also promoted by the Center and provided opportunities through an extensive network of colleges and universities, cultural institutions, and producing theaters.
Each application will contain the following pieces:
Application Form (including contact details, eligibility, and demographic information)
Playwriting Resume
1-2 paragraph Artists Statement: Use this statement to describe your artistic goals and vision as a theater maker. This is also an opportunity to provide context for the play you submitted and discuss how it fits into your larger body of work and how you envision your work developing.
1 page statement of Core Writer Goals: This is a statement, around one page in length, explaining how the Core Writer Program would benefit your career as a playwright. You may want to discuss projects you hope to develop as a Core Writer, specific resources you hope to take advantage of, and/or goals you have for your career. This statement should reflect a clear understanding of the program and the Playwrights' Center and explain to the evaluators why becoming a Core Writer is the right next step for you.
Full-length play script: A full-length play generally runs at least 45 minutes. If you are hoping to submit a script that is shorter than 45 minutes in length, please contact Julia at juliab@pwcenter.org to discuss. If you are submitting a script for a musical or a play that was written in collaboration with another artist (i.e. lyricist), please clearly indicate your role in the writing of the play. Co-written work that does not have a clear division of who created which part will not be accepted—the evaluators need to be able to evaluate your work specifically.
One letter of recommendation: Please request one letter of recommendation from an individual who is familiar with your work as a playwright. Letters must be received by the application deadline: January 21, 2021.
https://pwcenter.org/programs/core-writer-program
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2020 FICTION PODCAST CONTEST
Shore Scripts
DEADLINE: January 21, 2021
INFO: Podcasts are kind of a big deal! Over 100 million people in USA listen to at least one Podcast a month and that rate is increasing by 20 million year on year. Fiction podcasts are taking a century’s worth of entertainment in radio plays and pushing the boundaries to tell stories in fresh and innovative ways, quickly becoming the fastest-growing sub-section of this booming industry. Many writers, including our Judges, have forged successful careers for themselves through Podcasts. Hollywood’s taking notice too! More and more of these shows are being adapted for Televsion: Homecoming, Limetown, Carrier, Left Right Game & LORE to name but a few.
The beauty of the fiction Podcast format is that it allows you as a writer to be completely free to tell the story you wish to tell, without having to factor in the budgetary constraints of filmmaking. Our Podcast Contest offers more in funding and prize money than any other.
In collaboration with our winning writers, Shore Scripts will produce both episodes, making use of our industry connections to find talented cast and crew. We will look to attach a named actor/actress to each episode to further elevate the show and draw in a larger audience. Once both episodes are live, we will contact commissioners in an attempt to greenlight the series. The writers have final say on all potential commissioning offers.
This is a great opportunity to get your work commissioned and voice heard in this ever-growing industry. You don’t even need to write an episode from scratch. Perhaps you have a screenplay, novel or stageplay that could be adapted to fit this medium. Read our How to Adapt my Screenplay into a Podcast for some pointers.
We accept screenplay, radio and stageplay format. Check out our Rules and FAQ’s for all the info.
AWARD:
Two winners will be chosen to have their pilot scripts produce, each with a budget of $5,000
Plus, each winner will also receive $1000 Cash!
https://filmfreeway.com/ShoreScriptsFictionPodcastContest
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THE MIRANDA FAMILY 'VOCES LATINX' NATIONAL PLAYWRITING COMPETITION
Repertorio Español
DEADLINE: February 1, 2021
INFO: This new playwriting initiative continues the ideals of our original competition, to develop and promote Latinx plays and playwrights. By doing so we are championing a distinctively American narrative that is slowly gaining traction with “mainstream” theatres across the country but still lagging woefully behind.
The Latinx/Hispanic Community represents many nations and every corner of the United States. By the mid-21st Century, 1 in 3 people will identify as having raíces Latinx (Latin roots) we have journeys and histories that need to be heard and experienced on stage.
To that end, this competition and our theatre will prepare the way for an American Theatre that is reflective and representative of the Pan Latinx Community.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Playwrights may be Latinx or of any other ethnic or racial background as long as the play’s subject matter and characters resonate with and accurately depicts the Latinx/Hispanic experience.
No screenplays, one act plays, adaptations or translations will be accepted.
New and un-produced plays preferred. Plays that have had readings or a workshop production are acceptable.
All plays must be original and full-length (minimum running time: 75 minutes) and can be written in Spanish and/or English.
Playwrights must be at least 18 years of age and residents of the United States or Puerto Rico.
SELECTION PROCESS:
Winners will be announced 7- 8 months after the deadline.
Each participant will be notified of the results by e-mail.
We request that participants do not contact the office to inquire about the competition’s results.
PRIZES:
Finalists will receive a staged reading at Repertorio to further develop the script.
Grand Prize Winner: $3,000
2nd Place: $2,000
3rd Place: $1,000
(2) Runners up at $500 each
https://repertorio.nyc/opportunities#/voceslatinx-submit
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CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
Chaotic Merge
DEADLINE: Rolling
INFO: Chaotic Merge is looking for submissions from all different forms of artist. We seek work that is adventurous and test the border of art and structure. Don't be afraid to mess with everything you have ever learned in your lives. We write to have fun!We encourage voice of people of color and members of the LGBTQ+ community to submit their work.
We are open for submissions all year round.*We strongly suggest following all guidelines upon submitting.
GUIDELINES:
Submit all work to ChaoticMergeMagazine@gmail.com
Title your email subject as follows: Full name_Genre_Title of work. Anything labelled otherwise will not be read.
Depending on your genre, please limit each submission to:
Up to 5 unpublished poems (a non-English work & its English translation count as one poem submission)
2 unpublished short fiction piece (up to 5,000 words)
Up to 5 unpublished art/photographs/ illustrations in pdf, png, and jpeg or
2 unpublished Screenplay or Play (up to 10-15 pages)
All work submitted should be accompanied by a short author bio between 50 and 100 words, a author/creator photo in jpg, and your pronouns.While we accept simultaneous submissions, do indicate in your email that this is a simultaneous submission, and write in to us immediately to withdraw your work once it has been accepted elsewhere.
Publication Rights: Chaotic Merge Magazine publishes only unpublished work, unless we ourselves request for them. By submitting your work, you affirm that you are the sole author and maintain all rights for your work. By submitting your work, you authorize Chaotic Merge Magazine to publish your work in both its e-journal and online platforms.
https://chaoticmergemagazine.com/submit/
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ONGOING
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
Theatre [Untitled]
INFO: We are seeking original plays or musicals that celebrate stories not yet told on stage and uplift underrepresented people. Women, BIPOC, and LQBTQ+ strongly encouraged to submit. We are always looking for new pieces to produce. We are committed to exposing up and coming playwrights and their works.
If you would like to submit your play to us, please email theatreuntitled@theatreuntitled.com with the subject line "New Play Submission" with:
Your play as a PDF and
Tell us a little about yourself and your artistic viewpoint in the body of the email.
DEADLINE: Ongoing
http://www.theatreuntitled.com
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EMERGING PLAYWRIGHTS FUND
Audible
INFO: In 2017, Audible launched a theater initiative, intended to radically increase access to exceptional plays and performances. A core pillar of the initiative is the Emerging Playwrights Fund, a program that invests in and nurtures self-identifying emerging playwrights, some of our most inventive, delightful, and provocative storytellers. Through the Fund, Audible aims to connect extraordinary performers with remarkable original work, amplifying new voices and harnessing the power and potential of audio to reach millions of listeners.
The Fund specifically supports the creation of original dramatic work, written with audio in mind, but theatrical in spirit. If you are looking to submit an idea for an audio project that is not a play, please visit www.audible.com/pitch.
Audible is dedicated to commissioning, developing, and producing work that reflects the diversity of our members and our world. To accomplish this, Audible is committed to granting at least 50% of emerging playwright commissions to artists of color and women.
GUIDELINES:
To be considered as an applicant for a commission, please submit all of the following to AudibleTheater@audible.com:
1. One full-length script for an original or adapted play (in English language only) that represents your voice ("Script"). The Script can be in any genre and may include one-acts and solo pieces;
2. A short biography; and
3. A brief statement about why audio plays appeal to you.
If you have an idea for an original audio play, you are welcome to include a pitch or summary along with your statement (this is encouraged, but not required).
ELIGIBILITY: Any applicant over the age of 18 may submit a Script. Employees or independent contractors, or immediate family members (spouses, domestic partners, parents, grandparents, siblings, children, and grandchildren) or those living in the same household of employees or independent contractors of Audible Inc., Amazon or any entity involved in any aspect of the Theater Fund may not submit a Script for consideration, unless it is determined by Audible in its sole discretion in accordance with Audible’s then current policies and procedures that no conflict of interest exists in connection with accepting the relevant submission for consideration.
CONDITIONS: All submissions must be the original creations of the applicants. By submitting a Script, each applicant represents and warrants that: (a) the submitted work is his/her 100% original creation, (b) the submitted work will not violate or infringe the rights (including copyrights and rights of privacy and publicity) of any other person or party, and (c) all materials and elements comprising the submitted work are exclusively owned or controlled by the applicant. Audible may determine, in its sole discretion, that an applicant is ineligible to submit a work for consideration if these requirements, and others described in these Guidelines, are not satisfied to Audible’s satisfaction.
Applicants understand and acknowledge that (i) Audible is in the business of developing and distributing content, (ii) Audible receives numerous submissions (both from outside and from within Audible) of content ideas and creative materials, (iii) Audible is continually developing ideas, formats, shows, stories, concepts, artwork, music, and the like, and (iv) content developed or distributed by Audible may resemble, be similar to, or contain identical material or elements found in works submitted to Audible for consideration. By submitting a project via this program, each applicant understands and agrees that Audible is not prohibited or restricted from developing or distributing content that may contain elements similar or identical to an applicant’s submission, and Audible will not be obligated to any applicant in any manner if such similar or identical elements were developed or obtained by Audible either independently or from sources other than the applicant’s submitted work.
DEADLINE: Submissions are accepted year-round. Due to the number of Scripts that Audible receives, Audible will only consider one Script at a time from each applicant and will not consider resubmissions, including those that have been significantly revised. The Audible team evaluates submissions on a rolling basis, and applicants will be notified regarding the status of their submissions via email. Thanks in advance for your patience while we process your Script; our typical response time is 6-8 months.