CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
USC Bedrosian Center / Red Nation Celebration Institute
INFO: To support our mission to give opportunities for Native American and non-Native students to learn, collaborate, study, and amplify the stories of indigenous peoples, USC Bedrosian Center & Red Nation Celebration Institute are accepting submissions of full length plays written by American Indian/Indigenous authors.
25th RNCI Red Nation International Film Festival, happening November 2020!
DEADLINE: August 1, 2020.
https://bedrosian.usc.edu/call-for-submissions-2020/
2021 Playwrights Retreat and 27th Festival of New Plays
Autry Museum of the American West
INFO: Native Voices is currently accepting submissions of full-length plays (60+ pages) by Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and First Nations playwrights addressing all themes and topics.
The Retreat and Festival bring artists to Los Angeles to work on 3–5 plays through a rigorous directorial and dramaturgical commitment for 8–10 days in May/June. The retreat culminates in public staged readings of the plays at the Autry Museum of the American West in Los Angeles. Selected playwrights receive artistic support as well as an honorarium; out-of-town artists receive roundtrip airfare plus lodging in Southern California.
Selection Process: Full-length plays (60+ pages) will be read and evaluated. A select number of playwrights will be invited to submit formal proposals detailing their developmental goals should their play be chosen for the short list. Scripts will then be sent to a committee of nationally recognized theatre artists for further evaluation. With their help, Native Voices selects up to five plays for the Playwrights Retreat and Festival of New Plays. Playwrights will be notified in January 2021.
DEADLINE: August 10, 2020
https://theautry.org/events/signature-programs/native-voices-annual-call-for-scripts
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: SHORT COMEDIC PLAYS BY BIPOC WRITERS
Santa Monica Repertory Theatre
INFO: Santa Monica Rep is seeking short, original comedic plays for our 10th Annual Summer Reading Series! The play doesn’t need to be specifically written for a virtual performance, but it needs to translate readily to a virtual platform. Work by women, LGBTQIA and BIPOC writers strongly encouraged.
Selected writers will receive a stipend.
DEADLINE: August 12, 2020 at 11:59pm
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDURvAnp0Yl/
Yale Drama Series 2021 playwriting competition
INFO: The Yale Drama Series is seeking submissions for its 2021 playwriting competition. The winning play will be selected by the series' current judge, Paula Vogel. The winner of this annual competition will be awarded the David Charles Horn Prize of $10,000, publication of their manuscript by Yale University Press, and a staged reading at Lincoln Center’s Claire Tow Theater. The prize and publication are contingent on the playwright's agreeing to the terms of the publishing agreement.
There is no entry fee. Please follow these guidelines in preparing your manuscript:
This contest is restricted to plays written in the English language. Worldwide submissions are accepted.
Submissions must be original, unpublished full-length plays, with a minimum of 65 pages. Plays with less than 65 pages will not be considered. Translations, musicals, and children's plays are not accepted.
The Yale Drama Series is intended to support emerging playwrights. Playwrights may win the competition only once.
Playwrights may submit only one manuscript per year. Only manuscripts authored by one playwright are eligible.
Plays that have been professionally produced or published are not eligible. Plays that have had a workshop, reading, or non-professional production or that have been published as an actor’s edition will be considered.
Plays may not be under option, commissioned, or scheduled for professional production or publication at the time of submission.
Plays must be typed/word-processed and page-numbered.
The Yale Drama Series reserves the right to reject any manuscript for any reason.
The Yale Drama Series reserves the right of the judge to not choose a winner for any given year of the competition and reserves the right to determine the ineligibility of a winner, in keeping with the spirit of the competition, and based upon the accomplishments of the author.
Electronic Submissions
The Yale Drama Series Competition strongly urges electronic submission. By electronically submitting your script, you will receive immediate confirmation of your successful submission and the ability to check the status of your entry.
DEADLINE: August 15, 2020 at midnight EST
https://yalebooks.yale.edu/yale-drama-series-submissions
The Crossroads Project: 2021 Diverse Voices Playwriting Initiative
Illinois State University
INFO: The 2021 Diverse Voices Playwriting Initiative welcomes submissions for full-length, unproduced plays by playwrights of color in accordance with the mission statement of the Crossroads Project (see below). A diverse panel of judges comprising of faculty, staff, and students will select one playwright as the winner of the contest.
The winning playwright will receive:
An invitation to Illinois State University in Bloomington-Normal, IL for a one-week new play development workshop, culminating in a public staged reading. The playwright may also be invited to offer guest lectures and colloquia. The Crossroads Project will cover costs for travel, housing, and meals during the workshop.
An honorarium of $500 for the workshop.
To be eligible to win the contest, a playwright must be available for a one-week workshop in late March 2021 (exact dates TBD). Due to funding limitations, the Crossroads Project can only cover costs for travel within the United States.
The deadline for submissions is August 15, 2020, 11:59 p.m. (central daylight time). There is no entry fee. We only accept electronic submissions in PDF format. Because our staff and resources are limited, we can only consider the first 100 submissions.
Please include in your submission:
A sample from your play up to 15 pages. This does not have to be the first 15 pages of the play.
A playwright’s statement (max. 250 words) describing your inspiration for writing the play, as well as how you believe a workshop in a university setting will further your development process.
A synopsis of the play (max. 250 words).
A character list with short descriptions for each character (age, ethnicity, gender, occupation, family relationships, etc.)
Please follow these guidelines when submitting your play:
A playwright may only submit one play per contest. The writer of the play must submit their own work.
Plays that have been previously fully produced or published are ineligible for the contest. Plays that have previously had workshops or staged readings are eligible.
Submissions must be the original work of the playwright, which may include adaptations of fictional or factual material. Translations of other playwrights’ work are not accepted.
The submitting playwright must either be the owner and controller of the copyright or provide written proof that they have acquired the legal right to use copyrighted material in their work.
Submissions must be full-length plays.
Musicals are not accepted. However, plays with limited music requirements are accepted.
The primary language of the play must be English.
There are no other restrictions in subject matter or style.
The Crossroads Project reserves the right to accept or reject any submitted play for any reason.
To submit your play, use the play submission form . Please try the link first to check if the contest is still open.
We will contact semi-finalists by the end of October 2020 and ask them to submit the full play.
The winning playwright will be notified by mid-January 2021.
Inquiries about the Diverse Voices Playwriting Initiative should be directed to:
Kee-Yoon Nahm, D.F.A.
Assistant Professor in Theatre Studies
Chair, The Crossroads Project
Email: knahm@ilstu.edu
About the Crossroads Project
The Crossroads Project was founded in 2000 by Illinois State University (ISU) School of Theatre and Dance (SOTD) faculty member Dr. Leslie Sloan Orr to promote diversity and inclusion in the theatre at ISU and the surrounding communities. The committee consists of faculty members and students in SOTD.
Every other year, the Crossroads Project recommends at least one play to the SOTD production committee that addresses the issues and experiences of underrepresented U.S. ethnic peoples or global cultures. In addition to promoting the work of U.S. playwrights of color such as Elizabeth Wong, Lynn Nottage, Naomi Iizuka, and Suzan Lori-Parks, Crossroads has invited notable international theatre artists to ISU to work with students and engage with the larger community through guest lectures, public talks, and other events. Examples include Ugandan playwright and director Adong Lucy Judith (2018), Delhi-based writer Manjula Padmanabhan (2017), visiting choreographers Jack Gray (Māori) and Dåkot-ta Alcantara-Camacho (Guåhan) (2016), Canadian playwright of Indian descent Rahul Varma (2011), and Kabuki master Shozo Sato (2006).
Crossroads emphasizes community outreach for each theatre production it is involved in, especially seeking ways to promote theatre to underrepresented groups and immigrant communities. In 2013–2014, the Crossroads Project also hosted the Diversity Dialogue Series: Advancing Diversity Consciousness in the Arts, inviting leading artists of color to speak to the campus and community about diversity, inclusion, and equity in the fields of American theatre and dance.
DEADLINE: August 15, 2020
https://finearts.illinoisstate.edu/crossroads-project/
Brave New Works 2021 Reading Series
Brave New World Repertory Theatre
INFO: Brave New World Repertory Theatre is seeking new play submissions for Brave New Works: Ditmas Park 2021 Reading Series. This season, we are building upon our 2019 Brave New Works theme of “Race in America” and are specifically seeking plays that address police brutality. We are especially looking to feature work from Black playwrights.
The submission deadline for the Brave New Works 2021 Reading Series is August 15th, 2020. Due to our small staff, only the first 100 plays submitted will be guaranteed consideration and only finalists will be contacted. Finalists will be notified of their status by September 15th, 2020, and final selections will be made by October 30th, 2020.
Three original, full-length plays (under 120 pages) will be selected and given minimally staged readings between January 10th – March 30th, 2021 (if we are unable to have in-person readings due to COVID19, they will be done virtually). Playwrights must be local to the Tri-state area, ideally within a 90-minute commute to Brooklyn, NY as your attendance is requested. Brooklyn-based playwrights will be given first consideration. Chosen playwrights will receive a $350 stipend.
To be considered, plays must meet the following criteria:
No previously produced plays, although previous staged readings/workshops are not disqualifying factors.
The play must be completed at the time of submission – unfinished or partial drafts cannot be accepted at this time. Plays may still be in development, but they must be audience-ready at the time of submission. If the play is heavily revised AFTER being submitted, it MUST be resubmitted before the end of the submission period.
Plays must be able to be read by no more than 7 actors and someone on stage directions. If double and triple casting is possible please advise. We are interested in plays that feature diverse casts.
We are unable to accept new musical submissions at this time, given the limited technical nature of this reading series.
DEADLINE: August 15, 2020
http://bravenewworldrep.org/get-involved/playwrights-submissions/
Black Box New Play Festival: CALL FOR BIPOC PLAYWRIGHTS
Gallery Players
INFO: Gallery Players in Park Slope, Brooklyn, is seeking plays for its 24th Annual Black Box New Play Festival to be held in January 2021. We are specifically seeking plays from the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) playwriting community.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the upcoming festival will be performed over Zoom. Accordingly, we are seeking plays that have been specifically written for the Zoom format. Each play selected will be performed with non-Equity actors. Playwrights must be available for rehearsals and use this as an opportunity to continue work on their play.
Submission guidelines:
Plays must be un-produced in any format (readings are OK)
Length may be from 10 minutes to 15 minutes MAXIMUM. Longer plays will not be considered.
You may submit a maximum of two plays
Pages must be numbered
A cover page with title of the play and playwright’s contact information is required, along with a plot synopsis of the play and a character breakdown
Submit a copy of your resume
Send two copies of your play(s), along with your resume, to:
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, please include a self-addressed stamped return postcard.
We do not accept emailed submissions.
We do not return scripts. Any scripts not chosen for the Festival will be destroyed to protect the copyright.
DEADLINE: August 15, 2020
3rd Annual Dr. R. J. Rodriguez Emerging Playwrights' Contest
Playhouse Creatures Theatre Company
INFO: Playhouse Creatures Theatre Company has announced a call for original plays, for its 3rd Annual Dr. R. J. Rodriguez Emerging Playwrights' Contest. But this year (in keeping with the earth-shaking events we are living through), PCTC is waiving entry fees.
We are asking playwrights to follow these guidelines:"
A 30-minute play (or less), with a cast of 4 (or fewer);
A play that may be performed via the internet, phone, or live (we'd love to bring it to the community-at a safe distance-when we are able to);
And, most importantly, a play that deals with the un-dealt-with racial divide we have been suffering through since 1619; and, how the Covid-19 pandemic has served as a pressure cooker of a catalyst. They are distinct, but certainly not unrelated. Our streets are filled with righteous anger, frustration, and indignation. As artists, what is OUR response? What is the message of hope we can bring? What is the vehicle we can create to give voice to the voiceless? Please open your hearts and share your stories, the world wants and needs to hear them.
AWARD: The winner will receive a Zoom workshop production, and $100 will be donated to the Nazareth Housing Food Pantry in their name.
SUBMISSION FEE: In lieu of the $35 fee, please consider donating to PCTC's goal of bringing food supplies to our community partner Nazareth Housing. You may do so at: www.playhousecreatures.org. Your gift is tax-deductible. Nazareth Housing is a community-based nonprofit serving vulnerable families of the LES. For almost 40 years, NH has helped families and individuals unlock their potential, build pathways out of poverty, and avoid homelessness.
DEADLINE: August 15, 2020
http://www.playhousecreatures.org/
Ensemble Playwright Lab
LOM Theater
INFO: The Ensemble Playwright Lab (EPL) is a residency program for NYC-based playwrights to engage with Letter of Marque's (LOM) ensemble of actors, musicians, dancers, designers, and dramaturgs to create, develop, or reimagine a piece of work. This experimental process of creation and development is designed to welcome the playwright into the rehearsal room through active participation in devised and improvisational explorations. The goals and outcomes of each residency are mutually determined by both LOM and the playwright.
Playwrights are chosen using an anonymous submission process. Each entrant is asked to create an alias so as to mask their identity. Entrants are also required to omit all mentions of names of previous collaborators and the titles of their previous work. The anonymized submissions are then read by a panel consisting of Lynde Rosario (Literary Manager of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts), Lea Marie Heller (Resident LOM Dramaturg), LOM Co-Artistic Directors Nolan Kennedy and Scarlet Maressa Rivera, and Guest Dramaturg, Myjoycia Cezar. Finalists are scheduled for interviews to determine the participants in this year’s Ensemble Playwright Lab.
This season, LOM will be exploring the theme of action.
AWARD: This season, for the first time ever, LOM will proudly offer a $500 honorarium to each playwright chosen for a residency.
There will be two residencies: Fall (Oct.-Nov.) and Winter (Feb-March). Each residency will consist of 7 consecutive sessions to develop a work with the LOM ensemble. At the end of each residency, there will be 2 public Zoom showings and a facilitated post-showing talkback with the audience, playwright, and cast.
All meetings, rehearsals, and showings will take place on Zoom. Therefore, playwrights should have a strong interest in working on pieces within this format.
LOM is striving to amplify more BIPoC and LGBTQA+ voices. Playwrights from these communities are encouraged to apply.
NOTE: This is an anonymous submission process. Do not mention your real name, the names of companies or artists you've worked with, or titles of plays you've written in your submission. Doing so will get you disqualified!
DEADLINE: August 24, 2020
https://www.lomtheater.org/ensemble-playwright-lab.html
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
Mixed Mag
INFO: Mixed Mag is a multimedia publication dedicated to promoting multiethnic/multicultural voices.
We are always accepting submissions covering politics, TV/film, theatre, creative writing, health/sex/wellness, food & visuals/photography. Send us your stories, poems, articles, personal essays, recipes & more!
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
Written Submissions such as articles, think pieces, short stories, reviews and essays must be between 1500-3000 words (sections include FICTION/CNF, POLITICS, TV/FILM/THEATER, MUSIC, FOOD, HEALTH AND WELLNESS)
POETRY: Submit up to three poems
TV/FILM/THEATER: Monologues must be 5 pages max. Plays/screenplays must be between 10-15 page max (this includes plays, films and web series). Short films or web series episodes must be no longer than 15 minutes.
ART: Photo/visual submissions should be 10 photos/videos max
Please include what section you are submitting to in the email subject line.
send to submissions@mixedmag.co
DEADLINE: August 25, 2020
https://twitter.com/MixedMag/status/1276631534586429441
CALL FOR PLAYWRIGHTS OF COLOR
5280 Artist Coop
INFO: Attn: Playwrights of Color. We are looking for short and full play scripts to produce in our 2020-21 season
Please contact us at info@5280artistcoop.com
DEADLINE: N/A
https://spark.adobe.com/page/NXmslaFWMVFNK/
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
https://airtable.com/shr9KOsK68EZX9K8E
SUBMISSION OPPORTUNITY
San Diego REPertory Theatre
INFO: San Diego REPertory Theatre is happy to accept scripts from agents and theater professionals with whom we have an existing relationship. In general, we no longer accept unsolicited scripts from unrepresented writers. However, we continue to offer an open submission policy for plays and musicals from Latino(a) writers across the country because we are committed to supporting today’s Latino(a) voices. In addition, local writers residing in the Southern California area may submit a query letter about their new work that includes a current email contact and:
A brief biography of your writing history, noting awards and production history
A paragraph about why your play is a good match for the San Diego REP
A one-page synopsis of the play including number of cast, genre & run-time
For musicals, please also include a CD with sample songs from the score
Our six-show season can include full-length plays, musicals with a small cast and band, solo pieces, and adaptations performed on one of two stages (250-500 seats) for about 4 weeks. Past programming has highlighted voices of the Latino, African-Americans, and Jewish communities. Before submitting, please make sure that your script is aligned with our mission. It is also advised that you attend some of our productions to become more familiar with our sensibility.
If we are interested, we will contact you to request a copy of the full script within a few months.
Send to:
San Diego REPertory Theatre
Literary Department
79 Horton Plaza
San Diego, CA 92101
DEADLINE: Ongoing