call for scripts: “Unplugged”
Playwrights Horizon
DEADLINE: October 8, 2024
INFO: Playwrights Horizon is testing a new idea! We invite artists to submit scripts for “Unplugged” Productions.
“Unplugged” is a new production model that de-emphasizes physical production costs, keeping artists’ pay a priority. We aim to produce our inaugural “Unplugged” show in our 2025-2026 season. Our goal is to find new approaches to theater-making in the hopes of building a healthier and more sustainable future.
Before automation. Before intelligent lighting instruments. Before lavalier microphones, animatronic robots, projection mapping. Before falling chandeliers and swinging Spidermen. Before multimillion-dollar lobby renovations and subscriber perks. There was a text, a stage, an actor, an audience.
Playwrights Horizons exists to put as much new theater in front of as many audiences as possible. To this end, we’re pursuing some new approaches to making theater which turn the financial constraints of these times into an asset, valuing people and artistry over materials and spending. In a climate where shorter seasons have led to fewer jobs for artists (boo!), our aim is to expand programming (yay!), to produce more with less, and to rediscover what is essential about theater.
“Unplugged” is one of several tactics we’re experimenting with to get there. It will be a mainstage show that’s intentionally conceived around a minimal budget for physical production, focusing on a creative design rather than on material goods. It is neither a workshop production nor a stepping stone to a larger production. And crucially, working on Unplugged projects won’t mean working for lower fees.Writers, directors, designers, design assistants, actors, and stage managers will be contracted on all applicable union agreements; compensation will be consistent with traditional productions on Playwrights’ mainstage and not reduced by a restricted production budget. The motto: People, Not Stuff.
Playwrights Horizons is inviting playwrights to submit scripts specifically for the “Unplugged” producing model. We are seeking plays that are large in imaginative scope but lend themselves to a radically reduced production budget. Submissions will be accepted through this portal, provided they meet the following criteria:
Playwrights must be based in the United States.
Playwrights are invited to submit one play only, during this submission period.
Plays must be full-length, and as yet unproduced in New York City.
Plays must be written for no fewer than three actors, and no more than six actors.
Please note that we will not accept re-submissions of plays you have sent Playwrights Horizons, now or in the future. Additionally, because of the high volume of submissions and small size of our staff, we regretfully are not able to respond to each application
playwrightshorizons.org/artistic-programs/unplugged-submissions
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2025 RESIDENCIES
Vermont Studio Center
DEADLINE: October 15, 2024
APPLICATION FEE: $25
INFO: Vermont Studio Center invites applications for 2025. Nestled in the Green Mountains, VSC hosts an inclusive, global community of artists and writers. Enjoy private studios and lodging, fresh - local meals, and a vibrant Visiting Artists & Writers Program.
VSC’s residency program welcomes artists and writers working across all mediums and genres for two, three, and four week sessions.
Residents enjoy well-lit, private studios within a short walk to residency housing, dining hall, and local amenities. Studio spaces range from 170 - 300 square feet. Accommodations include a private room and shared common areas. The campus features include a print shop, digital lab, and metal, wood, ceramic facility. Studios are open 24 hours a day.
A VSC residency provides artists and writers the time and space to focus on their creative practice in an inclusive, international community within a small Vermont village. Residents can explore swimming holes, hiking and biking trails, as well as the rural charm of neighboring towns, while expanding their creative potential and building a solid network of friends and mentors.
PROGRAMMING
During each session, Visiting Artists and Visiting Writers are invited to join us for presentations, craft talks, one-on-one manuscript consultations, and individual studio visits. Residents can also enjoy open studio nights, resident presentations, and exhibition openings. All scheduled activities are optional. Residents are encouraged to unplug, completely immerse themselves in their work, and work at their own pace.
COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTION
VSC is committed to community building both locally and on campus. Every resident has the opportunity to participate in our Community Contribution Program for 3 hours per week, by assisting in one of these areas: Kitchen, School Arts Program, Visual Arts, and the Writing Program. No prior experience is necessary.
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ART OMI: WRITERS RESIDENCY
Art Omi
DEADLINE: October 15, 2024 at 11:59pm EST
INFO: Art Omi, a not-for-profit arts center with a 120-acre sculpture and architecture park and gallery, offers residency programs for international artists, writers, translators, musicians, architects and dancers. Art Omi believes that exposure to internationally diverse creative voices fosters acceptance and respect, raises awareness, inspires innovation, and ignites change. By forming community with creative expression as its common denominator, Art Omi creates a sanctuary for the artistic community and the public to affirm the transformative quality of art.
Art Omi: Writers hosts authors and translators for two weeks to one month throughout the spring and fall. The program’s strong international emphasis provides exposure for global literary voices and reflects the spirit of cultural exchange that is essential to Art Omi’s mission.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:
Each applicant is required to provide 4 (four) separate items in total:
A cover letter, which provides the following details: country of birth, country of residency, the language in which you write, your preferred residency dates. Please note we have two sessions per year: Spring (March 27 - May 28) and Fall (September 4 - November 5). Additionally, please let us know how you heard about Art Omi: Writers, why you want to come to Art Omi: Writers and what you expect to get from the experience.
A brief (2 pages, maximum) statement about your work history, referencing publications, performances and writing credits. This can be submitted in CV format.
A writing sample, no more than 25 pages. The work sample does not have to be published or related to your current project and can be a combination of multiple samples.
A one page description of the work to be undertaken while at Art Omi: Writers.
Your writing sample does NOT have to be an English translation; please submit your writing sample in your mother tongue. All other documentation must be submitted in English.
Your cover letter should be provided in the designated Cover Letter field. Items 2-4 should each be provided as separately uploaded files.
Alumni of the program are eligible to reapply after 5 years.
RESIDENCY DATES:
Spring:
Thursday, March 27–Tuesday, April 22, 2025
Thursday, May 8–Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Autumn:
Thursday, September 4–Wednesday, October 1, 2025
Thursday, October 9–Wednesday, November 5, 2025
DECISION NOTIFICATION: January, 2025
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Moondancer Fellowship For Environmental + Nature Writers
The Writers’ Colony at Dairy Hollow
DEADLINE: October 21, 2024
APPLICATION FEE: $35
INFO: The Writers’ Colony at Dairy Hollow (WCDH) is pleased to offer the 2024 Moondancer Fellowship for authors who express their passion for the natural world and concern for the environment through their writing. This fellowship is open to poets, fiction writers, playwrights, screenwriters, essayists, memoirists, and columnists. Prior publication is not a requirement. The successful applicant will demonstrate insight, honesty, literary merit, and the likelihood of publication or production.
The fellowship winner will receive a two-week residency at WCDH to focus completely on their writing. Each writer’s suite has a bedroom, private bathroom, separate writing space, and wireless internet. We provide uninterrupted writing time, a European-style gourmet dinner prepared five nights a week and served in our community dining room, the camaraderie of other professional writers when desired, and a community kitchen stocked with the basics for other meals.
Fellowship applications must be accompanied by a writing sample and a non-refundable $35 application fee. Only one writing project may be proposed per application. Writers proposing more than one project must submit a separate application and fee for each one.
The winner will be announced no later than November 20, 2024. Residency must be completed by December 31, 2025.
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CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: Unleashed 2025 - New Plays for a New World
Porkfilled
DEADLINE: October 25, 2024
INFO: Unleashed 2025 returns for a week-long festival of brand new genre plays by Asian Americans! Pork Filled Productions is sounding the call, once again, for one acts and full length plays that indulge in genre, upend expectations, and expand imaginations.
From Roger Tang, executive director of PFP: “We have more stories in us than oppression or identity plays. We want to give writers free rein to let loose their full storytelling potential on stage. And we want the audience to have fun and we get to tell our stories.”
If you are accepted, you will be given actors, a director, and a dramaturge. Private workshops, writing time, and a public workshop at Theatre Off Jackson in Seattle, W.A.
KEY INFO:
Send plays to – submissions@porkfilled.com
All submitting playwrights must complete the accompanying application form
We have a CAP of 50 eligible plays. We will close submissions early if we reach this mark.
We are only accepting 4 Play at this time for workshop readings.
Questions? – info@porkfilled.com
Plays are not required to have specifically diverse casts or racial themes; however, Pork Filled Productions is dedicated to casting all of our shows with at least 51% actors of color, so please keep that in mind when considering your submissions.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:
We are looking for one acts (30-45 minutes) and full length plays (90+ minutes) by Asian American playwrights.
We are specifically seeking bold, imaginative new work in genres such as noir, science fiction, fantasy, horror, action adventure, or any mashup in-between. We want your play to have FUN and FANTASTICAL universes and indulge in the idea of play! No living room drama plays please!
Selected plays will receive a public staged reading in Seattle, WA. Local writers from the Pacific Northwest are strongly encouraged to submit.
We will prioritize local playwrights, but this application is open to a national call. If accepted, your play will have a private and public staged reading, but we are not able to offer accommodation or transportation to Seattle at this time.
All submitted plays will be considered for a full production by Pork Filled Productions.
Deadline for submissions is October 25th 2024.
Only emailed submissions with a completed Application Form will be considered. Please submit all materials as attachments in MS Word or PDF format to submissions@porkfilled.com.
Playwrights may ONLY make one submission, and the plays must not have had a professional stage production at the time of submission. Readings and workshops are not considered productions.
If accepted will receive a stipend of 300$ for you time and dedication to your work
Winners will be announced Early January 2025
In Feb/March/April- Private readings will be had and the playwright will have time to rewrite the script and have feedback from actors, the director, and the dramaturge
There will be a public reading of the play at Theatre Off Jackson the week of 6/16/25
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National Latine Playwrights Award
Arizona Theatre Company
DEADLINE: October 31, 2024
INFO: Latine playwrights residing in the United States, its territories or Mexico are encouraged to submit scripts for the award. Each script will be read and evaluated by a culturally diverse panel of theatre artists; finalists will be judged by ATC artistic staff.
ELIGIBILITY:
The award is open to all Latine playwrights currently residing in the United States, its territories, or Mexico.
Scripts may be in English, Spanish, or a combination of the two (Spanish scripts must be accompanied by an English translation).
Plays must be unpublished, professionally unproduced, and not currently under option at the time of submission.
Full-length and one-act plays, with a minimum length of 50 pages, on any subject will be accepted.
SCRIPTS:
The physical scripts become the property of Arizona Theatre Company and will not be returned. In this case, “property” means the physical property of the theatre, not the intellectual property or any rights to the play.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE:
Submissions of a single script can be sent via email to NLPA@atc.org.
Include a cover letter of no more than one page describing the play’s developmental history and how the play fits into the playwright’s broader career trajectory.
For more information contact Elaine Romero, ATC Playwright-in-Residence.
atc.org/national-latine-playwrights-award/nlpa-submission-information/
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BLACK STORIES BLACK VOICES’S MONOLOGUE COMPETITION
Barter Theatre
DEADLINE: November 1, 2024
INFO: “Our mission is to tell and amplify Black stories and Black voices through playwriting, acting and all theatrical disciplines. With BSBV, we hope to help shine a light on the richness of the Black experience in the Appalachian region, and for this region, with plays, readings, and community engagement opportunities such as our post show events during our main stage season and our annual SHINE: Illuminating Black Stories event. Below you will be able to read more about our initiative, see our upcoming events, and find resources about our playwriting submissions.” – Terrance Jackson, Director of Outreach & Barter’s Black Stories Black Voices
It is our hope that by connecting Black playwrights (wherever they are located) with stories from Black Appalachian communities, we can:
Create monologues that can be developed into full-length plays
Create work that explores the Black Appalachian experience, both past and present
Establish and cultivate relationships with Black playwrights and other Black theatre artists
Give audiences accessibility to new perspectives on life in Appalachia
2-3 monologues will be selected to be performed at our 4th Annual SHINE: Illuminating Black Stories, in February 2025.
MONOLOGUE SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:
Playwright must be Black.
Monologues must be set in Appalachia. (Click Here list of qualifying states/counties as defined by the Appalachian Regional Commission)
Monologues must be 3-5 minutes in length.
Monologues must be unpublished and not have had a professional production.
Monologues must be submitted electronically.
Monologues must be written using selected prompts, viewable here.
Please submit monologues to: tjackson@bartertheatre.com
bartertheatre.com/black-stories-black-voices/
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Mesa Refuge Residency
DEADLINE: November 1, 2024
APPLICATION FEE: $50
INFO: Mesa Refuge welcomes a diverse community of writers—both emerging and established—who define and/or offer solutions to the pressing issues of our time. Particularly, it is our priority to support writers, activists and artists whose ideas are “on the edge,” taking on the pressing issues of our time including (but not limited to): nature, environment and climate crisis; economic, racial and gender equity; social justice and restorative justice; immigration; health care access; housing; and more.
We especially want writers of nonfiction books, long-form journalism, audio and documentary film. Occasionally we accept poetry, fiction (Young Adult/Adult Literary), screenwriting and playwriting, photojournalism, personal memoirs (as a vehicle to tell a larger story) and graphic narrative. We tend not to accept academic writing. The potential impact and distribution of your project is also important.
We aim to support a diverse community of writers and welcome applicants that represent a broad spectrum of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, immigration status, religion or ability. Please see our DEI statement for more information about our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
As a small nonprofit, our application fee of $50 helps underwrite the cost of application review. However, we do not want the application fee to be a barrier to apply. To request a fee waiver, please email us directly here.
GUIDELINES: The questions on our application are mostly short answer. We require one writing sample (max 2,000 words or 10 pages), a current resume, headshot photo and two references (we do not require letters of recommendation). Applicants will be contacted approximately 10 weeks after the application deadline.
Our residencies are two weeks long and there is no residency fee. Additional residency expenses like travel, transportation and food are your responsibility. Our facility accommodates three residents at a time.
When you click the button, below, you will be transferred to our application on Submittable. Our residency application will be available on June 1, 2024.
For more information, read our Frequently Asked Questions page, or contact us at info@mesarefuge.org.