Playwriting
Below is a list of just some of the wonderful contests available for you to submit your plays to! You may or may not be interested in those listed, or find that they do not pertain to your specific work. Always remember that there are many, many more publications/contests out there! Check out The Playwrights Center for a searchable database of playwriting competitions coming up. There are all different kinds, and they are searchable by tag or type. The plays are sorted by deadline, with the closest being on top.
Ten Minute Play Workshop
The Gist: Call for 10-minute plays; no entry fee; all ten minute (ten page) plays.
Awards:
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If your script is chosen, you'll be invited to signup as an authorand will be asked to give back to the workshopping community by participating in two workshop sessions for other authors.
Deadlines:
Rolling Submissions
Center of the World Festival
The Gist: The Center of the World Festival hosts an "Annual Amateur Playwrighting Contest." They call for 10-minute plays with an Eco-Drama, Peace, Justice or other social issue theme. No submission fee, but they need donations that are always accepted.
Awards:
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$500 grant
Deadlines:
October 1, 2013 - April 30, 2014
The Chameleon Theatre Circle's
Annual New Play Contest
The Gist: The Chameleon Theatre Circle is seeking original works that have never been produced. All styles and genres are welcomed. The winning plays will be showcased in a concert-format festival in September 2014 and will automatically be entered into consideration for a full production in a future Chameleon season. There is no submission fee. This competition accepts up to two simultaneous submisisons in any of these combinations:
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One full-length play
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One one-act
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One ten-minute play
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One full-length play and one one-act
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One full-length play and one ten-minute play
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Two one-act plays
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Two ten-minute plays
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One one-act and one ten-minute play
They request 3 copies of each submission, printed double sided.
Awards:
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10-Minute Plays: Three to five winners will receive $25 each plus a reading at the New Play Festival. All short plays will be entered in this contest. Generally, scripts of about 15 pages or less will fall into this category.
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One-Act: One to three winners will receive $50 each plus a reading at the New Play Festival. Any play that can be joined with one or two other shows of similar length to make up a complete evening of theatre will be entered in this contest. Generally, scripts of about 20-60 pages will fall into this category.
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Full-Length: One to two winners will receive $100 plus a reading at the New Play Festival. Any play that can constitute a complete evening of theatre will be entered in this contest. It is important to note that these shows can be one, two, or more acts, as long as it makes up a complete evening of theatre.
Deadlines:
2014 Rolling Submission Deadline: April 30, 2014
Occupy the Empty Space
The Gist: Looking for superb, tight, ten-minute plays about student debt. No more than four characters, no more than 12 pages. Err on the side of minimal swearing unless totally necessary to the play. We are particularly looking for plays written by and about under-represented voices-- women, people of color, individuals who identify as lgbtq, individuals throughout the gender presentation spectrum, and individuals from varying economic backgrounds.
Awards:
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Unknown
Deadlines:
October 15th, 2013 - June 15th, 2014
First Flight Festival
The Gist: Hosted by the Boomerang Theatre Company, First Flight Festival is accepting all types of plays, with an ongoing deadline. They are especially interested in, "plays that deal with modern issues and questions, use theatricality in their presentation, and have a creative use of language." Submissions are not limited by subject matter, cast size, cast breakdown or setting requirements. Please submit your resume, a cover letter, a synopsis of your play, and a ten-page sample of the play.
Awards:
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Readings and workshops.
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Rehearsal space, casting assistance and a public presentation to plays in development.
Deadlines:
August 1st, 2014 - September 15th, 2014