11.1 Playwriting contests and festivals
13 min read•august 21, 2024
Playwriting contests and festivals offer emerging writers a chance to showcase their work and connect with industry professionals. These events provide exposure, networking opportunities, and potential paths to production or publication.
Participating in contests and festivals can be a strategic move for playwrights. By researching opportunities, preparing strong submissions, and making the most of festival experiences, writers can leverage these events to advance their careers and develop their craft.
Benefits of contests and festivals
- Playwriting contests and festivals provide a platform for emerging playwrights to showcase their work to a wider audience
- Participating in these events can lead to increased visibility and recognition within the theater community
- Contests and festivals offer valuable networking opportunities for playwrights to connect with directors, actors, and other industry professionals
Exposure for emerging playwrights
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- Playwriting contests and festivals give emerging playwrights a chance to have their work read and evaluated by established theater professionals
- Winning or placing in a contest can generate buzz and attract attention from theater companies, agents, and publishers
- Festivals often include staged readings or full productions of selected plays, providing playwrights with the opportunity to see their work come to life on stage
- Exposure gained through contests and festivals can lead to future production opportunities and commissions
Networking opportunities
- Playwriting contests and festivals bring together a diverse group of theater artists, including playwrights, directors, actors, and producers
- These events provide a space for playwrights to meet and connect with potential collaborators and advocates for their work
- Networking at contests and festivals can lead to future partnerships, mentorship opportunities, and long-lasting professional relationships
- Building a strong network within the theater community can help playwrights advance their careers and secure future opportunities
Potential for production or publication
- Winning or placing in a prestigious playwriting contest can lead to full productions of the play by established theater companies
- Some contests and festivals offer publication opportunities as part of their prize package, helping playwrights to disseminate their work to a broader readership
- Success in contests and festivals can attract the attention of literary agents and publishers, potentially leading to future publication deals
- Productions and publications resulting from contest and festival recognition can serve as valuable credits and help establish a playwright's reputation in the field
Types of playwriting contests
- Playwriting contests come in various formats, each with its own set of guidelines, requirements, and target audiences
- Different types of contests cater to playwrights at various stages of their careers and with diverse writing styles and interests
- Understanding the distinctions between contest types can help playwrights select the most appropriate opportunities for their work
Full-length play competitions
- typically seek plays with a running time of 60-90 minutes or more
- These contests often have fewer restrictions on theme, style, or cast size compared to shorter play competitions
- Full-length play competitions may have multiple rounds of evaluation, with selected plays receiving staged readings or full productions as part of the prize package
- Examples of prestigious full-length play competitions include the and the
One-act play contests
- One-act play contests focus on shorter plays, typically with a running time of 30-60 minutes
- These contests may have more specific guidelines regarding theme, style, or cast size compared to full-length play competitions
- One-act play contests often have a quicker turnaround time from submission to announcement of winners
- Winning one-act plays may receive staged readings or be included in a festival showcase alongside other selected works
- Examples of notable one-act play contests include the and the
Ten-minute play festivals
- Ten-minute play festivals showcase very short plays, typically with a running time of 10 minutes or less
- These festivals often have specific prompts or themes that playwrights must incorporate into their submissions
- Ten-minute play festivals provide an opportunity for playwrights to experiment with form, style, and brevity in their writing
- Selected plays are often performed in a single evening or over the course of a weekend, allowing audiences to experience a diverse range of short works
- Examples of well-known ten-minute play festivals include the and the
Genre-specific contests
- Some playwriting contests focus on specific genres, such as comedy, drama, musical theater, or adaptations
- Genre-specific contests allow playwrights to showcase their skills and creativity within a particular style or form
- These contests may have more targeted guidelines and judging criteria based on the conventions and expectations of the chosen genre
- Winning a genre-specific contest can help establish a playwright's reputation as a specialist in that particular area
- Examples of genre-specific contests include the (for plays about social, political, or religious themes) and the (for LGBTQ+ plays)
Researching contests and festivals
- Thorough research is essential for identifying playwriting contests and festivals that align with a playwright's goals, interests, and eligibility
- Playwrights should invest time in exploring various resources and databases to find the most appropriate opportunities for their work
- Careful attention to submission requirements, deadlines, and contest reputation can help playwrights make informed decisions about where to submit their plays
Online resources and databases
- There are numerous online resources and databases that compile information about playwriting contests and festivals
- Websites such as Playbill, Dramatists Guild, and The Playwright's Center maintain extensive listings of opportunities for playwrights
- These resources often allow playwrights to search for contests and festivals based on criteria such as genre, location, and deadline
- Online forums and social media groups dedicated to playwriting can also be valuable sources of information and recommendations
Submission requirements and guidelines
- Each playwriting contest and festival has its own set of submission requirements and guidelines that playwrights must follow
- Common requirements include page limits, formatting specifications, and restrictions on previously produced or published work
- Some contests may require playwrights to submit additional materials, such as a , , or production history
- Failure to adhere to submission requirements can result in disqualification, so it is crucial for playwrights to carefully review and follow all guidelines
Entry fees and deadlines
- Many playwriting contests and festivals require playwrights to pay an entry fee to submit their work
- Entry fees can range from 100 or more, depending on the prestige and scope of the contest or festival
- Some contests offer fee waivers or discounts for students, members of certain organizations, or playwrights experiencing financial hardship
- Deadlines for submissions vary widely, with some contests accepting entries year-round and others having specific submission windows
- Playwrights should carefully note and track deadlines to ensure they submit their work on time
Reputation and credibility
- When researching playwriting contests and festivals, it is important to consider the reputation and credibility of the sponsoring organization or institution
- Playwrights should look for contests and festivals with a track record of showcasing high-quality work and launching successful careers
- Reading reviews, testimonials, and interviews with past winners can provide insight into the experience and benefits of participating in a particular contest or festival
- Playwrights should be wary of contests or festivals that make unrealistic promises, charge excessive fees, or have a history of mismanagement or scandal
Preparing submissions
- Once a playwright has identified a contest or festival to submit to, the next step is to prepare their submission package
- A well-prepared submission can increase a playwright's chances of success and demonstrate their professionalism and attention to detail
- Playwrights should allocate sufficient time and care to ensuring their submission materials are polished, complete, and tailored to the specific requirements of each contest or festival
Formatting scripts for contests
- Playwriting contests and festivals often have specific formatting requirements for submitted scripts
- Common formatting guidelines include font type and size, margin size, page numbering, and character name and dialogue formatting
- Some contests may require scripts to be submitted in a particular file format, such as PDF or Microsoft Word
- Playwrights should carefully review and adhere to all formatting guidelines to ensure their script is presented in the best possible light
Cover letters and artist statements
- Many playwriting contests and festivals require playwrights to submit a cover letter or artist statement along with their script
- A cover letter should include a brief introduction of the playwright, a synopsis of the submitted play, and any relevant production or development history
- An artist statement is an opportunity for playwrights to discuss their artistic vision, writing process, and thematic interests
- Cover letters and artist statements should be concise, well-written, and tailored to the specific contest or festival
Blind submissions vs contact information
- Some playwriting contests and festivals require blind submissions, meaning that the playwright's name and contact information are not included on the script itself
- Blind submissions are intended to reduce bias in the evaluation process and ensure that plays are judged solely on their artistic merit
- When submitting a , playwrights should ensure that their name and contact information are included only in the specified location, such as a separate cover sheet
- For contests and festivals that do not require blind submissions, playwrights should include their name and contact information on the title page of their script
Electronic vs hard copy submissions
- Playwriting contests and festivals may accept submissions electronically, via email or an online submission platform, or require hard copy submissions sent via mail
- Electronic submissions are often more convenient and cost-effective for playwrights, as they eliminate the need for printing and postage
- However, some contests and festivals may prefer or require hard copy submissions, particularly if they involve a large volume of entries or a multi-round evaluation process
- Playwrights should carefully note the submission method specified by each contest or festival and ensure they follow the appropriate guidelines for electronic or hard copy submissions
Evaluating contests and festivals
- With the numerous playwriting contests and festivals available, it is important for playwrights to evaluate each opportunity carefully before submitting their work
- Playwrights should consider factors such as prestige, prize money, judging process, and past winners when deciding which contests and festivals to prioritize
- A strategic approach to contest and festival submissions can help playwrights maximize their chances of success and make the most of their time and resources
Prestige and recognition
- Some playwriting contests and festivals are more prestigious and widely recognized than others
- Winning or placing in a highly regarded contest or festival can have a significant impact on a playwright's career, opening doors to production opportunities, commissions, and representation
- Playwrights should research the reputation and track record of each contest or festival, paying attention to the caliber of past winners and the visibility and impact of the award
- Submitting to prestigious contests and festivals can be more competitive and may require a higher level of polish and professionalism in the submission materials
Prize money and awards
- Playwriting contests and festivals often offer prize money or other awards to winners and finalists
- Prize amounts can range from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the scale and funding of the contest or festival
- In addition to cash prizes, some contests and festivals may offer production stipends, publication opportunities, or professional development resources
- While prize money can be a significant incentive, playwrights should also consider the non-monetary benefits of each contest or festival, such as exposure, networking opportunities, and creative support
Judging process and criteria
- Playwriting contests and festivals employ various judging processes and criteria to evaluate submitted works
- Some contests may have a single judge or a small panel of readers who evaluate all submissions, while others may involve multiple rounds of judging with different evaluators at each stage
- Judging criteria may include factors such as , craft, thematic resonance, and production potential
- Playwrights should research the judging process and criteria for each contest or festival to ensure their work aligns with the priorities and preferences of the evaluators
- When available, reading interviews or statements from past judges can provide valuable insight into what they look for in a winning submission
Past winners and their success
- Researching the past winners of a playwriting contest or festival can provide valuable information about the type of work that tends to succeed in that particular competition
- Playwrights should look for patterns in the style, subject matter, and form of past winning plays to gauge whether their own work might be a good fit
- Tracking the subsequent careers and accomplishments of past winners can also give playwrights a sense of the potential impact and benefits of winning that particular contest or festival
- If past winners have gone on to have significant production opportunities, publications, or other successes, it can be a strong indication of the contest or festival's ability to launch and support promising playwrights
Participating in festivals
- Playwriting festivals offer unique opportunities for playwrights to engage with their work and the theater community in a concentrated, immersive setting
- Participating in a festival can involve attending readings, performances, workshops, and over the course of several days or weeks
- Playwrights should approach festival participation strategically, setting goals and priorities for what they hope to achieve and making the most of the available opportunities
Attending readings and performances
- Many playwriting festivals include staged readings or full productions of selected plays
- Attending readings and performances can be a valuable opportunity for playwrights to see their work come to life and gauge audience reactions
- Playwrights should approach these events with an open mind, using the experience to learn about the strengths and weaknesses of their work and to identify areas for further development
- Attending readings and performances of other playwrights' work can also provide inspiration, insight, and a sense of community and shared purpose
Networking with industry professionals
- Playwriting festivals often attract a wide range of theater industry professionals, including artistic directors, literary managers, agents, and producers
- Participating in a festival provides playwrights with opportunities to meet and network with these key decision-makers and influencers
- Playwrights should approach networking at festivals with a balance of professionalism and authenticity, focusing on building genuine relationships rather than solely pitching their work
- Following up with contacts made at festivals can lead to future opportunities for script requests, meetings, and collaborations
Workshops and panel discussions
- Many playwriting festivals offer workshops, master classes, and panel discussions on various aspects of the craft and business of playwriting
- These events provide opportunities for playwrights to learn from experienced professionals, gain new skills and perspectives, and engage in meaningful discussions with their peers
- Playwrights should take advantage of these learning opportunities, selecting workshops and panels that align with their interests and goals
- Actively participating in discussions and asking questions can help playwrights make the most of these events and build connections with other attendees
Promoting your work at festivals
- Playwriting festivals provide a platform for playwrights to promote and advocate for their work to a receptive and engaged audience
- Playwrights should come prepared with business cards, scripts, and other promotional materials to share with interested parties
- Participating in post-show talkbacks, interviews, and other promotional events can help raise the visibility of a playwright's work and create buzz around their festival presence
- Playwrights should also leverage social media and other online platforms to document and share their festival experience, expanding the reach and impact of their participation
Post-contest and festival strategies
- The work of a playwright does not end when a contest or festival concludes; in fact, the post-event period can be crucial for capitalizing on any momentum or success gained
- Playwrights should have a plan in place for following up with contacts, leveraging their achievements, and continuing to develop and promote their work after a contest or festival
- A proactive and persistent approach can help playwrights turn contest and festival participation into long-term opportunities and career growth
Following up with contacts
- Playwrights should keep careful track of any contacts made during a contest or festival, including industry professionals, fellow writers, and potential collaborators
- Following up with these contacts in a timely and professional manner can help solidify relationships and lead to future opportunities
- Playwrights can send personalized thank-you notes, share updates on their work, or propose specific collaborations or projects
- Maintaining regular communication with key contacts can help keep a playwright's work top of mind and build a network of supporters and advocates
Leveraging success for future opportunities
- Winning or placing in a playwriting contest or festival can be a significant achievement that playwrights should leverage for future opportunities
- Playwrights should update their resumes, websites, and professional profiles to include any contest or festival successes
- Highlighting these achievements in cover letters, grant applications, and other professional communications can help establish credibility and generate interest in a playwright's work
- Playwrights should also consider how to build on their contest or festival success, such as by submitting their work to higher-profile opportunities or seeking out commissions or residencies
Handling rejection and feedback
- Even the most successful playwrights face rejection and critical feedback at times, and it is important to approach these experiences with resilience and a growth mindset
- Playwrights should view rejection as an inevitable part of the submission process and not take it personally or as a reflection of their talent or potential
- When receiving feedback on their work, playwrights should look for constructive insights and opportunities for improvement rather than dwelling on negative comments
- Seeking out additional feedback from trusted readers and mentors can help playwrights gain perspective and identify areas for development in their work
Resubmitting to other contests and festivals
- Playwrights should not be discouraged by rejection from a single contest or festival, as the selection process is often highly subjective and competitive
- Instead, playwrights should continue to research and submit to other opportunities that align with their work and goals
- Playwrights may choose to revise their work based on feedback received or to submit the same piece to multiple contests and festivals simultaneously
- Persistence and a willingness to keep putting their work out there can help playwrights increase their chances of success and build momentum in their careers over time
Key Terms to Review (28)
10-minute play festival: A 10-minute play festival is an event where multiple short plays, each lasting about ten minutes, are performed consecutively, showcasing a variety of themes and styles. These festivals provide playwrights an opportunity to have their works produced and seen by audiences, often fostering community engagement and encouraging new voices in theatre.
Actors Theatre of Louisville's Ten-Minute Play Contest: The Actors Theatre of Louisville's Ten-Minute Play Contest is an annual competition that invites playwrights to submit short plays with a maximum length of ten minutes. This contest is significant as it encourages new voices in theatre, provides a platform for emerging playwrights, and contributes to the rich landscape of playwriting contests and festivals, celebrating brevity and creativity in storytelling.
Blind submission: Blind submission is a process used in playwriting contests and festivals where the identity of the playwright is concealed from the judges during the evaluation of submitted works. This approach aims to ensure that selections are based solely on the quality of the script, free from any biases related to the playwright's reputation, experience, or background.
Boston Theater Marathon: The Boston Theater Marathon is an annual event that showcases a series of one-act plays by various playwrights, performed by different theater companies throughout the day. This unique festival serves as a platform for emerging and established playwrights, promoting new works and fostering collaboration among local theater groups. It highlights the vibrant theater scene in Boston and engages the community through a celebration of live performance.
Character breakdown: A character breakdown is a detailed description of each character in a play, outlining their traits, motivations, relationships, and arcs. This breakdown serves as a crucial tool for casting and auditions, as it helps directors and casting agents identify the right actors for each role. Additionally, it can play a significant role in playwriting contests and festivals, where understanding character dynamics can enhance the overall impact of the work.
Character development: Character development is the process of creating a believable and engaging character who evolves throughout a narrative, showcasing their personality, motivations, and growth. This development is crucial for driving the story forward and engaging the audience, as it helps to establish emotional connections and stakes that resonate with viewers.
Dramatic structure: Dramatic structure refers to the organized framework that governs the arrangement of events and actions within a play, shaping how the story unfolds and impacts the audience. It often consists of distinct elements such as exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution, which help create tension and emotional engagement. Understanding this structure is essential for crafting effective narratives and is particularly relevant in processes like feedback and critique, workshopping, and presenting plays at festivals or contests.
Full-length play competitions: Full-length play competitions are events where playwrights submit their complete scripts for evaluation, with the chance to win awards, recognition, or production opportunities. These competitions often focus on plays that run approximately 90 minutes to two hours, showcasing a wide range of themes and styles, and are an essential platform for emerging and established playwrights alike. Winning or placing in these competitions can significantly enhance a playwright's career and visibility in the theatre community.
Heideman Award: The Heideman Award is a prestigious annual playwriting competition that honors outstanding new plays and playwrights. This award is particularly significant as it seeks to recognize and promote emerging voices in theater, providing an opportunity for playwrights to gain visibility and support for their work, often leading to further production opportunities.
Humana Festival of New American Plays: The Humana Festival of New American Plays is an annual event held in Louisville, Kentucky, dedicated to showcasing new works by American playwrights. It is known for its commitment to promoting innovative voices in theater and serves as a platform for emerging and established writers to present their plays to audiences, industry professionals, and critics alike.
Logline: A logline is a one or two-sentence summary that captures the essence of a story, focusing on the protagonist, their goal, and the central conflict. This concise statement serves as a critical tool in both script coverage and analysis, as well as in playwriting contests and festivals. It helps to quickly convey the narrative's core elements and can influence readers' and judges' perceptions of a work.
Mentorship program: A mentorship program is a structured initiative that pairs experienced individuals with less experienced individuals to provide guidance, support, and knowledge sharing. These programs often focus on professional development, enhancing skills, and fostering personal growth, making them essential in various fields, including the arts. In playwriting, mentorship programs can connect emerging playwrights with established professionals who can offer invaluable insights into the industry and the craft of writing.
Networking events: Networking events are gatherings designed to facilitate connections among individuals in specific fields, allowing them to meet, share ideas, and create professional relationships. These events can range from informal meetups to formal conferences and play a vital role in personal and professional development. They offer opportunities to exchange knowledge, discuss industry trends, and potentially collaborate on future projects.
One-act play contest: A one-act play contest is a competitive event where playwrights submit short, fully realized plays that typically consist of a single act. These contests provide a platform for emerging writers to showcase their work, often with the opportunity for their plays to be performed in front of an audience and judged by professionals. The format encourages brevity and creativity, pushing writers to convey their stories and themes effectively within a limited timeframe.
Originality: Originality refers to the quality of being novel, unique, and distinct in ideas, expressions, or creations. It is essential in artistic endeavors as it reflects an individual's voice and perspective, helping to differentiate their work from others. In the realm of storytelling, originality plays a vital role in thematic resolution and is often a key factor in the evaluation of submissions for competitions and festivals.
Pitching sessions: Pitching sessions are organized opportunities for playwrights to present their original works or ideas to producers, artistic directors, and industry professionals. These sessions are crucial in the world of theater as they provide a platform for writers to showcase their creativity, receive feedback, and potentially secure support for their projects, especially in the context of playwriting contests and festivals where competition is fierce.
Pulitzer Prize for Drama: The Pulitzer Prize for Drama is an esteemed award given annually to recognize distinguished plays in American theater. Established in 1917, it honors playwrights for their exceptional contributions to the field, focusing on works that demonstrate a high level of artistic merit and societal relevance. This award has become one of the most prestigious accolades in the theater world, highlighting important themes and narratives that resonate with audiences.
Samuel French Off Off Broadway Short Play Festival: The Samuel French Off Off Broadway Short Play Festival is an annual event that showcases a diverse range of short plays from emerging playwrights, providing them a platform to present their work to the public. This festival not only highlights the creativity and talent within the Off Off Broadway community but also serves as a launchpad for new voices in theater, often leading to further opportunities for selected plays.
Stanley Drama Award: The Stanley Drama Award is a prestigious recognition given annually for an outstanding new play. It aims to encourage playwrights and promote the development of new theatrical works, often spotlighting emerging voices in the field. This award not only provides financial support but also offers visibility to the winning play, enhancing the playwright's career and contributing to the larger theater community.
Steinberg/ATCA New Play Award: The Steinberg/ATCA New Play Award is a prestigious accolade that honors exceptional new plays in American theater, presented annually by the American Theatre Critics Association (ATCA). This award aims to recognize and promote the work of playwrights, encouraging the development of new and innovative theatrical works. It not only celebrates the plays themselves but also highlights the importance of new voices and perspectives in contemporary theater.
Submission guidelines: Submission guidelines are a set of specific instructions provided by theaters, festivals, contests, or residencies that dictate how playwrights should present their scripts and applications for consideration. These guidelines are essential for ensuring that submissions are properly formatted, complete, and meet the expectations of the reviewing body, ultimately playing a crucial role in a playwright's success in various opportunities.
Synopsis: A synopsis is a brief summary of a script, play, or story that outlines the main plot points, characters, and themes. It serves as a crucial tool for understanding the essence of a narrative, making it easier for readers, producers, and judges to grasp the core elements of the work quickly. A well-crafted synopsis highlights the story’s trajectory while maintaining an engaging and informative tone.
Terrence McNally New Play Award: The Terrence McNally New Play Award is a prestigious recognition that celebrates and supports new works of theater, particularly those that reflect the artistic spirit of playwright Terrence McNally. This award aims to encourage playwrights in their creative endeavors, providing financial support and fostering the development of original plays, which are essential for the evolution of contemporary theater.
The Dramatists Guild: The Dramatists Guild is a professional association that advocates for the rights and interests of playwrights, composers, and lyricists in the theater industry. It plays a crucial role in providing resources, support, and networking opportunities for members, while also working to promote fair treatment and compensation within the field. The organization is instrumental in facilitating playwriting contests, festivals, grants, and funding opportunities that help nurture emerging talent and established writers alike.
The Playwrights' Center: The Playwrights' Center is an organization dedicated to supporting playwrights in their creative endeavors, offering resources such as workshops, fellowships, and developmental opportunities. This center plays a pivotal role in the theatrical community by fostering new voices and works, helping writers navigate the industry while also providing access to playwriting contests and festivals that can showcase their talents. Additionally, it often connects playwrights with grants and funding opportunities that can support their projects financially.
Tony Award: The Tony Award is an annual recognition for excellence in live Broadway theatre, established in 1947. Named after Antoinette Perry, a notable figure in American theatre, these awards honor outstanding productions, performances, and technical achievements in various categories. Winning a Tony is considered one of the highest accolades in the theater industry and can significantly elevate the visibility and success of a play or musical.
Writers' retreat: A writers' retreat is a dedicated space or program where writers can escape their daily routines to focus on their writing, often offering workshops, feedback sessions, and networking opportunities. These retreats foster creativity and productivity by providing a supportive environment that encourages collaboration and inspiration among fellow writers, typically set in tranquil or inspiring locations.
Yale Drama Series Prize: The Yale Drama Series Prize is a prestigious annual award that recognizes and promotes new plays by emerging playwrights. It serves as a platform for new voices in theater, providing the winner with publication of their script and the opportunity for a staged reading at the Yale Repertory Theatre, contributing to the landscape of playwriting contests and festivals.