Competitions and Script Opportunities

This page was created by the Northwest Playwrights Guild, with chapters in Seattle, Washington, and Portland, Oregon. The mission of the guild is to promote original theatre and create opportunities for networking and current information about theatres in the Northwest to its members. Membership is open to all playwrights. Dues are $25 a year.

The NWPG has a new home page and web site at:
nwpg.org This new site was developed by Robin Suttles at robin@elsinore.net. Information about member news and upcoming events should now be emailed to Robin.

Script, the newsletter of the NWPG, is always in need of articles! Anyone interested in writing about the state of local Northwest theater, playwriting in general or whatever springs to mind -- let Robin Suttles know.

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RICHARD HUGO HOUSE NEW PLAY COMPETITION

Richard Hugo House is now accepting submissions for its 2000 Hugo House New Play Competition. A prize of $1000 and a staged reading will be awarded for a new full-length play written by a playwright residing in Washington, Oregon or Idaho. The winning entry will be chosen by a jury of local theater professionals. Playwrights should send a bound copy of an unproduced, original script by March 15, 2000 to Richard Hugo House, 1634 Eleventh Avenue, Seattle, WA 98122.

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Applications are available for Oregon Writers to apply for Fellowships from Oregon Literary Arts. Information is available at www.literary-arts.org.

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The PEN/Amazon.com Short Story Award is accepting manuscripts. Details are available at http://www.amazon.com/shortstory

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The Blue Room Theatre is now accepting submissions for its annual New Works Festival. We will produce four new one act plays in our 100 seat black box theatre. All entries must be a play in one act and not previously produced or published. Genre and subject matter is completely open.

Sent scripts to :
New Works Festival
Blue Room Theatre
139 W. First St.
Chico, CA 95928

Deadline for submission is April 1, 2000.

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Gemini Theater Company in Pittsburgh, PA announces an open call for submissions of unproduced, full-length plays for consideration in the Pittsburgh New Play Festival, 2001, an annual competition culminating in the production of four of the works that have been submitted. Deadline is July 31, 2000. Festival is held in January and February each year. Further information can be obtained at gemnitram@aol.com.

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D.A.M.N. Writers

D.A.M.N. is an angry-sounding acronym, but the founders of Seattle's Dramatists and Actors Meeting Now, Larry Coffin and Chris Mathews, certainly hope that no potential writers are scared off by it. This informal group has been around for a couple of years, and now have taken up residence in Pioneer Square’s intimate performance space The Parlor Room, once home to the Broken Theatre (which, in a too-obvious irony, went bust some time ago). They’ve been running weekly Tuesday night meetings of playwrights interested in reading their works in a peer setting, with comments offered afterwards. In addition, the group sponsors a month public reading of a member’s work. Coffin and Matthews welcome any interested writers to call at 524-2126 or e-mail bp248@scn.org or more information.

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The Lark Theatre Company is committed to the development of the playwright's craft and to the growth of collaborative relationships. The goal of the "Lark Process" is to provide writers with the time and resources needed to improve their plays. Company members in our Literary Wing read hundreds of new plays annually, identifying projects worthy of development. Writers may participate in subsequent readings, Playwrights Week, studio work sessions, BareBones performances or fuller productions. In addition, The Translation and Adaptation Project (TAP) seeks plays from countries and cultures that are not typically represented by theatre in the United States.

Thanks for your consideration,

Michael Johnson-Chase

Translation and Adaptation Project
The Lark Theatre Company
939 Eighth Ave.
New York, NY 10019
phone: 212-246-2676
fax: 212-246-2609
email: TAP@larktheatre.org
website: www.larktheatre.org

Mailing Address:
4048 North Maryland Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53211
USA
phone: 414-807-7525
fax: 414-963-9919

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Hello, my name is Cleve Lamison and I'm The Artistic Director for a new theatre company, The BlackBird Theatre Company. We're a company that puts an emphasis on new plays and new playwrights.

We're seeking contemporary plays that can be cast multiculturally. We seek comedies, dramas, dramadies or what have you. We don't mind, as long as it's well written. What we offer the playwrights whose work we choose is a cash award of between $500 - $1,500, and a production of his/her play where their input as playwright would be a significant part of the process.

This contest is open to playwrights of all ages, as we have a summer program for high school age students where we do a production written by a high school student that is acted and directed with high school students.

Guidelines: Full length plays that can be cast multiculturally. Plays dealing with race, religion, or ethnicity are welcome.

Submit a 1 - 3 page synopsis of the play, 10 pages of the play that represent what the playwright feels is the best representation of the play, and a brief bio of the playwright.

Submit to:

The BlackBird Theatre Company
P.O. Box 20191, P.A.B.T
NY, NY
10129
I can be contacted at this e mail address, THEBLKBRD@aol.com, or my New York number is 212.496.4565. Thanks for your time and patience, and please contact me with any questions or comments. Cleve Lamison

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Let me introduce you to a new publisher of plays...Generic Plays. We are a new play service which will represent the work of women, gay men and lesbians, people of color, as well as other minorities. All the plays will deal with issues facing those groups as well.

What we are interested in publishing are full length plays and musicals, full length one-acts and one-acts which constitute a full evening (must contain recurring characters). Play must have had at least one production.

CONTRACT:
PRODUCTION ROYALTY (75% playwright/25% publisher)
BOOK ROYALTY (25% playwright/75% publisher)
-10 free copies of script when published
-30% off additional scripts
-We will advertise regularly in quality publications and produce a catalog for theatres; however, the playwright is allowed to promote productions of his/her script. All productions MUST be licensed through Generic Plays.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:
-Submit complete bound script. Binder clips do not constitute a binding. Must be submitted in HARDCOPY.

-OPTIONAL: Submit play on computer disk in MS Word. This is required should we desire to publish the play. Please mark envelope "DO NOT X-RAY COMPUTER DISK ENCLOSED."

-Follow standard script format as outlined by the Dramatists Guild.
-Submit any reviews available of prior productions.
-Submit a video of a production, if available.
-All musicals must be accompanied by a COMPLETE piano/vocal score as well as a tape or CD of the music. Any information on available orchestrations must be included.

-A program/playbill of the World Premiere production must be submitted.
-A SASE for return of script and related materials.
-A #10 SASE for notification of our desire to publish the script.
-OPTIONAL: A SASPC for the notification of arrival of materials.

Thanks for your interest in Generic Plays and helping to get the word out about us. Please let others know of our efforts to produce quality play scripts and make them available to a wider audience.

Sincerely,
Cody Miller
Publisher
GENERIC PLAYS...where the covers may look generic but the plays are anything but!

GENERIC PLAYS
Post Office Box 81
Bristol, TN 37621-0081
USA
genericplays@hotmail.com

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Church at the Center, on Queen Anne Hill in Seattle, is organizing a coffee house/artists' showcase. Playwrights interested in participating can contact Church at the Center at 206-285-2282 for more information.

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Pioneer Drama Service is constantly on the lookout for quality writers interested in publishing their plays for the educational and amateur stage. If there are any questions, do not hesitate to e-mail us at piodrama@aol.com or visit our website at www.pioneerdrama.com.

Submission Guidelines
Query letters are preferred; however, unsolicited manuscripts will be accepted. We strongly recommend that you are familiar with what we publish before submitting a query letter or an unsolicited script.
Query letters require a self-addressed, stamped envelope for reply.

The following information must accompany your manuscript:
Title and synopsis, Cast list and breakdown, Running time, Proof of production (i.e. review, program, etc.), Number of sets and/or scenes, Musical score or tape, if applicable

Please send your query or submission, accompanying information, and cover letter or resume to: Editorial Staff
Pioneer Drama Service
P.O. Box 4267
Englewood, CO 80155-4267

Writers not previously published by Pioneer Drama Service are eligible to enter our playwriting contest with their submissions.

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We are a theatrical publishing company looking to add to our offering. We accept any type of unpublished script (one act, full length, musical, melodrama, etc.) for review as long as it is G-Rated (general audience). We are not interested in gay, off beat, or controversial material. We prefer work that has been produced, or at least been through some workshopping process to get all the kinks out. Applications and other information can be found at our web site (which is still under development) at http://www.dramasource.com or by emailing me at: dhoward@srv.net

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CROOKED HOUSE THEATRE COMPANY is an Irish theatre company which produces new Irish, American and European theatre in Dublin and touring Ireland. We are regularly seeking new work and would be interested in hearing from playwrights who would like the possibility of having their play(s) staged in Dublin. Our main focus is on material in English which is bold and imaginative, uses pared and energetic dialogue, and is amenible to experimental presentation. Script synopsis, sample of dialogue and indication of style should be sent to the address below. You may, if you wish, send complete scripts instead of the synopsis.

Address to:

Artistic Director,
CROOKED HOUSE THEATRE COMAPNY
George's Street
Newbridge
County Kildare
IRELAND

Fax: (International prefix) + 045 435278
E-mail: vtos@tinet.ie

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The Dutch Chamber Theatre is a non professional company exploiting its own theatre at Antwerp (Belgium). The company’s aim is to present plays which are not yet performed in the Dutch language. Therefore they are looking and searching for original theatrical compositions, in a very broad scheme, to produce them in the Dutch language. Any suggestions or proposals emanating from authors and/or theatre editors will be thoroughly examined.

You are consequently kindly invited to contact the Dutch Chamber Theatre submitting one or some theatrical compositions. A brief summary and some precising elements in connection with cast and scenery decoration are welcome and awaited with interest.

The Dutch Chamber Theatre can be reached at nkt@online.be

Thank you in advance.

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My name is David Ken Burton, and I am a writer/publisher from TX. I represent a small company that markets drama to junior highs and high schools across the nation. We have done very well for several years and are wanting to add to our stock. We are very interested in reading any duets, monologues, or skits that would be appropriate for either the junior high or high school market. We pay above the standard, but it all hinges on the quality and marketability of the individual piece. Each duet, monologue, or skit should be between 7-12 minutes long. It only takes a short while to write one, and we'd like to have selections from around the country. Also, if you have any short plays, between 25 and 40 minutes, we would also be interested in viewing those. The amount of time we use your material is negotiable. If you choose to submit something, you can send to this E-MAIL address or send to:

BROOKLYN PUBLISHERS
1841 CORD ST.
ODESSA,TX 79762

If you would like to fax your material, the number is (915)368-0340 E-MAIL At: KenWR4000@AOL.com

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My Name is George Carter. I am the President of the Vigilante Theatre Company, Bozeman Montana. Our Mission is to provide original theater to small town Montana (Wyoming, Utah, North Dakota & Alberta in the past few years). Our Company consists of four players (2 M, 2 F). We are approaching our 16th Birthday. All of our plays are topical, although it's sometimes hard to identify the topic in light musical comedy.

Our Plays rage from classic stage productions to Dinner Theater. Subjects from wolf re-introduction to 39th Birthdays to Lewis & Clark to Musical Farce. We are a Proffessional, 12 month a year, touring theatre company. We are also a 501 (3)(c) non-profit.

Each year we produce one or two original productions that become our property. We pay for the script. We pay for the writer to direct the Play. We pay a Royalty per performace.

Lately, light musical comedy, audience interactive Dinner Theater has been profitable, but a lampoon of the wolf re-introduction program (a classic stage production) set records and brought down the house.

Our Problem is: we need two good scripts a year.

George Carter President - Vigilante Theatre Co. 111 S Grand Bozeman, MT 59715

kmms@avicom.net is my E-mail at work (I'm a volunteer)

Our Executive Director: Joanne Eaton

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Miracle Theater in Portland, Oregon seeks Hispanic-related scripts. Send to: Miracle Theater
425 SE 6th
Portland, Oregon 97214
Attn: Antonio Sonera/Associate Artistic Director
or they may call 503-236-7253

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The Skagit Valley College Theatre is no longer accepting short plays. They are accepting full length plays, and are particularly interested in looking at a full-length musical. Send scripts to Andy Friedlander, Skagit Valley College, 2405 College Way, Mount Vernon, Wa., 98274.

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Emerald City Productions is looking for scripts that have agay and/or lesbian theme, plot or story. 1436 U Street, NW Suite 200 Washington, D.C. 20009

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Smith & Kraus Publishers is currently accepting submissions for our yearly scene and monologue books. All material submitted must be from plays professionally produced in the 1997 theatrical season. For more information, e-mail Jocelyn Beard, Senior Managing Editor, at:kitowski@computer.net

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Hello. We are THE FILLING STATION, a new, working theatre company in New York City. We currently have two plays that have been accepted into the first New York City Fringe Festival. We also sponsor play readings every month at The Present Company.

In short, we are young, motivated, and have very high goals.

The internet has been a wonderful resource to us; it has enabled us to meet playwrights that we otherwise may not have. We do not, however, have continual internet access. Perhaps you would help us. It would be of great help if your organization would post a notice with our mailing address, stating that we area new company in search of new work for possible/probable production in New York City. We do read every play that is submitted in hopes that the right one will come to light.

Our mailing address is:

THE FILLING STATION c/o Orr 176 W. 87th Street
#8F
New York, NY 10024
Voice Mail: 212-592-1955

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Imazari is in the process of bringing a playwright management division to our company. We are a continuously producing theater company and we have begun to try to help other artists get their work out to various theater companies. If you are interested in this possibility and would like more info please contact Shelbric Fuller @ 305.446.4905.

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Playwright's Inc.:

"Formed by a number of readers from Off-Broadway theatres, agencies, and a publishing house in February of 1997, Playwrights' Ink is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to meeting the often unusual and ecclectic needs of the playwright. For further information about our goods and services you can be placed on our mailing list by dropping us a line at:

414 West 121st St., Suite 55 New York, NY 10027
or you can give us a call at:
(212) 666-4470.

You can also visit our new web page at:
http://members.aol.com/MFell1000/Playwrights_Ink.html
or e-mail us at Playwrights_Ink@juno.com."

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Stage Less Traveled is looking for new plays. Accepts scripts with synopsis and SASE. Full-length and one-acts. Plays for young audiences, small musicals. Small cast, limited wing space. Plays with strong dramatic content. Response time, 3-6 months. Stage Less Travelled
P.O. Box 138
Oakhurst, N.J. 07755-0138

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Stolen Fire is currently seeking new, original scripts.
We are looking for scripts that meet the following criteria.

a. The script must be original, never previously produced in its current form. b. The script must have a beginning, middle and end; no stream of consciousness. c. The script must have some conflict and resolution. d. The script must ENGAGE the audience on an emotional, intellectual or spiritual level (preferably, all three).

Scripts may be dramas or comedies (or a mix of both). No melodramas (except for radio scripts). Characters may be of any age, gender, race.

One, two or three act plays are acceptable. Running time for stage plays may range from 20 minutes to three hours, with one hour forty five minutes as optimal. Radio plays may run from 10 minutes to one hour. Serials are permitted.

Specifics: Smaller cast (2 - 6 characters) is preferred.

Minimal sets are preferred and in our current venue almost required (however, we do have opportunity to use a larger venue, if an extraordinary, excellent script requires it).

Contemporary costumes are preferred.

Obviously, radio plays haven't the same restrictions.

Payment: Some payment is always set aside for the playwright (obviously, without his/her words there would be no play); however, we run on an extremely tight budget and therefore we can't ever pay what the script is worth.

Please send scripts to: Stolen Fire
c/o The Excellent Center for Art and Culture
1101 Grand Ave.
Grover Beach, CA 93433

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The Abingdon Theatre Company, a non-profit professional theater company located in NYC, is looking for full length plays. We are a relatively new company currently mounting our third fullscale production, Lanie Robertson's new farce, "Bringing Mother Down". Our primary need is full length plays either drama or comedy (no musicals at this time) which we can put through our development cycle. This consists of an informal reading with our company, followed by a staged reading at a theater row space and finally a full production.

Send scripts to our literary manager, Ray Atherton, C/O Theater Development Fund, 1501 Broadway, New York City, New York 10036

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Pathway Productions is seeking cutting edge plays for and about teenagers to produce at the high school level. This is NOT children's theater! We are seeking plays which deal candidly with the teenage experiences. In February, Pathway will be sponsoring a competition, the winner of which will be featured at the August workshop.

For More Information, check out our web site at: www.rhs.emuhsd.k12.ca./uspathway/index.htm/

Interested? Have Questions?
E Mail at RBBeerman on the aol line.

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The Roxy Theatre is looking for new, original plays, especially short one to be performed by young children and full-length plays for teen actors.

Submit to: The Roxy Theatre
Home of the Bridge Street Players
420 N. 1900 E.
St. Anthony, ID

208-624-3390tencat@ida.nethttp://www.ida.net/users/tencat/spud.htm

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Attention Playwrights

A new opportunity to have work HEARD!

JDG Productions of Santa Monica, California and Ambrosia Productions in Bend, Oregon have joined forces to form PLAYS ONTAPE. Here, playwrights will have another avenue for their work.

Our main market will be bookstores now providing audiobooks. However, one can see how easily a cassette can slip into the car cassette-player of a film producer or any production team. Plans are also underway to put plays on CDs.

We are interested in full-length plays, one-acts, and eventen-minute plays.

Remuneration is negotiable. Our guidelines are simple: A work that does not diminish in quality due to the restrictions when placed on tape. Major interest in original, innovative and contemporary work. New voices are highly encouraged. Submit a synopsis with a letter of inquiry, and up to ten pages of dialogue. Response time is three months. Send to:

PLAYS ON TAPE-Literary Department P.O. Box 5789
Bend, Oregon 97708-5789
or contact: Dan Green
541-923 -6246

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Scripts Wanted

The Phoenix Theatrical Press, national marketing catalogue of plays to community, children and youth theatres, seeks submissions. Submission of children's "warhorses" or "classics" is encouraged. Like humorous scripts. Royalties to be negotiated. Submit c/o 12612 N. 40th Place, Phoenix, AZ 85032.

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