During the month of may, most folks are out enjoying the fine weather. Not playwrights! They busy their lives away in front of their computer, or spend their days up in the attic with a parchment of paper, dipping a quill in a bottle of ink.
And why do they do it? So they can submit their dramatic literature to playwriting competitions and be discovered! Well, it's the perfect month for the world to witness your genius. These playwriting contests can help.
1. The Aurand Harris Playwriting Contest
Aurand Harris (1915 – 1996) dedicated his life to creating plays for young audiences. In fact, he was the first person to bring an American Children’s Play to China. In his honor, the New England Theatre Conference is now accepting full-length plays for children and teens.The entrance fee is $10. Winners may receive a staged reading and critique. First Place: $1000. Second Place: $500.
Deadline: May 1st
Visit their website to learn more about the Aurand Harris Playwriting Contest.
2. Canadian Playwriting Competition
Canadian Playwrights should take a close look at this playwriting contest: The 75th Annual Playwriting Commission Competition.The recipient of the award receives $20,000 dollars and a week long stay at a writer’s retreat. I’m definitely telling all of my British Columbian friends to enter!
Deadline: May 2nd
3. PlayShop Festival
From the Philadelphia Theatre Workshop:Philadelphia Theatre Workshop offers a unique opportunity for playwrights with its 2009 PlayShop Festival. We are looking for full-length contemporary plays with small casts, minimal set/costumes, and low technical requirements. Plays should have no production history. Four plays will be chosen that best represent our mission of presenting characters, situations, and perspectives not usually seen on area stages.”
Deadline: May 15th
4. Jackson University Playwriting Contest
Bruce Helford, the comedy writer for successful sitcoms such as The Drew Carey Show and George Lopez, is sponsoring this $10,000 play competition through Jacksonville University. It is open to all U.S. citizens. They are seeking full length plays (between 90 – 120 minutes). Any genre is acceptable; however they discourage children’s plays.Deadline: May 15th
5. Soho Rep Play Workshop
If you would like to see your beloved play nurtured and brought to life by a team of dedicated artists, then maybe the Soho Rep has the competition for you. They are seeking playwrights who are willing to meet with their directors and cast during a six-month cycle of theater labs.Deadline: May 16th
