New York Theater Festival

Playwright Festival Theater in New York Theater for Plays and Musicals

HOW TO SUBMIT

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WE ACCEPT SUBMISSIONS

ALL YEAR LONG

NO SUBMISSION FEES
NO PARTECIPATION FEES

 

SUBMIT YOUR WORK

Video Recording of Your Show – Available in 4K

After your production’s run, you can obtain a video recording of your show in 4K. The Festival offers raw footage from four cameras, giving you multiple angles to edit into a cohesive cut.

Participants can also request the central camera’s wide-angle footage as a standalone recording, which can serve as an unedited version of the show.

These recordings are available to all participants and can be used as valuable assets for future marketing or as reel material for industry professionals.

Submission Guidelines:

  • Eligibility:
    • All genres and submissions are accepted from playwrights who live within 30 miles of Manhattan.
    • Submissions must be between 5 and 90 minutes in length.
  • Casting and Crew:
    • Productions must have a complete cast and crew sourced from New York City or within a 30-mile radius.
    • Equity productions are welcome to participate.
  • Play/Production Requirements:
    • Plays and musicals must be unproduced or have been produced before 2021. If previously produced, the submission must feature a completely new cast and crew.
    • Only one submission per playwright is permitted.

The Importance of Self-Producing

We believe that self-producing a play or musical offers a valuable opportunity for playwrights to grow. Seeing your work on stage allows for critical reflection and improvement, while also providing a platform to invite industry professionals to witness your work firsthand.

Industry professionals receive thousands of submissions each month, and they’re often more inclined to attend a live production rather than read an unsolicited script. A staged production helps you demonstrate the potential of your show in a tangible way.

We are here to support you every step of the way, from your first tech rehearsal to the last show. You will never be left alone during the process. Please be aware that all cast and crew members must be residents of the Tri-State area.

Support and Resources Provided:

  • Set & Props: Choose from 85 set/furniture props to dress your stage. We are here to help you make your production visually appealing.
  • Technical Support:
    • We’ll provide you with a crash course on how to use the audio, light, and video systems, which are designed to be very user-friendly.
    • You’ll be able to rehearse with these systems, allowing you to plan your technical aspects with ease.
  • 24/7 Support: A team member will be available to respond to all inquiries, and you’ll be provided with a contact number for assistance throughout the run of your show.
  • Proven Success: Over the past 12 years and 21 seasons, we have hosted 1,400 plays and 300 musicals, and awarded cash prizes to over 300 artists. Your production could be next!

Festival Categories:

  • Short: 5 to 20 minutes
  • One Act: 30 to 45 minutes
  • Full Length: 60 to 90 minutes
  • Solo: Maximum 30 minutes

Audience Feedback System:

We offer an Audience Feedback System, which allows playwrights and production teams to receive constructive feedback from attendees. If you choose, the Festival will send a questionnaire to all audience members after your show, giving you insights into the audience’s thoughts and suggestions.

This feedback can be incredibly helpful if you’re preparing for another run or revising your script. It’s a great tool for your artistic growth.

Prizes & Awards:

Total Prize Pool: $8,000

  • Best Play or Musical: $3,500

In addition to the Best Play or Musical award, there are several other categories:

  • Best Play or Musical Short: $500
  • Most Creative Play or Musical: $500
  • Best Director: $500
  • Best Actress: $500 (2 winners, each receiving $500)
  • Best Actor: $500 (2 winners, each receiving $500)
  • Best Singer: $500
  • Best Music Score: $300
  • Best Choreography: $300

Winners will be announced at the Awards Ceremony at the end of the festival, where the cast and crew of all nominated productions will be invited to attend.

Don’t Miss Your Chance!

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have your work professionally produced in New York City and to showcase your play or musical to an industry audience. Get your work on stage and in front of the right people!

The New York Theater Festival
2024 Spring/Summer Festival Awards Ceremony

To Submit:

To submit your play or musical, please fill out the submission form below. The Festival accepts submissions from all genres. Previously staged shows can also participate, provided they are presented with an entirely new cast and crew(for productions staged before 2018).

All proceeds from the box office are retained by the Festival to cover expenses.

Once your play is accepted, you’ll receive the Festival Guidelines and your production will be scheduled for a three-performance run at the theater.

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