CanScene April 2015 - Playwrights Guild of Canada

5/5/2015
CanScene April 2015
April 2015
Quick Links:
Executive Director’s Message
Member News, Notices & Annoucements
Submissions, Competitions, & Awards
Professional Development Workshops
Residencies
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE
By Robin Sokoloski
The countdown is on! PGC’s conference, A Playwrights’ Theatre is next month – May 29th to
May 31st. Here’s what you have to look forward to:
Friday, May 29th
Script Salon presented by PGC’s Edmonton Caucus
Saturday, May 30th
Panels:
Putting the 'Work' back into Workshops
Playwright’s Prerogative: The role of the Playwright in a Production
Alt. Playwright ­ New perspectives of playwright­driven theatres
Keynote:
Todd London
Playwright Reading Cabaret (co­hosted with Alberta Playwrights Network)
Sunday, May 31st
AGM
Women’s Caucus Meeting
To register or receive more info go to:
http://www.playwrightsguild.ca/events
https://playwrightsguildcanada.wufoo.com/forms/zyl6117133xsj7/
The deadline for the Tom Hendry Awards is just around the corner as well!
Thanks to the RBC Foundation, we’ve added a new award ­ The Emerging Playwright
Competition. This is award is open to all of PGC’s student and supporting members and
includes $2000 cash prize plus a six­month internship with an established playwright of the
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recipient’s choice. As this is a time of renewal, PGC has updated its Membership Handbook. Take a moment to
get to know all that PGC has to offer you as a member.
We exist because of you. Share your ideas and insights with us to ensure that we are
providing the best possible service and community that we can. Robin Sokoloski, Executive Director
Playwrights Guild of Canada
416­703­0201
[email protected]
MEMBER NEWS, NOTICES & ANNOUNCEMENTS
PGC extends a warm welcome to the following new members, who joined recently: Brett Bell – Berwick, New Brunswick
Lucy Campbell – Niagara­On­The­Lake
Natasha Davis – Kelowna, BC
Joanna Gosse – Montreal, QC
Indu Iyer – Surrey, BC
Frances Koncan – Winnipeg, MB
Alyssa Kostello – Vancouver, BC
Mika Laulainen – Vancouver, BC
Thomas McKechnie – Toronto, ON
Amanda McQueen – Toronto, ON
Hugo J. Morin – Montreal, QC
Dina Morrone – Beverly Hills, CA
Dermot Nolan – Hamilton, ON
Marilo Nunez – Hamilton, ON
Joseph Jomo Pierre – Toronto, ON
Alex Poch­Goldin – Toronto, ON
Ronit Rubinstein – Toronto, ON
Johnny Salib – Toronto, ON
David Skelton – Whitehorse, YT
J. Mark Smith – Edmonton, AB
Adrienne Wong – Ottawa, ON
Shayne Woodsmith – Edmonton, AB
Visit our website to view upcoming productions, amateur productions, public readings and
members news. Save the date and participate!
EIT Symposium Reception: Equity in Theatre Symposium is April 27th at The Theatre Centre in Toronto. Admission is
free.
The EIT Symposium is a one­day event facilitated by Context Consulting that tackles
underrepresentation and gender inequities in the theatre industry.
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If you plan on attending, please note that your participation is required for the whole
day.
RSVP here: http://1drv.ms/1EGwwvW
CAN'T MAKE THE ENTIRETY OF THE SYMPOSIUM? Meet us afterwards!
A reception will be held from 5­7 pm at the Theatre Centre on April 27, 2015. Come have a
drink and hear about the day.
Website coming soon to www.eit.playwrightsguild.ca
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Rebecca Burton, Membership and Contracts Manager
[email protected]
Playwrights Guild of Canada Conference 2015
Click here to register online!
PGC Charitable Bequests Program
Following many requests from members, we are now officially introducing PGC's Charitable
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Bequests Program. The Charitable Bequests Program PDF is an easy­to­use guide,
describing every kind of legacy gift you can leave to PGC and showcasing the according
legal wording. Click here to access it.
A charitable bequest is a distribution from your estate to a charitable organization through
your last will and testament. It is a future gift that doesn’t cost you anything during your
lifetime, but that leaves a lasting legacy of your concern, passion and support for the future
of Canadian theatre. With your help, we can fund different initiatives such as future awards
for up and coming as well as established playwrights, workshops to better inform our
community, or even financial aid for playwrights who may not have the necessary means to
become a member of Playwrights Guild of Canada.
Don't forget to let us know you have left a gift for Playwrights Guild of Canada in your will
in order to become part of the PGC ‘Players’ Club! As a way of honoring your gift and
keeping your legacy alive, your name will be placed on a book of your choice in our Carol
Bolt Reading Room.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us: [email protected] or 416­703­0201. SUBMISSIONS, COMPETITIONS, & AWARDS Tom Hendry Awards 2015
The Tom Hendry Awards are back with a vengeance! Submissions for the Carol Bolt Award,
Stage West Pechet Family Comedy Award, Stage West Pechet Family Musical Award, and
nominations for Lifetime Membership are now open.
Check http://www.playwrightsguild.ca/tom­hendry­awards for more information and
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application forms. Completed applications for all four awards must be submitted prior to
May 15th, 2015 at 11:59pm.
NEW! The NotaBle Acts Summer Theatre Festival Playwriting Competition
Deadline: April 23rd, 2015
This contest is open to all current residents of New Brunswick. As part of its commitment to
developing home­grown theatre in New Brunswick, The NotaBle Acts Summer Theatre
Festival is sponsoring its fourteenth annual province­wide English­language playwriting
competition. Contest winners will have their work featured as part of the 2015 festival, July
22nd – August 2nd, in Fredericton, NB.
All plays will be blind juried and winners will be notified within 2 months of the competition
deadline. NotaBle Acts is happy to receive submissions of full length plays at any time for
consideration for mainstage productions. Full length submissions can include works in any
genre, including theatre for young audiences and musicals.
Visit http://nbacts.com/playwriting­contest/ for contest submission guidelines.
Patrick Conner Award 2015 Call for Submissions
Deadline: April 27th, 2015
The Award honours long­time collaborator Patrick Conner, whose belief, generosity, honesty
and hard work helped to bridge the gap between passion and reason. The Patrick Conner
Award recognizes those individuals ­ artists and leaders ­ whose interests intersect with
Patrick's work in the Theatre, and/or in Sustainability, in particular Sustainable Food
Production.
The Award recognizes two individuals annually, working in or from one or both of these
pursuits (Theatre or Sustainability or both), with a cash prize of $2,500 per person. The
Award will be presented at a ceremony in Toronto on Monday August 10, 2015.
Submission guidelines and additional details can be found here. NEW! Canada Council for the Arts Walter Carsen Prize for Excellence in the
Performing Arts
Deadline: April 30th, 2015 The Walter Carsen Prize for Excellence in the Performing Arts is an annual prize that
recognizes the highest level of artistic excellence and distinguished career achievement by a
Canadian professional artist in music, theatre or dance. The prize is awarded on a four­year
cycle – in dance, theatre, dance and music – and is in the amount of $40,000. The prize to
be awarded in 2015 will be in the field of theatre. Walter Carsen established the endowment fund for the prize in February 2001 through a
generous donation of $1.1 million to the Canada Council for the Arts. The Canada Council
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administers and promotes the prize. Candidates do not apply for the prize, but must be nominated by an eligible nominator.
Nominators are responsible for gathering the required documentation and submitting it with
the attached nomination form. They must ensure that the documentation complies with the
requirements set out in these guidelines and form.
To view guidelines and nomination form, visit
http://canadacouncil.ca/en/council/prizes/find­a­prize/prizes/walter­carsen­prize­for­
excellence­in­the­performing­arts
Buddies in Bad Times Theatre Queer Emerging Artist Award
Deadline: May 1st, 2015
Nominations for the 2015 Buddies Queer Emerging Artist Award are now being accepted.
The Buddies Queer Emerging Artist Award recognizes and encourages the achievements of
queer artist who are founding careers in the theatre while engaging with the community.
Award recipients will be chosen by a panel of adjudicators comprised of the current and
former Artistic Directors of the company: Brendan Healy, David Oiye, Sarah Garton Stanley,
and Sky Gilbert.
The recipient will receive a $1000 cash prize. This award will be announced at a public
ceremony in June 2015 at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre. This award is made possible by a
gift from the estate of John Alan Lee.
Guidelines for eligibility as well as nomination form can be found
at http://buddiesinbadtimes.com/queer­emerging­artist­award/
Nightwood Theatre's 2015/16 Write from the Hip Program
Deadline: May 1st, 2015
Write From The Hip is a year­long script development program designed to support new
writers through mentorship, one­on­one dramaturgy, developmental workshops and
readings, all working towards the completion of a full length play. We look for women
playwrights who are emerging in their careers. There is no age limit, though you are only
eligible if you have never received a professional production. You may apply with a script at
any stage in development. Nightwood Theatre has a long history of producing socially relevant, provocative theatre.
Our vision is to be a gateway for women in Canadian Theatre, propelling them to the top of
their craft. Nightwood Theatre embraces cultural, racial and sexual diversity. Click here for submission details.
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NEW! The Social Capital ­ Short, Short Play Festival
Deadline: May 10th, 2015
The SoCap Theatre in Toronto is having its inaugural Short, Short Play Festival and is
currently accepting submissions for:
Scripts that run between 15­20 minutes long (about 12­20 pages)
Scripts that require minimal sets & tech
Submission Process
Completed scripts should be submitted by email to [email protected]
Include any company information (confirmed director and cast) and contact info. If directors and actors are not yet attached to a script, we can facilitate. The festival is open to union and non­union participants though a CAEA Festival
Contract
A script reading jury will select the plays for presentation. Announcements will be
made by May 25th. Participants are expected to attend a technical rehearsal on July 20th and a dress
rehearsal on July 21. Entrance fee is $50.00 (to be paid after selection). What You Get
2 performances (each show features 3 plays) over 4 days at the SoCap
Theatre Performance Bar, 154 Danforth Ave, 2nd floor; theatre has a capacity of 80
seats. All box office/ticket sales (split 3 ways between companies) per show. Ticket prices
are $15.00 for general admission, $12.00 for students. Free use of our box office & technician as well as inclusion in promotional
materials (posters, promo video, postcards), and the festival program, plus
free admission to all festival shows (may be standing room only). Free daytime rehearsal space will be shared amongst participants. Bragging rights for being a part of this first ever event!
Any questions should be directed to Artistic Director, Melyssa Ade [email protected]
NEW! Canadian Comedy Awards Festival­ Best Comedic Play, Revue, or Series
Deadline: May 15th, 2015
The 16th Canadian Comedy Awards are now accepting submissions. Best Comedic Play, Revue or Series is awarded to an original Canadian play, revue or series
produced during the previous calendar year. The comedic play, revue or series must have
been performed by a cast of at least 2 artists for at least 5 performances of a minimum of
20 consecutive minutes each in the previous calendar year. Each qualifying performance
must use the same script, running order, or format, or a continuing story with a majority of
recurring characters. All qualifying performances must have been performed in Canada in a
venue that holds a minimum of 30 legal seats. The submission's jury video must be a
minimum of 20 consecutive minutes without any edits made for this submission.
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Please read the submission criteria carefully by
visiting http://www.canadiancomedy.ca/criteria.php
NEW! Canadian Comedy Awards Festival­ Best One Person Show
Deadline: May 15th, 2015
The 16th Canadian Comedy Awards are now accepting submissions. Best One Person Show is awarded to an original Canadian play performed by a single
performer for at least 5 performances of a minimum of 20 consecutive minutes each in the
previous calendar year. All qualifying performances must use the same script and be billed
under the same title. All qualifying performances must have been performed in Canada in a
venue that holds a minimum of 30 legal seats. The submission's jury video must be a
minimum of 20 consecutive minutes without any edits made for this submission.
Please read the submission criteria carefully by
visiting http://www.canadiancomedy.ca/criteria.php
NEW! Queer Theatre and Performance in Canada Conference ­ Call for Proposals
Deadline: May 15th, 2015
the frank is excited to partner with Simon Fraser University next year on Queer Theatre
& Performance in Canada: Taking Stock, a conference that will bring together
academics and practitioners from across Canada July 21­24, 2016 at SFU in Vancouver, to
talk about the state of queer theatre in Canada ­ past, present and future.
Artists and academics from across Canada are encouraged to participate. Please send a
short 250­word extract of your intended presentation, along with a brief bio, to
Peter Dickinson at [email protected], by May 15, 2015.
For more info and the complete CFP, click here.
Carol Bolt Award for Playwrights
Deadline: May 15th, 2015
The Carol Bolt Award for Playwrights is given annually to a member of PGC who has
premiered an original play within the past year.
A juried panel selects the winner from a number of submitted plays. The winner of the Carol
Bolt Award for Playwrights receives $5,000 and the opportunity to be published. A shortlist
of the best three entries will be announced in September 2015. The winner will be
announced during the Tom Hendry Awards Ceremony in October 2015.
Past recipients: Kent Stetson, Daniel Goldfarb, Florence Gibson, Mieko Ouchi, John Mighton,
Stephen Massicotte, Colleen Murphy, Vern Thiessen, Michael Nathanson, Anusree Roy, Don
Hannah, and David Yee.
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Funding for the award is generously sponsored by Playwrights' Atlantic Resource Centre
(PARC), Saskatchewan Playwrights Centre (SPC), Playwrights Theatre Centre (PTC), Pat the
Dog Theatre Creation, Playwrights Canada Press, and Playwrights Guild of Canada.
Application form must be completed and submitted prior to May 15th, 2015 11:59pm. For submission guidelines and to fill out application form, click here.
Playwrights Guild of Canada Lifetime Membership
Deadline: May 15th, 2015
To be honoured as a Lifetime Member, a playwright must be nominated by members and
approved by the National Forum. Criteria include recognition for a body of work, and/or
service to Playwrights Guild of Canada and the theatre community. Membership dues are
waived.
All current members of Playwrights Guild of Canada are welcome to forward nominations for
Lifetime Membership.
Past recipients: Irene Watts, Tom Hendry, Anne Chislett, Gordon Pinsent, Joanna McClelland
Glass, Wendy Lill, Dennis Foon, Aviva Ravel, Rex Deverell, John Murrell, Doug Curtis, David
French, Norm Foster, and Linda Griffiths. Application form must be completed and submitted prior to May 15th, 2015 11:59pm.
To fill out the application form, click here.
Stage West Pechet Family Comedy Award
Deadline: May 15th, 2015
The Stage West Pechet Family Comedy Award is given annually for a new comedy by a PGC
member, which has not yet had a premiere production. The award is worth $5,000.
Past recipients: Michael Grant and Lucas Foss.
This award is sponsored by PGC and Stage West Restaurants.
Application form must be completed and submitted prior to May 15th, 2015 11:59pm.
For submission guidelines and to fill out the application form, click here.
Stage West Pechet Family Musical Award
Deadline: May 15th, 2015
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The Stage West Pechet Family Musical award is given annually for a new musical work by a
PGC member, which has not yet had a premiere production. The award is worth $5,000.
Past recipients: Lorne Elliott, Irene Sankoff & David Hein.
This award is sponsored by PGC and Stage West Restaurants.
Application form must be completed and submitted prior to May 15th, 2015 11:59pm. For submission guidelines and to fill out the application form, click here.
2015 Robert Beardsley Award for Young Playwrights
Deadline: May 29th, 2015
The Arts and Letters Club of Toronto Foundation proudly announces The Robert Beardsley
Award for Young Playwrights. This award is to be granted to a full­time secondary or post­
secondary student within the GTA for the creation of a one­act play script. Full time students under the age of 25 within the Toronto, York, Durham, Halton or Peel
School Districts and full­time student enrolled in Toronto (all campuses), York or
Ryerson University or Centennial, Durham, George Brown, Humber, Seneca or
Sheridan Colleges are invited to submit scripts of no more than 60 minutes
performance length. Musical Plays will be eligible as well as Dramatic. Electronic
submissions are preferred, in either PDF or Word format. The winner will be awarded $1,000 and an honourable mention prize of $500 will also be
given.
For details on how to submit and to download submission form, click here.
NEW! The Muddy Mary Project Call for Submissions
Deadline: June 1st, 2015
The Muddy Mary Project is a theatre festival for emerging artists. It is a constantly growing
initiative, with a theme and location that change annually. It gives the stage to the untold
and forgotten­about, and aims to form a Theatre Community that supports work in an
inclusive way and from varied perspectives. The Muddy Mary Project is currently seeking
two original one­act shows (approx. 45 min) to accompany our own creation for The Muddy
Mary Project’s October 2015 festival in Toronto, ON
and feature the stories of women past, present or fictional.
If accepted into the festival, a non­refundable fee of $250 is compulsory. If you are
applying as a collective, $250 is the fee for your group as a whole. This money goes directly
towards the project venue.
Submission guidelines and application form can be found at http://us1.campaign-archive2.com/?u=2ca5b5e280d1f81507240586d&id=3a5dead9b5
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http://muddymary.ca/submissions/
NEW! RBC Emerging Playwright Award Call for Submissions
Deadline: June 30th, 2015
Thanks to the the RBC Emerging Artists Project, Playwrights Guild of Canada is proud to
announce its Emerging Playwright Award. This is a new award that will give up­and­coming
playwrights the opportunity to win a 6­month mentorship with a professional playwright of
their choice, from our 600+ playwrights roster as well as a $2000 cash prize. The award will
be presented at the 2015 Tom Hendry Awards and the winner will be provided with a
special event featuring a live reading of their work in their province of residence.
Submissions are open for any supporting or student member who has never had a
professional production. Must submit a full length play (see form for details)
DEADLINE: Complete application forms must be submitted by June 30, 2015 at 11:59pm
EST.
https://playwrightsguildcanada.wufoo.eu/forms/emerging­playwright­award/
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NEW! Eden Mills Writers' Festival Literary Contest
Deadline: July 31st, 2015
Every September, the Eden Mills Writers’ Festival celebrates the best of Canadian
literature, bringing together over 40 authors and poets in the lovely village of Eden Mills.
The Literary Contest is open to new, aspiring, and modestly published writers over the age
of 16. The contest categories are:
short story (max. 2500 words)
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poetry (a poem or collection, no more than five poems)
play (one act)
There is a $15 entry fee. Please make cheques payable to "Eden Mills Writers' Festival". One
entry will be awarded for each category, with a $250 prize. Winners will be invited to read a
short selection from their work at the festival on Sunday, September 13th, 2015. Mail four
(4) copies of your submission, including payment, cover page, and contact information to:
Laurel Marsolais
39 Bushmills Cres., Guelph ON, N1K 1T6
For more information email: [email protected] or visit edenmillswritersfestival.ca
TaDa! Festival October 1st­4th, 2015 Call for Submissions
Deadline: please contact for more information
Ta Da! is ... a theatre and performing arts weekend of new works and established
productions. Ta Da! is a curated festival with a mix of touring favourites, premieres, and
dramatic readings of new scripts from Outaouais writers. The festival takes place in and
around the Great Hall performance space at the Wakefield Centre in Wakefield, Québec
This year, Ta Da! is part of the Québec English Language Arts Network (ELAN)’s Arts Alive!
project linking arts communities in 6 regions of Quebec in a series of cultural weekends
over the summer. Ta Da! will be the last event in that series and will coincide with the
glorious fall colours and the well­attended Chelsea­Wakefield Artists Studio Tour.
For more information and to apply, visit http://www.tadafestival.ca/call­for­submissions­
2015.html
NEW! Teesri Duniya Theatre Call for Submissions
Deadline: Open
Currently, Teesri Duniya Theatre is looking for culturally diverse and First Nation plays that
are politically relevant examining meaningful social and cultural questions, exploring
diverse world views and historical events that affect our lives and our socio­cultural
heritage. Plays that engage the audiences both mentally and emotionally, that encourage dialogue,
intercultural respect, and give exposure to marginalized communities and spotlight
communities’ pressing concerns are of interest. Playwrights of all cultural backgrounds are
welcome as long as their work meets the above criteria and cultural diversity is expressed
in a significant way in plot and characterization. We define cultural diversity as Canadians of
Aboriginal, African, Asian, South Asian, Arab, Muslim, and Latin American/Hispanic
heritage that are often described as multicultural, ethno­cultural, visible
minorities, communities of colour or so on. Under special circumstances, we will consider a
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Please submit your play and a short synopsis electronically. Please include your biography,
and the play’s production history and write in the subject line: Play Submission/(title of
play). We will acknowledge receipt of your script and you can be assured that every script
will be read within six months. We will be in contact with you at that time if the script is of
interest to us.
Please send submissions to:
Rahul Varma
Teesri Duniya Theatre
460 St Catherine St. West, Suite 916
Montreal, Quebec H3B 1A7
[email protected]
For more information, visit http://www.teesriduniya.com
Theatre New Brunswick Call for Playwrights
Deadline: Ongoing
Theatre New Brunswick (TNB) wishes to invite playwrights to submit scripts for
future consideration for both Main Stage and Studio Theatre productions. All submissions should include a brief synopsis for the play, the first ten pages of the script
and a playwright bio.
Scripts can be sent to [email protected] or submitted by mail to: Theatre New
Brunswick (Script Submission), 55 Whiting Road, Fredericton, New Brunswick, E3B 5Y5 Due to the volume of submissions, only those playwrights whose work is being considered
will be contacted.
Toronto Fringe FWYC ­ National Crowdfunding for the Indie Arts Community
Submissions: Ongoing
Fund What You Can (FWYC) is run by the Toronto Fringe­ a non­profit arts organization that
provides creative opportunities for artists and their supporters.
FWYC is open to independent artists and collectives of all disciplines and offers hands­on
support, accessible resources, free crowdfunding workshops and more.
For more information, visit www.fwyc.ca
http://fringetoronto.com/
INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
NEW! The Acting Ensemble Playmakers Playwriting Festival (South Bend, IN)
Deadline: April 24th, 2015
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AE is inviting playwrights to submit a script of up to ten pages in length for its Playmakers
Festival.The script may be a part of a longer work which has been edited by the playwright.
Judges will select ten entries for dramatic readings. Entries selected for the dramatic
readings will receive an honorarium of $50.00. Festival will take place the weekend of May
15 – 17, 2015. The ten finalists will have their play read on Friday and Saturday evenings
and Sunday afternoon during the festival weekend.
Audience preferences will be used to assist the judges in making their decision of a final
winner, who will be announced at the Sunday readings. The winner will receive a cash prize
of $250.00. The winner will also have a play, written by the playwright and agreeable to
both AE and the writer, presented as a full production or dramatic reading during AE’s 2015
– 16 season.
Submission information can be found at http://www.actingensemble.com/playmakers­submission­information/
NEW! Bread & Roses Theatre Playwriting Competition (Clapham, London, UK)
Deadline: April 30th, 2015
The Bread & Roses Theatre is a new fringe theatre venue in Clapham, South London. The
Bread & Roses Theatre Company (BRTC) had been producing regular new writing night The
Platform in what was originally nothing more than the upstairs function room since
2012. BRTC are now looking for a one­act­play to be produced as part of the Clapham
Fringe in September!
Criteria:
Length: 45­65 minutes
Cast: No more than 4 actors & at least an equal amount of female roles
Set: Needs to be written for, or realistically doable with, a basic set­up
Theme: We are not looking for a specific topic or theme, but a great gem of a script
with the potential to take further
Prize:
a short professional production run as part of the Clapham Fringe in September
2015 at The Bread & Roses Theatre
£50 prize (plus a share of profits, if any are made)
Guidelines and application form can be found at http://www.breadandrosestheatre.co.uk/playwriting­competition.html
NEW! LezPlay Writing Contest (Chicago, IL)
Deadline: April 30th, 2015 (full length plays) May 1st, 2015 (short plays)
Pride Films and Plays' LezPlay (formerly Women's Words) is seeking both short and full­
length scripts from women. Only scripts that have not been professionally produced are
eligible. Regardless of how you identify as a woman, if your play, screenplay, or teleplay
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shares a story in which lesbian characters stand out, please send us your work and lez
play. The Contest is open to all women, regardless of sexual orientation, who are at least
eighteen (18) years of age or the age of majority in the state/country/province in which
they reside on the date of entry. Submissions will only be accepted online. Electronic entries
must be paid with Visa/MasterCard/American Express/Discover. The amount of the Fee is
based on the date of entry as follows:
April 1 to April 15, 2015 US $20.00 April 16 to May 1, 2015 US $30.00
The Contest is open to screenplays, teleplays, and stage plays (including performance art
and spoken word). All entries submitted into the Contest must be original. Scripts adapted
from preexisting material will not be accepted, unless the author of the script is also the
owner of the material from which the script is adapted, or can submit authorization
documentation that they have the right to adapt the source material.
For full details of rules and eligibility, visit https://filmfreeway.com/festival/LezPlay
NEW! NETC Aurand Harris Memorial Playwriting Award (Hamden, CT)
Deadline: May 1st, 2015
The New England Theatre Conference created this award in 1997 to honour the late Aurand
Harris (1915­1996) for his lifetime dedication to all aspects of professional theatre for
young audiences. Two cash prizes may be awarded: First Prize of $1000, and Second Prize
of $500. The judges may withhold prizes if in their opinion no play merits the award.
A staged reading of the prize­winning scripts may be given, followed by critique
and discussion.
The contest is open to all playwrights. The contest is for new full­length plays for young
audiences. No musicals nor plays targeted at adult audiences. A handling fee of $10 must
accompany the entry.
Click here for complete list of submission rules and guidelines.
2015 This Round's On Us ­ 10 Minute Plays at Nylon Fusion (New York, NY)
Deadlines:
May 9th, 2015 50's and 60's
August 11th, 2015 70's through the 90's
Nylon Fusion (New York, NY) is accepting new works for their quarterly 2015 This Round's
On Us festivals, each of which will focus on certain broad eras of the 20th Century.
The plays do not necessarily have to be set in these time periods, but they should at least
be informed by the social, cultural and/or political happenings of the time. Whether you
find inspiration in the movies, music, or theatre of a particular decade, the major events
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that formed the historical narrative or which have been ignored by history, or the everyday
lives of the people of the bygone days of the not­so­long­ago. Nylon Fusion will select and
arrange the plays so that they work best together. Please do not send any 1­2 page plays
or anything over 20 pages.
Plays should not be longer than 10 pages and/or minutes. Casts no larger than four and
minimal props and costumes. No musicals. The premise is up to the playwright, but all plays
must be somewhat linked to the theme. Original and never produced works please. Authors
agree to permit Nylon Fusion to produce their submitted play if the company wishes to do
so. The company is responsible for all aspects of production including selection of director
and casting. The author will retain full copyright and ownership of their play. Participation in
the rehearsal process may be requested, therefore residence in the NYC metropolitan area
is preferred but not will not be a factor in the selection process. Authors must be available
via email/phone.
Send a short cover letter with contact information and the full script with title and author's
name on each page as a PDF with SUBJECT LINE: This Round's On Us: Time Travel [NAME
OF PLAYWRIGHT.] to [email protected].
For more information, click here.
NEW! The Loser Play Festival Call for Submissions (New York, NY)
Deadline: May 15th, 2015
Currently accepting submissions is The Loser Play Festival­ a series of short plays
celebrating total failures. Your play must not be longer than 15 minutes, and no shorter than 5 minutes.
­ No adaptations or musicals.
­ Your play must address the theme: “Losers.” Send all submissions to [email protected] by MAY 15, 2015 and notified of
acceptance by JUNE 15, 2015. Winning plays will be produced August 2015 at THE ACTORS
THEATRE WORKSHOP in New York City. Playwrights are encouraged to attend. A NOTE ABOUT MULTIPLE SUBMISSIONS: While certainly not encouraged, multiple
submissions are fine. This said, many people have been submitting 5+ plays each. This is
not acceptable. If you are going to submit more than one play, please do not submit more
than two. http://theloserplayfestival.com/
Weathervane Playhouse Fifth Annual 8x10 TheatreFest (Akron, OH)
Deadline: May 15th, 2015
Weathervane Playhouse celebrates the art of the short­format play with the fifth annual
8x10 TheatreFest — eight plays, 10 minutes each!
The 2015 8x10 TheatreFest takes place July 10, 11 and 12, 2015.
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Each of the 8 Finalists will receive a full production of his/her play and 2 complimentary
tickets to the Festival. (While we can’t offer travel and room accommodations for Finalists,
those who are able to attend will be greeted, feted, and showered with recognition!)
Additionally, press releases about the Finalist Playwrights will be sent out to local
publications and to any of the Finalist Playwrights’ respective outlets. First Place: $350
Second Place: $250
Third Place: $150
5 Runners Up: $50/each
Each year at TheatreFest the audience chooses a special prop that must be incorporated
into the following year’s plays.
Our 2014 audience members a this retro­style hand mirror. It's tarnished silverplate.
ALL PLAYS MUST INCLUDE THE MIRROR. That is, IT MUST BE SEEN ON STAGE. Just talking
about it doesn't count! It may be incidental, tangential, or the centre piece of the play but
we urge you to be creative in your use of it! And remember — it can’t be damaged.
To view the mirror and additional rules/information,
visit http://www.weathervaneplayhouse.com/8x10TheatreFest and click on "Info for
Playwrights"
3rd Annual Playhouse on the Square New Works Competition (Memphis, TN)
Deadline: May 30th, 2015
Playhouse on the Square is accepting scripts for the 3rd Annual “NewWorks@TheWorks”
Competition. A panel of local directors, actors, and designers will review all submitted
scripts and select six to receive staged readings during the 2015­16 season. After the six
readings have been presented, Playhouse on the Square will select two that will receive full
productions during the 2016­17 Season. These two new works will receive world premieres
at Playhouse’s third performance space, TheatreWorks.
Along with these fully mounted productions, the two winning works will each be awarded a
prize of $500.
There is a $15 US entry fee for the competition, which must be paid along with the
submitted script. PLEASE NOTE – Members of the Dramatists Guild need only pay $10. Only
cheque and money order will be accepted. Any script submitted without the entry fee will
not be considered.
Full guidelines and rules for the 2015­16 competition can be found here.
NEW! 9Thirty Theatre Company Call for Submissions (Astoria, NY)
Deadline: May 31st, 2015
9Thirty Theatre Company's mission is to cultivate creativity and artists as we work towards
viable solutions for a sustainable future and are committed to fostering groundbreaking art,
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reaching a broad audience that reflects New York City’s diverse population. 9TTC provides
creative and eco­friendly programs and performances that stimulate community action and
awareness. It is 9TTC's vision to become New York City’s premier environmental­cultural
Institution by providing unparalleled artistic eco­experiences, and programs that nurture
emerging artists and our environment.
9TTC accepts submissions from March to May each season. Send submissions in either a
.doc or .pdf format to [email protected]. In respect of 9TTC's commitment to the
environment please do not mail submissions to the 9TTC office.
Guidelines:
9TTC produces works that incorporate environmental issues as part of the part, characters,
or theme and are uniquely dedicated to Eco Theatre, connecting humanity and nature, in
various forms.
Original one acts, and full length plays and musicals are accepted.
One­person shows, children's shows, screenplays, or works without environmental themes
are NOT accepted. 9Thirty Theatre Company also does not produce works that have already
been produced in New York City.
To have your work considered, please submit the following as one file:
• cover letter, including your contact information
• brief synopsis of piece (500 words or less)
• character descriptions
• 20 page dialogue sample
• brief production history of the work (if applicable)
• bio for yourself and any other collaborators
• if submitting a musical, please include at least 3 recorded demo tracks
http://9ttc.org/submissions.php
Jewish Ensemble Theatre JETFest Call for Submissions (West Bloomfield, MI)
Deadline: June 30th, 2015
Jewish Ensemble Theatre is currently accepting submissions for their 2016 New Play
Festival. Entry must be a full length original work or adaptation with a minimum running
time of 85 minutes that has not been published prior to the festival in 2016. Cast size of 7
or less is preferred. Staged readings/workshop productions are not disqualifying factors.
There is a $15 non­refundable submission fee. This fee will be waived for members of the
Dramatists Guild. Checks and money orders should be made payable to “Jewish Ensemble
Theatre.” Contact the theatre should you wish to pay by credit card.
Additional guidelines can be found here.
Panowski Playwriting Competition (Marquette, MI)
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Deadline: September 1st, 2015
The Panowski award was established in 1977 by the Forest Roberts Theatre at Northern
Michigan University and is designed to encourage and stimulate artistic growth among
educational and professional playwrights. Each year, a theme is chosen for the competition, whit this year's theme being a comedy
that features college­age characters as the majority of the cast.
The competition is open to any playwright, but only one play per playwright may be
entered per biennium.
Entries must be original, full­length plays or musicals. They also may be co­authored,
based upon factual material or an adaptation. The applicant must be the owner and
controller of the copyright. The legal clearance of materials not in the public domain
is the full responsibility of the playwright. One­act plays and works previously entered in playwriting competitions sponsored
by Northern Michigan University are ineligible.
Submission is restricted to plays that have not been previously produced or
published.
No revisions will be accepted once a script has been submitted.
No written or oral critique will be given on plays submitted.
Entries may be submitted starting July, 2014 and must be received no later than
September 1, 2015 to be considered for the current theme. The winner will be
announced in December. A staged reading/workshop will be scheduled for March or
April 2016. The full production will be scheduled in the 2016­17 season, and may
happen in any of our performance spaces.
Northern Michigan University reserves the right to accept or reject any play entered
in the contest.
For complete rules and submission guidelines,
visit http://www.nmu.edu/forestrobertstheatre/node/38
Saving Endangered Species International Playwriting Prize (California)
Deadline: November 30th, 2015
SES Prize is seeking 10­minute plays with endangered species (as listed on the World
Wildlife Fund or CITES website) as an integral part of the plot. 8­10 selected plays will be
awarded with $100USD and a staged reading at a California theatre. In lieu of ticket sales,
the audience will be asked to make a donation to a specified non­profit wildlife conservancy.
There is no entry fee. Winning playwrights are invited to the Staged Reading, however,
travel and accommodations are not included in the prize.
One submission per playwright. Multiple playwrights/translators on a single play will
divide the prize equally should their script be awarded the $100USD prize.
Playwrights of all ages are encouraged to submit.
Plays must be in English.
Playwrights must hold the copyright. Previously produced plays are accepted,
published plays are not. Playwrights must inform SES if their play becomes published
after submission.
Plays may be comedic, dramatic, of for Young Audiences (performed by adult actors).
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No adaptations of musicals.
Maximum of 4 actors per play­ no elaborate props, swinging trapezes, or flaming
torches!
Title page must include playwright's name, address, phone number and email.
Second page must include cast list, location/time, name of endangered species, its
CITES appendix number/source that listed your species as endangered, and any
additional playwright's notes/glossaries.
Click here for detailed guidelines on how to submit.
Thespian Production Call for Submissions (New York, NY)
Deadline: Ongoing
Playwrights may submit multiple submissions. Include name, phone number, and email on the title page.
Plays cannot exceed 15 minutes in length (unless specified otherwise).
Plays must have minimal set requirements.
Brief synopsis of play must be included.
One Act and Full Length Gospel and Musical plays will also be accepted.
Submissions should be sent to: [email protected]
No submission fee.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS
NEW! PGC’s Adaptations Guide
You asked for it! Based on our membership’s needs and response, PGC has added a
guideline for Adaptations to our online Member Resources for Professional Development.
Check out our how­to and resource guide for navigating the tricky business of obtaining
rights, contracts, productions, and publishing. Created by Project Coordinator and Metcalf
Intern Jennie Egerdie, with help from committee Rick Chafe, Kim Selody, and Maggie Sulc.
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NEW! Emergence Lab 2015 at The Banff Centre (Banff, AB)
Deadline: April 22nd, 2015
Emergence Lab is a bilingual residency dedicated to new and emerging forms of storytelling.
This five­day residency brings together experienced traditional authors with multimedia
artists and technicians to explore the world of multiplatform stories through two storytelling
projects specially selected for the program.
Six participants will join the two storytellers and eight faculty mentors to form two creative
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teams, each workshopping one of the projects. Participants will choose which project they’d
like to work on as part of the application process. During this unique residency, the teams
will each work towards producing one of the following: narrative arc, interactive script,
storyboards, interactive storyboards, a prototype, or a theoretical / conceptual framework.
We are seeking applications from artist­technicians with skills and experience in interactive
storytelling. Fluency in both French and English is an asset. Artists may apply in either
language. Enrollment in this program is limited to Canadian citizens and citizens of
France. Program dates: June 1, 2015 ­ June 5, 2015
Click here to view details of application requirements.
NEW! Compass Points Program for the Emerging Artist (Ottawa, ON)
Deadline: April 24th, 2015
Now in its eighth year, Compass Points is a 6­day intensive program designed to inspire and
nurture the careers of emerging artists from across the country. It provides a firsthand
introduction to the professional theatre industry and fosters lifelong collaborative
relationships among a peer community of Canada’s next generation of theatre creators. The
program will focus on providing participants with new tools, inspiration, and ideas to fuel
their creative practices while engaging in a critical discourse on artistic creation and
criticism.
Ideal candidates are:
Emerging artists who have a strong interest in engaging in the national and local arts
community, developing their craft as an artist, and artistic leadership.
In their final years or recently graduated from post­secondary theatre, dance, and
music programs, or emerging artists who have been in the arts industry for up to
four years since graduating. Available for the entire duration of Compass Points (June 6­11, 2015). Additional details and application form may be found
here: http://magneticnorthfestival.ca/2015festival/compasspoints/
Theatre Aquarius Playwriting Class: The Craft of Writing Plays (Hamilton, ON)
April 28th ­ June 2nd, 2015
Six Week Course, Tuesday Nights 7pm ­ 9:30 pm
Over the course of six weeks, students will learn, in a supportive environment, the
fundamentals of playwriting and apply those elements while writing a ten minute play. This
course is suitable for playwrights at all levels, writers curious about the craft of playwriting,
as well as those looking to improve their writing in other genres.
Instructor: Beverley Cooper
Beverley Cooper has written for TV, theatre and extensively for CBC radio drama, twice
being nominated for Writer's Guild of Canada Awards. Recently produced plays include: The
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Eyes of Heaven, The Woman in White (Dramatized from the novel by Wilkie Collins)The
Lonely Diner: Al Capone in Euphemia Township, and Innocence Lost: A Play about Steven
Truscott. Innocence Lost was a finalist for the Governor General's Litereary Awards, was on
the Globe And Mail bestseller list (a first for a Canadian Playwright) and was produced at
the National Arts Centre in Ottawa. Her plays are published by Scirocco Drama. Beverley
trained as an actor and has performed in TV, film and theatres across Canada. She is a
graduate of the MFA program in Creative Writing at the University of Guelph.
The cost for this course is $367.25 including HST
For more information and to register online,
visit http://www.theatreaquarius.org/CommunityEvents/Playwriting.html
RESIDENCIES
Writing with Care Writing Retreat (Ochre Pit Cove, NL)
Deadline: April 20th, 2015
A unique writing retreat with award winning dramaturge Lois Brown and special guest Lori
Clarke
May 18th­23rd, 2015. The workshop discusses individual processes and the place of writing
in one’s life. It provides as needed one­on­one dramaturgy, and guided reflection, and
plenty of time to write in an inspiring and comfortable setting.
Lois Brown is a multi­disciplinary artist, director and writer who works mainly in live arts.
Lois holds a Masters from Memorial where she has taught directing and acting. She was
Dramaturge and Artist­in­Residence at Playwrights’ Workshop Montréal from 2011 to 2013.
Lori Clarke has been creating and composing music and soundscapes for stage, screen and
installation for more than 25 years. Lori holds an MA Somatics from the California Institute
of Integral Studies and is currently pursuing an Interdisciplinary PhD at Memorial.
For details on the application process, visit http://www.thechurchatochrepitcove.com/writing­with­care/
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Playwrights Guild of Canada uses this email list to distribute messages to its members, including CanScene,
member news and calls for submissions, messages from the President, and special notices and
announcements.
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