Submission Guidelines

Playwright Power invites those aged 16 and older to submit impactful 5- to 15-minute theatrical pieces inspired by their thoughts, emotions, fears, hopes, and dreams surrounding the current political and social landscape.

This contest seeks to amplify diverse voices across ability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnicity, offering unique perspectives on this pivotal moment in history.

Selected works will be presented in a professional staged reading by a talented ensemble of six actors in Spring 2025, celebrating creativity and inclusivity on a shared platform. 

The initial performances will be at Open Space Arts in Chicago's Uptown. Additional performances and venues may be added. 

1. Eligibility

• Open to anyone aged 16 and older.
• Playwrights from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, including those who identify as differently abled, cisgender, transgender, nonbinary, LGBTQ+, and from all ethnicities.
• Submissions must be in English or accompanied by an English translation.

2. Monologue or Scene Requirements

• Submissions must be original. They can be published or not, and can have been produced for workshops or limited runs. .
• Include a brief description of character(s) at the start of the piece.
• Pieces should be crafted for 1 to 5 performers, using standard theatrical formatting.
• Each piece should have a runtime of 5 to 15 minutes when read aloud.
• Content should reflect a character’s personal perspective on the 2024 U.S. election or situation.

3. Submission Fee

• There is no submission fee.
• Submissions are accepted exclusively through this website and our fiscal sponsor openspacearts.org.

4. Format Requirements 

• Use 12-point font and submit as a PDF.
• Submissions must be anonymous: include a title page with only the title (no personal or identifying information).
• Paginate the entire document.
• Only the contest administrator will know the authorship of each piece during evaluation.

5. Submission Deadline

• All entries must be received by January 31, 2025, at 11:59 PM PST.

6. How to Submit

• Submit your entry only through this website. Mailed entries can not be accepted. 

Evaluation Criteria
Submissions will be judged based on:

• Creativity and originality.
• Emotional resonance and relevance to the theme.
• Clarity and performability of the piece.

Each entry will be reviewed by at least three members of the reading panel.

Selection Notification

• Selected playwrights will be notified by March 10, 2025.
• The list of selected works will be published on this website by April 1, 2025.
• Selected works will be curated into a 90-minute program for performance.

1. Staged Reading

• Selected works will be performed in a staged reading by a professional ensemble of six actors in Spring 2025 at Open Space Arts, 1411 W Wilson, Chicago. Additional venues maybe be added in Illinois and elsewhere.

2. Playwright Participation

• Selected playwrights will receive full credit for their work and are invited to attend rehearsals, either in person or virtually.

• By submitting, playwrights grant permission for their pieces to be publicly read during the event. Copyright remains with the author.
• PlaywrightPower.org reserves the right to perform the selected materials for up to 36 months following the premiere date.
• For questions or more information, please email playwrightpower@gmail.com