Note: Submissions to Playwrights Local currently are closed, and we ask that you do not send your material at this time. For now, our standard submission process is posted here for reference. If you have questions, feel free to contact us at playwrightslocal@gmail.com.
Playwrights Local seeks original, unproduced plays for our upcoming and future seasons. Approximately fifteen works will be selected each year for opportunities including:
- Staged readings of full-length and one-act plays in our Roundtable series;
- Staged readings and productions of ten-minute plays in our annual festival;
- Development of full-length and one-act plays in our Play Lab program;
- Production of 25-40 minute radio plays for our PL Radio channel;
- Consideration of full-length and one-act plays for production.
There is no fee for submitting.
Eligibility: Open to all playwrights age 18 or older who are permanent residents of Northeast Ohio, broadly defined as the Cleveland–Akron–Canton combined statistical area.
Note: We offer an annual open reading period as opposed to a contest. Submissions will be considered for the opportunities listed above rather than specific prizes.
Accepted: Plays for adult audiences in all genres (drama, comedy, satire, etc.), including one-person plays, that have not received full professional productions.
Not Accepted: Children’s plays, musicals, adaptations of copyrighted material, and translations.
Deadline for Submissions: [N/A]
Notification of Selections: [N/A]
GUIDELINES
Submit up to three pieces, with no more than one in any of the following forms:
- One ten-minute play (10 pages or less)
- One one-act play (30-60 pages) or full-length play (60-120 pages)
- One radio play (25-40 pages)
With these qualifications:
- Plays should require no more than seven cast members.
- No resubmission of work already presented to Playwrights Local.
- Submissions are final. Do not submit until your drafts are ready.
Manuscripts should be submitted as PDF files, and should be in any standard playwriting format such as Samuel French or the Dramatists Guild. They should include:
- Cover Page with author name, play title, and an indication of ten-minute, one-act, full-length, or pod/radio play form.
- Introductory Page with a 100-word synopsis, cast breakdown, and setting.
- Production History listing any staged readings, workshops, or other presentations.
- A Playwright Bio of up to 100 words with contact information (name, address, e-mail, and phone).
Submission Process
- Send your plays as PDF files.
- Receipt will be acknowledged via automatic reply.
- Selections will be announced by e-mail by the above deadline.
- Please, no requests for updates during the reading period.