Play Submissions Process: Where and How to Submit Your Work

One of the most common questions aspiring playwrights ask is where to submit their plays. How do you find play submission opportunities? Thankfully, many calls for scripts can easily be found on the internet. In the past, I would pore over the Dramatist Guild’s directory, highlighting each opportunity that might fit the play I was trying to market. Now, there are lists and databases and websites you can peruse. These often include:

• Theatres seeking plays to perform as part of a season
• New play or short play festivals
• Community-wide theatre festivals
• Conferences
• Development opportunities like workshops and stage readings
• Residencies

I use a mix of websites and social media to find opportunities. One thing I have noticed over the years is that there are more playwrights submitting and fewer places to submit. Your best option might be to network with theatres in your area and get involved. When an opportunity arises, they will think of you.

Following is a list of sources that post calls for scripts and some tips for submitting.

Play Submission Opportunity Sources

No matter the form your play takes, there is probably a place for it. Whether it is a one-minute comedy or a full-length drama or radio play. Some theatres ask for a theme. Pay special attention to their requirements.

• Nycplaywrights.org has a current list of play submission opportunities that don’t require a fee.
• Playwright Marketing Binge Group
• Play Submission Helper – database of opportunities by monthly subscription
• New Play Exchange
• Submittable
• FilmFreeway
• Playwrights’ Center opportunities for members
• Dramatists Guild online sourcebook
• International Centre for Women Playwrights Connect email list for members
• Regional playwrighting groups like the Northwest Playwrights Alliance or the Southeastern Theatre Conference
• Social media groups like The Playwright Connection
• Individual theatre sites and social channels
• Email newsletters of your favorite theatres
• Literary magazines

Tips for Submitting a Play

The act of submitting your work takes time and attention to detail. You are setting aside your writing hat and donning a marketing one. I recommend setting aside at least one morning a month for this activity.

Here are some tips for creating an effective submission package.

• Pay attention to requirements. Follow the specs in the call exactly. If they ask for 10 minutes, don’t send a 15-minute play.
• Use standard play formatting. Don’t be fancy.
• Have two copies, one with your contact info and one without. Some opportunities ask for anonymous scripts.
• Decide whether you will pay a fee. What is your personal line in the sand?
• Submit early. Due to the sheer volume that opportunities receive, many stop reading after they reach a certain cap, and they might not tell you.
• If a theatre or opportunity asks you to send your script, do so as soon as possible.
• Once you submit, don’t think about it. You could wait months or even years for a response. Not every opportunity sends a rejection letter.
• If a theatre only wants a sample, send your best bit. Many ask for the first 10 pages. If not, choose your strongest scene.
• Keep track of your submissions by spreadsheet or an online platform like Submittable. Information to track can include:
  • Name of the theatre or opportunity
  • Date submitted
  • Name of play
  • How submitted (via email, web form, etc.)
  • Date response received
  • Whether the response was a yes or no
  • Amount of fee
• Be careful not to submit the same play in subsequent years. In the rare cases where theatres accept this, they typically would expect a significant rewrite.
• Handle rejections with grace. It is not necessary to respond to a rejection. It is best to log it in your spreadsheet and move on.

Frequently Asked Questions About Submitting

What information should go on the title page?

You should always include a title page in your document with the following information: Play title, length of play (full, one-act, 10-minute), playwright’s name, contact info (email and phone). Note, avoid adding your address unless requested. One the second page, include the play title, character breakdown, running time, and brief synopsis.

What is meant by unproduced?

Typically, if an opportunity request scripts that are unproduced, they mean not produced in front of a paying audience. Staged readings and workshops are usually ok. Some require the play has had no professional production, which means the theatre is recognized as a professional company and pays actors and artists, such as members of the League of Resident Theatres.

What do readers look for?

Like any artform, what a reader responds to is subjective. In my experience, I’ve found the most engaging plays have a strong main character voice, tension, a clear dramatic question, a story structure that fits, and a satisfying ending.

Do you need to register your play for a copyright before submitting?

No. Your play is copyrighted the moment you wrote it on paper or created that doc. If someone blatantly steals your work, you would need to register it before you could file a lawsuit. Read more from the Copyright Alliance.

What does “no unsolicited scripts” mean?

When an opportunity says it does not accept unsolicited scripts, it means they do not accept submissions. Do not send them your script.

Can I submit a play to more than one opportunity?

Yes. Unless the call says “no simultaneous submissions,” it is acceptable to submit to more than one. Many literary magazines ask to be notified if your work is accepted elsewhere. Theatres don’t typically mind unless they are wanting to do a premiere.

What file format should I use?

Most opportunities ask for a PDF or Word file of your script.

Do I need to include a cover letter?

Some read them, and some don’t. Keep it simple and brief. If you have a connection to the theatre, mention that. Otherwise, just mention the name of your play and thank them for reading. Include play details and a bio if requested.

How long will it take to hear back?

It generally takes three months to a year to hear whether your play was selected. Some don’t notify unless selected.

What if my play is selected?

Congratulations. Your play has risen above hundreds of others. The next steps depend on whether it is a developmental opportunity or a production and the terms outlined in the call for scripts. This is where being a Dramatists Guild member is helpful, as the organization has free resources and contract reviews.

Sometimes the biggest challenge is just getting your work out there. The best time to start is now. Go for it!

To help you organize your creative works and submissions, download this free submission log spreadsheet template.