Are you a dedicated playwright eager to gain recognition and exposure for your exceptional work?
Playwriting contests serve as invaluable platforms for showcasing your talents, providing not only a stage for your creativity but also opportunities for significant industry recognition. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the world of playwriting contests, emphasizing their importance and presenting a meticulously curated list of the top contests that can catapult your playwriting career to new heights.
Playwriting contests serve as catalysts for emerging and established playwrights alike. They offer a platform to showcase your work, gain exposure, and receive recognition from industry professionals. Winning or being recognized in a prestigious contest can open doors to production opportunities, agent representation, and valuable connections within the theater community.
When selecting playwriting contests to enter, consider various factors to ensure the best fit for your play and aspirations. Look for contests that align with your play’s genre, length, and theme. Consider the reputation and history of the contest, including the caliber of past winners and the visibility it provides within the industry. Pay attention to submission guidelines, entry fees, and any specific requirements to ensure a smooth and successful submission process. Also, consider those pioneering organizations that operate differently, altruistically aiming to transform the sector progressively and inclusively.
The Eugene O’Neill Theater Center National Playwrights Conference is renowned for its rich history of discovering and nurturing exceptional playwrights. Notable alumni from this prestigious contest include August Wilson, whose experience at the conference played a pivotal role in shaping his career. Wilson, a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner, credited the O’Neill Center with providing the environment and support needed for the development of his groundbreaking plays. His journey from the O’Neill Center to Broadway exemplifies the transformative impact this contest can have on a playwright’s career.
The Playwrights’ Center Many Voices Fellowship is dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices in playwriting. Emerging playwrights like Martyna Majok, a Pulitzer Prize-winning dramatist, found a supportive community and valuable mentorship through this fellowship. Majok’s success highlights the program’s commitment to fostering diverse perspectives and providing a platform for playwrights to tell their unique stories. The Many Voices Fellowship’s impact on Majok’s career underscores the contest’s role in championing underrepresented voices in the theatrical landscape.
The American Association of Community Theatre (AACT) NewPlayFest stands out for celebrating original works in community theaters. Playwright Lauren Gunderson, recognized as one of the most produced playwrights in America, had her play “Exit, Pursued by a Bear” featured in AACT NewPlayFest. Gunderson’s experience with the contest contributed to the widespread success of her plays, showcasing how community-focused contests can propel playwrights to national prominence. The AACT NewPlayFest continues to be a vital platform for emerging playwrights seeking exposure and community engagement.
Supported by Yale University, The Yale Drama Series has been instrumental in discovering emerging playwrights. Frances Ya-Chu Cowhig, a past winner, found success with her play “The World of Extreme Happiness,” which premiered at the Goodman Theatre. The Yale Drama Series not only provided Cowhig with a cash prize but also facilitated the professional development of her work. Cowhig’s journey underscores the contest’s commitment to promoting the work of emerging playwrights on an international stage, making it a significant launching pad for a successful playwriting career.
The Princess Grace Playwriting Award, administered by the Princess Grace Foundation-USA, has been a beacon for emerging playwrights like Theresa Rebeck. Known for her prolific career in theater, Rebeck received this prestigious award early in her career. The award’s impact extends beyond recognition, providing recipients with a cash prize, residency opportunities, and professional support. Rebeck’s trajectory demonstrates how the Princess Grace Playwriting Award can propel a playwright to sustained success in the industry.
The NNPN Annual Showcase serves as a platform for the best new plays from member theaters across the country. Playwright Lauren Yee, whose work has gained widespread acclaim, had her play “In a Word” featured in the showcase. Yee’s experience exemplifies how this contest connects playwrights with theater professionals, paving the way for future productions. The NNPN Annual Showcase remains an essential opportunity for playwrights to present their work to a broad audience of industry insiders, fostering career advancement.
Established in 1978, The Susan Smith Blackburn Prize has been a trailblazer in honoring outstanding women playwrights. Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paula Vogel, a past winner, acknowledges the profound impact of the prize on her career. Vogel’s play “How I Learned to Drive” received recognition from the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize, contributing to its success on Broadway. The prize continues to play a crucial role in promoting and celebrating the exceptional work of women playwrights on the global stage.
For playwrights interested in shorter works, The Samuel French Off-Off Broadway Short Play Festival provides a dynamic platform. Noteworthy playwright who has participated in this festival is Rajiv Joseph. Known for works such as “Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo” and “Guards at the Taj,” Joseph has found in this festival a platform to showcase his creativity and contribute to the contemporary theatrical landscape. His involvement highlights the diversity of talented voices that the festival continues to attract, solidifying it as a vital space for innovative theatrical expression.
Presented by the Actors Theatre of Louisville as part of the Humana Festival of New American Plays, the Heideman Award spotlights exceptional ten-minute plays. Playwright Sarah Ruhl, a two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist, had her early work recognized with the Heideman Award. Ruhl’s experience illustrates how this contest provides a unique opportunity for playwrights to showcase their talent in the context of a renowned festival. The Heideman Award’s emphasis on short plays contributes to the diversity and innovation in contemporary playwriting.
Founded in 2008, The Papatango New Writing Prize has played a crucial role in discovering and promoting exceptional new playwrights. Dawn King, a past winner, saw her play “Foxfinder” receive a full production at a leading UK theater. The prize’s commitment to providing a professional platform for emerging playwrights contributes significantly to their recognition in the industry. The Papatango New Writing Prize remains a vital force in fostering the next generation of successful playwrights, offering them opportunities for production and showcasing.
The Lark Play Development Center distinguishes itself through its unwavering commitment to empowering playwrights and championing diverse voices. Focused on delivering transformative support to both emerging and mid-career playwrights, The Lark presents a range of contests tailored to various themes and styles. Renowned playwright Lynn Nottage, a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner for “Ruined” and “Sweat,” attributes her creative growth to The Lark’s supportive environment, which fosters risk-taking and experimentation. The contests hosted by The Lark play a significant role in cultivating an inclusive landscape within the realm of playwriting.
The Alliance/Kendeda National Graduate Playwriting Competition, hosted by the Alliance Theatre, serves as a platform for emerging graduate playwrights to showcase their talents. This contest focuses on discovering bold, original voices that demonstrate exceptional promise. Playwright Tarell Alvin McCraney, an Academy Award-winning writer known for “Moonlight,” had his early work recognized by this competition. The Alliance/Kendeda Competition has a proven track record of elevating the careers of emerging playwrights by providing them with production opportunities and industry exposure.
Named in honor of the legendary playwright Terrence McNally, this contest celebrates outstanding new plays that exemplify excellence in storytelling and dramatic impact. The Terrence McNally New Play Award, hosted by the Philadelphia Theatre Company, has been a catalyst for launching the careers of playwrights pushing the boundaries of contemporary theater. Playwright Quiara Alegría Hudes, Pulitzer Prize winner for “Water by the Spoonful,” attributes part of her success to the visibility and recognition gained through this esteemed contest.
The Aurora Theatre Global Age Project distinguishes itself by actively seeking plays that explore the intricacies of our globalized world. This competition is dedicated to showcasing innovative works that address the challenges and opportunities of the modern age. Playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, a prominent and critically acclaimed figure in American theater, had his play “An Octoroon” featured in the Global Age Project. The contest not only provides a platform for playwrights to address pressing global issues but also fosters connections within the theater community, contributing to their professional growth.
The Center Theatre Group’s Humanitas/CTG Playwriting Prize recognizes plays that explore and illuminate the human experience with depth and empathy. This contest, in collaboration with the Humanitas Prize, has been a driving force behind impactful storytelling. Playwright Sarah Treem, known for her work on “The Affair” and “In Treatment,” received recognition early in her career through this prize. The Humanitas/CTG Playwriting Prize continues to be a vital platform for playwrights dedicated to creating socially resonant and thought-provoking works that engage audiences on a profound level.
The Theatre503 International Playwriting Award has gained prominence for its dedication to discovering and promoting exceptional plays from around the world. This contest, hosted by Theatre503 in London, has a track record of unearthing groundbreaking voices in contemporary theater. Playwright Dennis Kelly, whose play “Matilda the Musical” achieved international acclaim, received early recognition through this award. The Theatre503 International Playwriting Award provides a unique opportunity for playwrights to have their work showcased on an international stage, fostering cultural exchange and collaboration within the global theater community.
The Royal Court Theatre International Playwrights’ Programme is a prestigious initiative that supports and develops playwrights from around the world. Known for its commitment to fostering global voices, this program provides selected playwrights with mentorship, workshops, and opportunities to showcase their work. Playwright Caryl Churchill, celebrated for her groundbreaking plays like “Top Girls” and “Cloud Nine,” attributes part of her early success to the support she received through the Royal Court Theatre. The International Playwrights’ Programme continues to play a vital role in shaping the landscape of contemporary theater by promoting diverse perspectives and innovative storytelling.
Participating in playwriting contests can be a transformative step in your artistic journey, providing opportunities for recognition, exposure, and career advancement. By carefully selecting contests that align with your artistic goals and utilizing the resources and connections they offer, you can elevate your playwriting career to new heights. Embrace the challenge, unleash your creativity, and let your unique voice resonate through the powerful medium of theater. Best of luck on your playwriting contest endeavors!