For aspiring playwrights, getting your work seen and appreciated by theaters, producers, and competitions can seem like an impossible feat. You may have slaved for months or years over crafting the perfect script – developing memorable characters, witty dialogue, and an impactful storyline. However, all that effort means little if your play remains unseen on your desktop. This is where strategic play submissions come in.
Just as aspiring novelists need to research publishers and submit book proposals, playwrights must put themselves and their work out there if they want to achieve that big break. While there’s no secret formula for guaranteed success, adhering to some key best practices around play submissions can dramatically help improve your odds. This article will guide you through core strategies and tips to assist in promoting your playwriting more effectively.
One of the first steps to succeed with playwright submissions is thoroughly researching relevant theaters, producers, and playwriting competitions to target. Rather than blindly submitting your script anywhere and everywhere, be selective and focus on venues where your style and genre are a good fit.
For instance, avant-garde or experimental plays may find a better home in smaller fringe theaters focused on edgier works. Mainstream Broadway producers will likely pass on anything too radical or controversial. On the other hand, family-friendly plays have a better chance with regional companies catering more to such demographics.
When assessing specific theaters or competitions, also pay close attention to aspects like:
By becoming intimate with the exact kinds of plays and playwriting esthetics that appeal to particular organizations, you can hone submissions appropriately.
You may have a brilliant play on your hands, but that won’t matter if it’s not formatted correctly for submission to a theater or contest. While different theaters or competitions may have specific requirements, there are some general formatting rules you should adhere to:
Additionally, it’s wise to register your script with the U.S. Copyright Office before wide submissions. While not essential, having your play published can add legitimacy and professionalism too. Respected play publishing houses include Samuel French, Playscripts, and Dramatists Play Service.
Some playwrights also invest in professional editing assistance to polish drafts before they submit a play. An extra pair of expert eyes can help identify any plot holes, characterization issues, or formatting inconsistencies. Just be selective in who you approach for editing services – numerous self-proclaimed experts are trying to exploit writers. Vet editors carefully check experience, testimonials, and industry associations.
What cover letter? Well, not all play submissions require an accompanying letter. However, where allowed, a well-crafted letter can boost your chances. This introductory message lets you offer some personal context, highlight your writing credentials, reference comparables, and signal why precisely you’re approaching the specific theater or competition.
While submission letter formats vary, they should generally cover:
Simultaneously pitching your play by email to multiple theaters risks coming across as spammy. Better to customize submissions to speak directly to what makes that theater the ideal home for the work. Demonstrate you “get” their creative ethos through tailored language, citing relevant past productions or favored styles. Show you aren’t blindly spamming every listed email address you find.
Beyond polished scripts and cover letters, how you conduct yourself can influence whether producers take you seriously as a writer worth their time. Maintain professionalism in all communications – from initial emails to follow-up calls or meetings. Be patient in awaiting responses, which can take weeks or months. Only nudge with a polite email checking if they received your submission and ask about typical response times.
If rejected, take it gracefully rather than demanding detailed explanations. Tastefully, try asking for constructive feedback that may improve future submissions. Also, clarify if resubmissions are allowed should you address issues raised.
Should your play progress to a shortlist or need minor reworking, exhibiting flexibility around making edits demonstrates you are open to collaborating. Don’t get stubbornly resisting all suggested changes just because it’s “your” script. A rigid writer is undesirable to work with.
Finally, if bestowed the enormous opportunity of a production or competition prize, show appropriate gratitude. These gatekeepers hold immense power in propelling emerging writers’ careers. Maintain humility, professionalism, and willingness to work cooperatively at all times.
The first step in submitting a play is to find the right opportunities. Many different types of theaters and contests accept play submissions. Some of the most common types include:
These theaters produce plays for a paying audience. They often have a rigorous submission process and may only accept plays from playwrights who have professional experience.
Professional theaters are the most prestigious type of theater, and they often produce the most challenging and innovative plays. They also have the most resources available to support the production of new plays. However, they can also be the most competitive, and it can be difficult to get your play accepted by a professional theater.
If you’re considering submitting your play to a professional theater, it’s important to do your research and make sure your play is a good fit for the theater’s interests. You can do this by reading the theater’s mission statement and reviewing the plays they’ve produced in the past.
Once you’ve found a few professional theaters that you think would be a good fit for your play, you can start the submission process. The submission process for professional theaters can vary, but it typically includes the following steps:
College and university theaters serve as vibrant hubs where budding artists hone their craft and explore the boundless realms of theatrical expression. These institutions play a pivotal role in cultivating the next generation of actors, directors, playwrights, and stage technicians. Within the hallowed halls of academia, students engage in a multifaceted journey, blending academic learning with hands-on experience, fostering a deep understanding of the theatrical arts.
These theaters produce plays by students and faculty. They may be a good option for playwrights who are new to the theater scene.
Playwriting contests stand as beacons within the theatrical landscape, offering playwrights a platform to showcase their literary prowess and unique perspectives. These competitions play a pivotal role in the discovery and celebration of emerging voices, providing an avenue for talented writers to break into the limelight. As the stage becomes a canvas for storytelling, these contests become crucibles of creativity, inviting playwrights to weave narratives that captivate, challenge, and resonate with audiences and judges alike.
These contests offer prizes, such as cash, publication, or production opportunities. They can be a great way to get your play seen by a wider audience.
To find playwriting opportunities, you can search online, talk to other playwrights, or contact your local theater. There are also several resources available to help you find opportunities, such as:
Beyond simply researching theaters and playwriting competitions generally, writers must also weigh up the precise path most beneficial to their goals. There are notable pros and cons of theaters versus playwriting contests regarding exposure, prestige, production guarantees, profits, and more that differentiate these avenues.
Key potential upsides to submitting works to theater companies include:
In terms of competitive high-profile playwriting contests, benefits may include:
As reinforced throughout these play submission tips and strategies, dedicating effort to understand theaters’ or competitions’ specific visions, protocols, and procedures remains paramount. There exist no instant shortcuts to landing that dream production or playwriting award. Carefully targeting the best homes aligning with your aspirations, sensibilities, and level will prove far more rewarding than mass spamming every listed opportunity. Certainly, incorporate the above-expanded suggestions around fringe productions, anonymous assessments, and writing workshops too.
Also, keep in mind that war stories abound of “overnight success” plays that catapulted novice writers into superstardom after years of languishing unseen. The iconic, “A Chorus Line” originated from taped conversations of Broadway dancers that revealed the struggles of auditioning. Writer Michael Bennett transformed these testimonies into an avant-garde musical sensation about the lives of theater performers. Initially rejected by every producer, Joseph Papp took a risk, premiering it at The Public Theater. It’s since become one of Broadway’s longest-running musicals, earning Tony Awards and Pulitzer Prize honors.
So never abandon hope! With a dedication to writing excellence plus strategic pitching and submissions, your next play could be that unexpected breakthrough, launching your playwriting career into the stratosphere. Use the above best practices to begin submitting your plays like a pro and getting your vital voice heard! Just imagine the standing ovations ahead.