The play may be the most enduring form of storytelling. There are great stone amphitheatres in Greece dating back to the 5th and 6th centuries B.C. Today most towns boast at least one community theatre. So there are opportunities for playwrights to get their work produced, but like with all types of writing: the bigger the market, the bigger the pay and the tougher the competition.
What do you need to know before approaching a theatre?
First the obvious: Does the theatre produce new plays? Some theatres only produce work that has been professionally produced and has a good track record with audiences. With funding for the arts becoming tighter and tighter, and the general public leaning toward "cocooning" or entertaining at home, theatres need big audiences and supporters to survive. Proven hits mean money in the bank.
There are other monetary issues to consider too. A play with lavish set requirements and huge casts will cost a theatre a lot to produce. Some will be reluctant to take on a new project that will cost them a lot to produce.
Third, make sure the theatre takes your type of play. Some theatres only want new scripts for children or they only accept one-act plays. Look at the demographics - is this a family-oriented, PG theatre or will they consider something more edgy and/or adult.
Do you send the whole script?
That depends on the theatre's submission guidelines. Just like publishers and magazines, theatres have guidelines, sometimes highly detailed, sometimes simple. If you can't find them on the theatre's website, write or email the literary or artistic director before sending anything.
Typically, the theatre would like a synopsis or treatment of your play plus the first 10 pages. This varies so always double-check. Always make sure your sample pages are in proper play format. If you don't know what that is, check out this example from ScriptFrenzy.
E-submissions are getting more common, but they're not the norm so be sure you know the theatre's preference before you hit the send key. Always include a cover letter, then other items that may be required are character lists and/or breakdowns, résumé, CD or cassette of music if it is a musical, SASE and one in the list below request two letters of recommendation. Once your packet has been reviewed, just like with a book and a publisher, the theatre will request the whole manuscript if they like what they have read.
Where can you submit your play?
Here are a handful of theatres that will consider unsolicited query packets. Click the theatre's name to go to its guidelines online.
The New Group - seeks full-length plays, not previously produced in NYC, scripts should be "challenging, and character-base" with contemporary settings and sensibilities.
New York State Theatre Institute - produces full-length plays and musicals suitable for family audiences.
New York State Theatre Workshop - (not affiliated with theatre above) - produces one-acts, full-length plays, musicals and one-man shows.
Playwrights' Program - Boston playwrights only, must be active in the organization to have your script considered.
The Public Theater - has an Emerging Writers Group, produces full-length plays, musicals, one-man shows, adaptations.
The Purple Rose Theatre - seeks full-length plays with modern, topical subjects.
South Coast Repertory - seeks full-length plays, translations, adaptations and works for children (4th grade level), has a NewSCRipts Series and the Pacific Playwrights Festival.
Teatro Visión - seeks plays from Latino or Chicano playwrights only, has a program, Codices, that supports and develops new work, no guidelines on the website, but email for more info: Teatro@TeatroVision.org
Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company - produces full-length plays that are "word and actor driven", but limits cast to five.
0 comments:
Post a Comment