Simultaneous submission rules
Yes, often you can—but it depends on each theater’s submission rules.
For new playwrights, simultaneous submissions can save months of waiting. The important thing is to understand what each theater actually allows before sending your play.
What Is a Simultaneous Submission?
A simultaneous submission means sending the same play to several theaters, festivals, competitions, or development programs while you’re waiting for responses.
Some organizations explicitly allow this. Others prohibit it, meaning they expect the play to be exclusive to them while under consideration. A few may allow simultaneous submissions but require you to notify them if another theater accepts the play.
There is no universal international rule. The submission guidelines for each organization are what matter.
How to Check the Rules
Before submitting, look for phrases such as:
“Simultaneous submissions accepted”
“No simultaneous submissions”
“Please notify us of an acceptance elsewhere”
“Play must not be under consideration elsewhere”
If the guidelines are unclear, contact the theater rather than assuming.
It can also help to keep a simple spreadsheet recording where each play was submitted, the date, deadline, expected response time, and any special restrictions. Resources such as Play Submissions Helper can also be useful when organizing your submission process.
What About Copyright and Rights?
Submitting a play generally isn't the same thing as giving a theater ownership of your copyright. However, read any agreement carefully before signing it, particularly if a theater offers production, publication, development, or licensing.
Pay attention to language concerning:
Copyright ownership
Exclusive or non-exclusive rights
Production rights
Publication rights
Licensing periods
First-refusal or similar provisions
Submission guidelines and contracts are different things. An organization may have one set of rules for submissions and entirely different terms once it wants to produce your work.
What If Another Theater Accepts It?
If your play is accepted while it is still under consideration elsewhere, check the other organizations' rules and notify them promptly where required.
You may need to withdraw the play from consideration, especially if the acceptance involves exclusive rights. Don't simply disappear from the process.
The Bottom Line
For emerging playwrights, simultaneous submissions can be perfectly reasonable and practical. Just remember: never assume that every theater follows the same rules. Check the guidelines, track your submissions, protect your rights, and communicate promptly when your circumstances change.