Have you written a play for children and wondered how to get it published or performed? Whether you're a first-time playwright, an experienced writer, a teacher, or a parent with a creative idea, finding the right place to submit your script is the first important step.
Here are three ways to get your children's play in front of the right people.
1. Find Children's Theatres Accepting New Scripts
Start by researching children's theatres, youth theatre companies, and Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) organizations in the United States.
Look beyond the largest theatre companies. Smaller regional theatres, educational theatre organizations, and independent children's theatre producers may also be interested in original work.
Visit their websites and look for sections titled "New Works," "Play Submissions," "Playwright Opportunities," or "Literary Department."
Important: Not every theatre accepts unsolicited scripts. Some only consider plays submitted through agents, literary managers, or established relationships. Always check their current submission guidelines before sending anything.
2. Research Play Publishers
Another option is submitting your manuscript to publishers specializing in plays for schools, community theatres, and young audiences.
Look at publishers such as YouthPLAYS, Playscripts, and other independent play publishers. Check their catalogues to see whether your writing style and subject matter fit their interests.
Some publishers accept unsolicited manuscripts, while others have specific submission periods or requirements.
Prepare a professional script, a short synopsis, a character list, and a brief introduction to your work. Follow each publisher's instructions carefully.
3. Look for Playwriting Competitions and Festivals
Competitions and festivals can provide opportunities for recognition, staged readings, workshops, and even full productions.
Explore resources such as the American Association of Community Theatre (AACT) opportunities directory and organizations offering new-play development programs.
Young writers may also investigate opportunities specifically designed for student playwrights, such as the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center's Young Playwrights Festival.
For additional leads, directories such as https://playsubmissionshelper.com/ can help writers discover organizations and opportunities to investigate.
4. Do Your Homework Before Submitting
Before submitting your play, ask yourself:
- Does the organization accept children's plays?
- Are unsolicited manuscripts welcome?
- Does my script fit its intended audience?
- Are there restrictions on length, cast size, or subject matter?
- What are the submission deadlines and requirements?
Keep a record of submissions, dates, and responses.
Give Your Play a Chance!
Getting a children's play published or produced takes research, persistence, and patience. Don't be discouraged if your first submission doesn't result in an acceptance.
The right opportunity may be waiting at a theatre, publisher, or festival you haven't discovered yet. Keep writing, keep researching, and keep submitting!