Understanding submission process and requirements
For a new or emerging playwright, submitting a play to a theater can feel intimidating. The good news is that the process is usually straightforward once you know what to look for.
The most important rule? Don't submit your play to every theater you can find. Submit it to the right theaters.
1. FIND THEATERS THAT FIT YOUR PLAY
Start by researching theaters that actually produce the kind of work you've written.
Look at their recent seasons. What genres and styles do they produce? Do they support new playwrights? Do they accept unsolicited submissions? Are they interested in full-length plays, one-acts, or both?
A theater that regularly produces new experimental work may be a much better fit for your play than a theater whose programming is completely different.
Think of submission as a match, not a lottery.
A useful place to start is a resource such as Play Submissions Helper, which lets you browse opportunities and quickly find the key information you need to decide whether a particular submission is worth exploring further.
2. READ THE SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
Every theater can have different requirements. Before sending anything, carefully check its website or submission portal.
You may be asked for:
- A complete manuscript
- A synopsis or play description
- A short playwright biography
- A cover letter
- Character information
- Production or performance history
- Contact information
Pay attention to formatting rules, file types, page limits, deadlines, and whether the theater accepts submissions by email, through an online form, or only during specific periods.
If a theater says it does not accept unsolicited scripts, don't send one anyway.
3. PREPARE YOUR PLAY
Your manuscript should be clean, readable, and professionally formatted.
Proofread it carefully. Remove obvious typos and formatting problems. Make sure your contact information is included if requested.
You don't need to make your play sound artificially “professional.” Your goal is simply to make it easy for a reader to focus on the writing.
If possible, have trusted actors, directors, playwrights, or readers give you feedback before you submit.
4. WRITE A SHORT, PERSONAL COVER LETTER
If a cover letter is requested, keep it brief.
Introduce yourself, give the title of your play, and explain why you're submitting it to that particular theater. A specific sentence about the theater's work can show that you have done your research.
Avoid sending the same generic letter to every theater.
5. SUBMIT—AND BE PATIENT
Once you've checked everything, submit your play exactly as requested.
Then wait. Theaters can receive many scripts, and responses may take weeks or months. Don't assume silence means your work isn't good.
Keep track of where and when you submitted each play so you don't accidentally submit the same script twice or miss a follow-up.
Finally, keep writing. A rejection is not necessarily a judgment on your talent. Sometimes a play simply isn't the right fit for a particular theater at that particular time.
The best submission strategy is simple: know your play, research your theaters, follow their rules, and submit thoughtfully. The more you learn about the theater world, the easier the process becomes.