At Chorus of Fools, we believe in the power of new stories and the voices that bring them to life. Our New Play Project is dedicated to nurturing emerging playwrights by providing them with mentorship, resources, and a platform to develop their work.

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About the Program

Each year, we select two playwrights to participate in the New Play Project. These playwrights are paired with experienced mentors who will guide them through the creative process—offering feedback, dramaturgical support, and insight into refining their script.

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The program culminates in a staged reading, allowing playwrights to hear their work performed by actors and receive audience feedback. This invaluable step helps bridge the gap between the page and the stage, giving writers a chance to fine-tune their scripts for future productions.

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Why It Matters

The New Play Project is more than just a staged reading—it’s an opportunity for playwrights to grow, experiment, and take risks in a supportive and collaborative environment. By fostering new work, we help amplify diverse voices, fresh perspectives, and bold ideas that push the boundaries of storytelling.

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​​​How to Submit:

Complete the submission form and send us your original script by May 29, 2025. Let your creativity soar, and together, let's make magic happen on stage!

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​​​​​​​​Submission Criteria:

• Eligibility: Open to emerging playwrights, 18 and older, who have not yet had a full-length play professionally produced.

• Play Length: Submissions must be full-length (minimum 60 minutes in runtime).

• Original Work: Must be an original, unpublished script. Adaptations or works that rely heavily on existing copyrighted material will not be accepted.

• Cast Size: Preference is given to plays that can be staged with 10 actors or fewer.

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 Format:​

• Include a title page (play title, playwright’s name, and contact info).

• No identifying information should appear in the script beyond the title page.

• We are seeking submissions for original plays with a runtime of at least 60 minutes.

• Plays must be previously unpublished and not have received a full production before this event.

• Submissions should be sent digitally by May 29, 2025. 

• Please include a brief synopsis (200 words max) of the play with your submission.

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Selection Process:

• Initial Review: Scripts will be evaluated by a panel of theatre artists, mentors, and playwrights.​

• Semi-Finalist Interviews: A shortlist of semi-finalists may be invited for a brief interview to discuss their vision for the play and their interest in the mentorship process.

• Final Selection: Two playwrights will be chosen for mentorship and development.

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Mentorship & Development

• Selected playwrights will be paired with an experienced mentor who will meet with them regularly to provide guidance, feedback, and dramaturgical support.

• Playwrights must be willing to revise and refine their work based on feedback.

• The program culminates in a staged reading in 2026, giving playwrights a chance to hear their work performed and receive audience input.

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Promotion and Marketing:

• Chorus of Fools will actively promote the staged reading through social media, local press releases, invitations to industry professionals and local theatre leaders

• Playwrights are encouraged to participate in promotional activities to maximize audience engagement.

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Rights & Royalties

• Playwrights retain full ownership of their work at all times.

• Chorus of Fools will not claim any rights beyond the staged reading and associated promotional activities.

• If the play is later produced elsewhere, we kindly request acknowledgment of its development through the New Play Project.

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​​​We eagerly anticipate receiving your submissions and showcasing new voices in theatre at the Chorus of Fools New Play Project! If you have any questions, please contact us.

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