One of Manhattan’s most established play festivals, the Samuel French Off-Off Broadway Short Play Festival fosters the work of young writers, giving them the exposure of publication and representation.
From the initial submission pool, approximately 50 plays are chosen to be performed over a period of one week. A panel of judges comprised of New York area theater professionals, critics, and educators nominate one or more of each evening’s plays as finalists. The final round is then held on the last day of the Festival. Out of these plays, six are chosen by Samuel French, Inc. to receive publication and licensing contracts.
This year, we have made certain adjustments to spark greater competition and encourage broader awareness of the festival within the larger theatrical community.
A NEW HOME! This year the festival will take place at the Peter Jay Sharp Theater, 416 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036. This wonderful theater with up-to-date facilities will provide both participants and audience members with a comfortable environment in which to enjoy the plays presented.
A CONDENSED TIME-FRAME! We have shortened the festival from two weeks to one, limiting the number of plays that can be a part of the initial performance round, and shaking up the odds for those who are chosen to participate. Multiple shows may be selected to move on to the finals each night!
ONE SOURCE! Samuel French, Inc. will be your sole source for information and governance regarding the festival, from submission all the way through to production.
So come join us as we enter a new era at the
Samuel French Off-Off Broadway Short Play Festival!
PLEASE NOTE WE ARE NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2008 FESTIVAL.
COMPETITION GUIDELINES
EMAIL: oobfestival@samuelfrench.com
FESTIVAL CONTACTS:
FESTIVAL COORDINATOR: Kenneth Dingledine, (212) 206-8990 x.147
SUBMISSIONS: Roxane Heinze-Bradshaw, (212) 206-8990 x.135
PRODUCTION COORDINATOR: Billie Davis, (212) 206-8990 x.155
DATES: July 15-20, 2008
THEATRE: Peter Jay Sharp Theater, 416 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036
ELLIGIBILITY:
Short plays with a performance time of 30 minutes or less that were developed under the aegis of any theatre company, professional school or college that fosters playwriting by conducting classes, workshops or similar programs of assistance to playwrights.
There is a limit of 15 submissions per producing organization and a limit of 3 submissions total per individual author. In addition, a maximum of 6 submissions per producing organization will be chosen for the initial performance rounds.
Each nomination must have a separate application form. Conglomerate entries on one application, even by one and the same playwright, are not acceptable. Application forms may be duplicated.
Plays must be written in English. Foreign expressions are allowed.
Plays must be typed, and in no less that 12-point type.
Plays presented in previous Festivals are not eligible for nomination.
Poetry and short story readings will not be accepted.
FACILITIES:
The theatre space will include a basic lighting plot with limited light cues and basic sound equipment (CD player) will be provided by Samuel French, Inc. A limited number of basic set pieces will be available at the theatre. Additional props, set pieces, etc. may be brought by the producing companies; however, we strongly advise that productions be kept as simple as possible.
PERSONNEL:
Samuel French, Inc. and Playwrights Horizons will further provide all front-and back-of-house personnel, including a technical director, master light designer, and master sound technician.
SUBMISSIONS:
All correspondence and script submissions must be by hand, UPS, or USPS to the following address:
SAMUEL FRENCH, INC.
Attn: Off-Off Broadway Festival Submissions
45 W. 25th Street
New York, NY 10010
The manuscript submitted must be the script proposed for presentation, with no major alterations necessary (minor adjustments are expected between acceptance and production).
Neither fax nor E-mail submissions will be accepted.
SUBMISSION MATERIALS WILL NOT BE RETURNED.
CALENDAR:
Mar 21: Deadline for nominations. Both applications and play manuscripts must be received TOGETHER by this date. (Address supra).
DO NOT DELIVER TO THEATRE.
May 16: Press announcement of the program of presentation mailed this date. Liaisons of the plays selected for the Festival be notified via email. All other applicants will be notified via USPS.
July 15: Festival commences.
July 20: Festival ends with presentation of selected plays.
