• I don't live in New York (or the United States). Can I still submit?

  Of course, as long as your play or musical meets our other eligibility criteria. And if your play is chosen for the Festival, we'll make sure that your travel and accommodation expenses are covered for rehearsals and performances.

• I'm a prolific playwright. Can I submit multiple scripts?

  Sorry, we have only have the time and resources to read one submission per writer. And for all of you "J. Jack Shakespeare" and "John J. Shakespeare", it's no use being sneaky - we're onto you!

• I write in Final Draft and therefore have a separate title page in a separate document. How should I still send my script in a single document?

  Documents in Final Draft must be converted into PDF or MS Word documents for submission. Please include your name and the title of your play as a header on each page of the play, along with page numbers.

• I've written a new adaptation of Moby Dick. Can I submit it?

  Unfortunately, we do not accept adaptations of existing works.

• I'm unfamiliar with the online submission process. How will I know you received my complete submission and I didn't mess anything up?

  Shortly after you've submitted your script through the website, you should receive an email confirming your submission is complete. Please allow up to a week after submitting to receive this email.

• Are you accepting musicals this year?

  Yes.

• How do I submit a musical online?

  Musical scripts should be submitted online in the same manner as plays. Please check the appropriate box on the application indicating that your submission is a musical. Then mail two copies of the soundtrack on CD (no tapes, DVDs, or videos) to:

  SPF SUBMISSIONS (Musical Theatre)
  P.O. Box 778
  New York, NY 10108

  Please do not include any sheet music, either online or in the mail.

• I don't like to number my pages. Is this a problem?

  Yes. Due to the volume of submissions received, all scripts must have page numbers.

• I've saved my two-act play in two different documents on my computer. Can I submit my play in two files?

  No, all scripts must be submitted on the website as a single document. Please combine your separate acts into one file.

• I submitted a play to SPF last year that wasn't selected. May I submit the same play again this year?

  Absolutely. Selection processes are highly subjective, and there's always the chance that we overlooked something we shouldn't have.

• I have an agent but I'm thinking of submitting my play on my own. Do you have a preference as to who submits a script?

  We prefer you submit your script through your agent. Of course, you're more than welcome to submit on your own.

• I'm an unrepresented writer. Can I still submit a play to SPF?

  Absolutely! The Summer Play Festival is about providing opportunities for emerging writers, so by all means send us your stuff.

• What does "emerging" mean and how do I know if I'm an emerging writer or not?

  We are defining emerging writers as those who have not had a New York production of any play in a theater over 99 seats. If you've had a production in New York in a theatre over 99 seats, then we do not consider you an emerging playwright.

  Musical theatre writers who have had a New York production in a theatre over 99 seats are eligible to submit musical theatre pieces only, providing the piece has not received any Festival, Broadway, or off-Broadway production in New York City.

• When will the selections be made?

  The selections will be made in April. All applicants not selected will be notified via email. Please do not call or email to see whether or not your script has been selected before then.

• How will I know if my play has been selected for the festival?

  We will contact you directly if your play is selected.

• If my play is chosen, what will I get?

  As a Festival for emerging writers, we want you to have plenty of involvement in the production of your show, from start to finish. Generally, we allow you to choose your own director (with the help of our producing team); your designers; and your actors (with the help of our casting director). We provide rehearsal space; a theatre; marketing and advertising; ticketing; and a discretionary budget for your production team. We do extensive industry outreach, to help introduce you and your work. We'll provide you with a small stipend, and if you're from out of town, we'll provide your travel and accommodation for three weeks of rehearsals and performances.

• If I have any other questions, is there someone at SPF I can call or email?

  Yes, just use our contact form to have any questions answered.

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