Playwright's Original Works Service
A Subsidiary of Your Theatre, Inc.
PURPOSE: To encourage and nurture talented playwrights in the
development of new plays by creating a supportive environment that
empowers them to guide their own process and discover a play off the page.
MISSION: To provide a creative venue where talented playwrights can
develop their work in a collaborative effort with creative teams
comprised of directors, actors, dramaturges, and audiences focusing
on the evolution of the text and playwright's vision.
TABLE READING: Playwrights' Original Works Service will arrange for
the table reading of all original scripts submitted for that purpose.
The only requirements for submission are that: A. Manuscripts are
typed in a standard acceptable format. B. The playwright supplies one
script for each character in the play. All scripts will be returned
to the playwright at the completion of the reading.
Upon receipt of a request for a table reading (which must
be accompanied by one copy of the script), the chairperson of the
Playwrights' Original Works Service will arrange with YTI's artistic
staff for a reading date and advise the playwright of that date. The
playwright will at that time be advised as to when ample scripts for
each reader will be needed (suggest one week prior to reading).
STAGED READING: Playwrights may request of the Literary Committee
that a script submitted by them be considered for a staged reading
open to the public. The Literary Committee will request of YTI's
artistic director that an artistic team be chosen and a schedule set
for a staged reading of plays they judge to be structurally cohesive
and thematically developed. The reading will be directed, cast, and
staffed by personnel chosen by YTI's artistic staff.
FULLY MOUNTED PRODUCTION: Playwrights may request of the Literary
Committee that their scripts be considered for a fully mounted
production. Selected plays will be mounted with full production
values and receive three or more performances. The Literary Committee
will forward to YTI's artistic director, for consideration by the
artistic staff, those plays it considers worthy of a fully mounted
production. All new plays should have had a staged reading before
being considered for a fully mounted production, unless the Literary
Committee or YTI's artistic director waive this requirement.
Eligibility/Participation
Table Reading: All original scripts submitted by playwright.
Staged Reading: The Literary Committee shall determine Eligibility
after reading a playwright's script submitted to them for that purpose.
Fully Mounted Production: The Literary Committee may recommend any
play that has had a staged reading for consideration by the artistic
director of YTI as a possibility for a fully mounted production. The
final decision to mount the production will be the decision of the
artistic director and his staff with final approval by YTI's Board of
Governors. Either the Literary Committee or YTI's artistic director
may waive the staged reading requirement.
Script Submission Requirements
- The script must be typed in standard manuscript format and
securely bound.
- A brief synopsis of the play, including a character breakdown,
must be included.
- A one-page resume of the playwright must accompany the script.
- Self-addressed, stamped envelopes must accompany requests that
scripts be returned.
- A self-addressed, stamped postcard must be supplied with any
request for receipt acknowledgement.
- Submissions should be mailed or delivered to:
Playwrights' Original Works Service
c/o Your Theatre, Inc.
136 Rivet Street
New Bedford, MA 02744-1814
or a PDF may be emailed to:
pows@yourtheatre.org
Additional Notes
- Plays may be one-act or full length.
- Musicals and musical revues are not eligible.
- Scripts having received professional or nonprofessional production
are not eligible.
- Scripts having previously received table or staged readings are
eligible.
- All submissions will be considered for table or staged readings or
full production.
- Technical facilities are limited; so extravaganzas with hundreds of
characters and multiple, intricate settings may be beyond the
service's reach.
- We are looking for well-crafted plays capable of capturing and
holding an audience's attention.
- Our first and ultimate focus is the nurturing of new and upcoming
playwrights in the development and presentation of new plays.
- We will be working, at least initially, with SouthCoast playwrights,
since play development progresses best when the writer is an active
participant in the process.
If you wish to be advised of future POWS programs and activities
fill in and submit the following: