AACT Launches AACTNewPlayFest

Click here for the list of Producing Theatres.

AACT is answering a critical need: developing exciting new plays that our audiences will enjoy. We’re launching AACTNewPlayFest!

The theatre that produces a new play brings a brand new adventure to its company and its patrons. The world premiere of an award winning show is a feather in a theatre’s cap! AACT wants to make that happen in more communities. AACTNewPlayFest will streamline the process!

There is no shortage of new works, especially by unpublished playwrights. But how do theatres find the time to read them and cull out the ones their communities will enjoy? Many theatres have new play contests, but few produce the winning scripts and talk to other theatres about them. Yet a script is not likely to be published unless it is produced and creates a buzz; and it is not likely to reach future audiences if it is not published. So how do playwrights get their work produced?

This was the challenge presented to AACT by a member playwright a couple of years ago. A task force was appointed to address the issue and in February the AACT Board adopted its recommendation for a new play program. Thanks to Texas Nonprofit Theatres (TNT) for leading the way! This program is modeled on TNT’s POPS! – Producing Original Plays program.

AACTNewPlayFest will be a national new play festival – that takes place over a two year period. But unlike AACTFest, productions don’t have to travel. Selected theatres will produce the winning scripts in their local communities. AACT will spread the buzz with nation-wide promotion!

Here’s how it will work.

Call for Scripts:

Plays need to be full-length, non-musicals that have never had a full production. Submissions will be accepted September 1 - November 1.

Click here for Playwright information.

Call for Readers:

Individuals will be asked to volunteer to read and score the scripts. Each script will be read by at least three Readers. Those that rise to the top will be read by a second set of Readers. Their scores will determine the finalists. 

Click here for the Reader information and application.

Producing Theatres:

AACT has selected six member theatres to produce the winning plays.

Click here for the list of Producing Theatres.

Theatres will be responsible for providing a fully realized production between June 2013 and December 2014 and for bringing in the playwright for a rehearsal or a performance. Theatres will reap these benefits:

-- premiere a national award-winning play

-- national publicity

-- prestige of being selected for a national program

-- working directly with the playwright

-- introducing the playwright to the community

Selecting the Winners:

The scripts that make it to the final round will be submitted to the producing theatres, which will select the winning shows to produce. Winning plays will be announced in June 2013. 

The Festival:

AACT will work with the producing theatres to compile a festival calendar and a promotional plan, including social media, to encourage attendance at the productions and consideration of the winning plays for production by other theatres.

The theatre that produces a new play often contributes to the future development of the piece. It illustrates to the playwright what works or doesn’t work. The interpretations of the director and the actors may reveal insights into the work that even the playwright didn’t know were there. A first production allows the playwright to discover what needs to be rewritten to make it more effective. 

Producing a new play is an exciting process! Think seriously about participating in AACTNewPlayFest as a producing theatre, a playwright, or a reader. Get in on the ground floor of an exciting theatrical journey!