Entry Guidelines

Eligibility

The Wisconsin Wrights New Play Project is open to current Wisconsin residents only.

Each playwright is limited to one script submission per project year.  Honorees from the Wisconsin Wrights 2008 are not eligible for 2008-2009, but may apply again for 2009-2010.

Plays must be new works.  Adaptations (or any other use of material protected by copyright) must include proof of rights to use source material.  Translations will not be accepted.

Below is information for the 2009 new play project:

• Download an entry forms for the 2009 project
• Download a Release Agreement for the 2009 project

Entry fees

A non-refundable reader's fee of $20 must accompany each submission. Checks should be made payable to the University of Wisconsin – Madison.

Submission guidelines and requirements

1. Plays must be an original full-length work which has not previously been produced. Plays that have had staged readings are eligible and may be submitted. At this time musicals and screenplays will not be accepted.
2. Scripts should follow the standard professional play format. Please visit the Manuscript Format Web page for complete formatting guidelines.  In an effort be environmentally conscious and reduce postage costs, we encourage playwrights to send double-sided scripts.
3. All author information should be listed in the application packet only. No reference to the author is permitted in the body of the manuscript.
4. Submit three (3) complete copies of the manuscript. Send scripts to Wisconsin Wrights; 21 N Park St., 7th Floor, Madison, WI 53715. Entries must be postmarked by February 2, 2009.
5. In addition to the three hard copies, please submit an electronic copy of your work (Microsoft Words or pdf format) via e-mail to Sarah Marty at smarty@dcs.wisc.edu.  Please remove all references to the playwright from the document, including the title page.  The file title should be the playwright’s last name and part of the play name  ie: Marty-New Play.
6. Please send a copy of your entry forms (in Microsoft Word) to Sarah Marty at smarty@dcs.wisc.edu.
7. All submissions must be accompanied by a completed original Entry Form, a signed Release Agreement, and the entry fee. All three manuscripts should be bound in a soft-cover three-hole binder. Please do not send permanently bound scripts or hard-cover three-ring binders.  Scripts will not be returned.

Deadlines

1. All entries must be submitted by mail and postmarked by February 2, 2009. Electronic copies of your manuscript and application packet are due by midnight on February 2, 2009.  All material submitted become property of the Wisconsin Wrights New Play Project and will be disposed of at the conclusion of the project. Scripts will be recycled, not returned.
2. Wisconsin Wrights New Play Project finalists and the three Wisconsin Wrights workshop selections will be announced by April 15, 2009.  The three playwrights selected for workshops will be notified by mail and phone.

Please note: In order to receive a Wisconsin Wrights workshop and reading the playwright must be available to participate in project activities including rehearsals, production meetings, and public readings.

The Edenfred residency is tentatively scheduled for May 29-June 6 with University Theatre workshops that week. The UT readings are scheduled for June 4, 5, and 6, 2009.

Acknowledgement and notification

If you would like notification that your script has been received, please enclose a self-addressed, stamped postcard with your application.  Finalists will be notified by phone and mail after April 15, 2009.

Judging

Initial Screening:  Each application will be screened for eligibility (a completed application packet, play in the correct format, signed release form, and entry fee).

First Round:  Each script is read and evaluated by at least two first round readers.  Based on evaluations semi-finalists will advance to the second round.

Final Round:  The semi-finalists will be read and evaluated by the final panel of judges.  Finalists will be identified with three plays selected for workshops and readings through Wisconsin Wrights.  The Madison Repertory Theatre will select a work for inclusion in their Madison Play Festival and the Milwaukee Chamber Theatre will select a work to be given a staged reading in their 2009-2010 season.

Feedback:  First round readers and second round panel judges will be given the opportunity to provide written feedback on the works that they evaluate. If you would like to receive a copy of the feedback (if any) provided, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope with your entry materials.

For more information

Contact Sarah Marty, Program Coordinator for Continuing Studies in Theatre at UW-Madison, at 608-263-2790 or smarty@dcs.wisc.edu.

 

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