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#STAGEOPPS
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#StageOppSApril26
Submission Opportunities for Women in Theatre
(previously known as Theatre Funding Newsletter)
For full #StageOpps Listings please scroll
or click links below for specific listings
Project Submissions
Script Submissions
Onstage
BackSTAGE
Funding
Residencies
Other Resources
If you are a longtime recipient of #StageOpps and #ScreenOpps,
you know that they started as the Funding Newsletters,
brought to you by WomenArts, who still support the ongoing production of these opportunities as well as our Funding Resources pages.
WomenArts' founder and president, Martha Richards,
received the 2020 Elsa Rael VintAge Award
(for Advocacy for Women in the Arts & Media as They Age) from us
on Zoom Saturday, November 14, 2020.
Check out our VintAge page for more info.
Project Submissions
Village Playwrights Annual June Pride Festival
Village Playwrights is accepting one-act plays for the annual June Pride Festival.
o Deadline: April 10
o Application Fee: No fee
o Eligibility: Playwrights from NYC and surrounding areas are welcome to submit a one-act play up to 30 minutes in length. The plays chosen will be fully produced in NYC.
o Categories: One-Act Plays
o Contact: Send to villageplaywrights@gmail.com
Babes with Blades Joining Sword & Pen 2026-27 Competition
For this round of the competition, we’re looking for submissions from playwrights of underrepresented genders. This includes cis women, trans women, trans men, non-binary people, and those who are otherwise marginalized based on gender.
o Deadline: May 1
o Application Fee: No fee
o Eligibility: Please send us a pitch for your script. Full length scripts will not be accepted this year.
Please include the following in your pitch:What is your idea for this play?
How will you incorporate the contest image into the play specifically?
How does your idea fit Babes’ mission?
A 10 page sample of a currently existing play (not previously submitted to BWBTC) that you think best showcases your work and style*. Please do not include any self identifying information (ie. Name, email, website, etc.) as this is a blind submission process.
o Categories: Plays
o Contact: Please email your JS&P pitch submission in a PDF file to swordandpen@babeswithblades.org.
Sapphest NYC
Sapphest is NYC's premier sapphic playwriting competition and play festival. The fifth installment of Sapphest will take place on 7/31/2026 + 8/1/2026 at Brooklyn Art Haus.
o When/Where: July 31 - August 1
o Deadline: April 4
o Application Fee: No fee
o Eligibility: Submissions are open to playwrights who:
Are 18 years of age or older
Live anywhere in the world
Identify as Sapphic**In our context, we use “Sapphic” as an inclusive term for those who identify as women, nonbinary, trans, two-spirit, genderqueer, or agender and who experience love or attraction for others within these communities. Sapphics may identify as queer, bisexual, pansexual, asexual, aromantic, lesbian, or use another term that resonates.
Please write an 8–10 minute piece inspired by a sapphic song (think Good Luck, Babe, Honey, Lunch, Slumber Party, Where Does the Good Go, Her Body is Bible, Lipstick Lover, Fast Car, etc.). The play should have no more than four actors (you may include more than four characters, but they must be played by a maximum of four actors).
o Categories: Plays
o Contact: sapphestnyc@gmail.com
Peach Theatre and Film Festival
The PEACH Theatre and Film Intl. The festival is a unique and rare experience that merges two beautiful genres of arts and entertainment. Both theatre and film, showcasing a series of short films and selected plays, in one of the world's most famous cities, internationally known for being the home of entertainment. Los Angeles, California. Our mission is to select films and plays based on content, quality, and merit. It is also our volition to honor the creatives selected, with integrity and respect for their hard work, discipline and sacrifice to get their productions completed and ready for display. As playwrights, filmmakers and entertainment professionals ourselves, we understand what it takes, and for that reason, we salute you! Continue history with us!
o When/Where: November 14
o Deadline: April 5 (Early Bird Deadline), June 10 (Regular Deadline), September 18 (Late Deadline)
o Application Fee: $35-$55
o Eligibility: All entries must be uploaded in PDF format. (www.freepdfconvert.com)
All entries must be submitted in English, formatted in 12-point courier font.
You may submit your entry via FilmFreeway. No preference will be given to either method of submission.
Entries must be received by the applicable Entry Deadline.
NEW YORK SCREENWRITING AWARDS will not share your screenplay with anyone except the official judges of the competition.
By entering the NEW YORK SCREENWRITING AWARDS you represent that your entry is your original work, and does not infringe on the copyright or other rights of other people.
Entry fees are non-refundable.
We do not accept hardcopy submissions by mail.
The decisions of the judges are final.
NEW YORK SCREENWRITING AWARDS reserves the right to make any necessary changes, postponements, or cancellations to event scheduling at our discretion.
To enter the NEW YORK SCREENWRITING AWARDS, you must agree to its Terms and Conditions.
o Categories: Plays
RiffRaff NYC
RiffRaff NYC and Rogue Theater Festival invite playwrights to submit original short plays for our fourth festival showcase, I’m In Love With An Immigrant. We welcome stories that explore love in all its forms: romantic, familial, platonic, cultural, or community love. Plays should center immigrant experiences in America and highlight the emotional bonds that shape belonging, identity, and home. Rogue Theater Festival Production Award – One selected piece will be invited to fully produce their play with the Rogue Theatre Festival at The Flea Theatre in 2027, participation fee waived This marks RiffRaff NYC’s second collaboration with Rogue Theater Festival, continuing our shared mission of uplifting bold, diverse theatrical voices. RiffRaff NYC is a New York–based theatre and film company dedicated to championing immigrant artists and global perspectives. Through festivals, showcases, and original productions, RiffRaff creates platforms for underrepresented voices while building an international artistic community in the heart of NYC. Rogue Theater Festival is an independent New York theatre festival committed to supporting bold, original work from emerging and established artists. Known for fostering creative risk and providing production opportunities beyond the festival itself, Rogue helps new plays and artists grow their work on New York stages.
o Deadline: April 1
o Application Fee: No Fee
o Eligibility: Length: Plays must run 15–20 minutes
Cast Size: No more than four actors on stage
Theme: Stories must center on immigrant experiences in America connected to the theme I’m In Love With An Immigrant
Production Responsibility: If accepted, playwrights are responsible for casting, securing a director, and coordinating rehearsals (RiffRaff NYC producers are happy to assist if needed)
Participation Fee: $250, payable only if the play is accepted
Performance Dates: August 10–16
Venue: American Theatre of Actors
o Categories: Plays
Gene Frankel Theater Festival
Curated and adjudicated by The Gene Frankel Theatre’s owner and artistic director Thomas R. Gordon, alongside award-winning actress Francesca Ravera, the Gene Frankel Theatre Festival is a premier platform for original, high-caliber work. Dedicated to presenting New York premieres—many of which are World premieres—the Festival showcases bold and compelling productions by accomplished artists.
As part of their leadership, Gordon and Ravera lead the jury for the Festival’s awards, which recognize excellence in acting, directing, and playwriting. Upholding the Gene Frankel Theatre’s legacy of innovation and artistic integrity, the Festival plays a vital role in shaping the contemporary theatrical landscape of New York City.
o Deadline: April 3
o Application Fee: No Fee
o Eligibility: Send all required materials to: GeneFrankelTheatrePlayFestival@gmail.com
Early submissions are encouraged.
Subject line: Gene Frankel Theatre Festival – Title of Play
The Gene Frankel Theatre Festival is accepting submissions for its summer edition running from July 27th through August 16th, 2026.
The applicants will need to produce the work - director, casting, and all production elements. The Gene Frankel Theatre will help with setting up your technical needs such as lighting, sound, and projections.
Eligible Work: Short plays (maximum 15 minutes), One-act plays (up to 60 minutes)
All genres are considered, including drama, comedy, movement-based work, and experimental forms. Submitted work should be New York premieres. (Note: We are committed to showcasing works that have never been produced in New York before Aug. 16, 2026. Participation in festivals counts as a production. Staged readings, private workshops, and brief excerpt presentations do not count as productions.) All work MUST be unpublished.
Each play should have 1 - 5 actors. No more than 5 actors will be permitted. The cast and crew should be non-union and 18 and older.
o Categories: One-Acts
The Actors Theatre Workshop
The Actors Theatre Workshop is accepting submissions of original plays for our curated Spring 2026 Play Reading and Discussion Series this April – June. The theme is Finding Hope Through Darkness. We are looking for contemporary works that examine the pressing issues individuals and families face in America today. This series will highlight works that challenge and inspire audiences. The Actors Theatre Workshop will co-produce selected plays. We will offer the playwright our physical theater space to host their own play reading with a live, publicly invited audience. Playwrights will be responsible for providing the non-Equity cast, crew, and production. ATW, along with the playwright, will support marketing efforts to bring in the audience.
o Deadline: April 30
o Application Fee: No Fee
o Eligibility: Playwrights should submit a brief synopsis of their play, what the audience can expect from the show (what social issue(s) does the play tackle), the play’s length, as well as a playwright bio, through this form. After completing the form, playwrights should send a PDF of their play and a PDF of the synopsis to outreach@actorstheatreworkshop.com. Submissions are open until April 30th. Decisions will be made as soon as possible, but no later than mid-May.
To be part of our audience, please submit your contact information to be notified of our upcoming dates. We look forward to sharing this exciting glimpse into the creative process and the development of a play!
o Categories: Plays
o Contact: outreach@actorstheatreworkshop.com
Veterans Repertory Theater
Savage Wonder prides itself on opportunities for veteran writers. Savage Wonder offers on-going playwriting competitions as well as the Savage Wonder literary blog. You may select which opportunity interests you below.
o Deadline: July 3
o Application Fee: No Fee
o Eligibility: Until July 3, 2026, Savage Wonder is accepting submissions for both full-length AND 10-minute playwriting competitions. Playwrights must meet one of the following criteria:
Current or former: US military, law enforcement, fire service, EMS, foreign service, intelligence service, DoD employee, DoD Contractor; or
Immediate family of the service member.
For full-length plays:
The competition winner will receive a $5,000 grant.
The second-place finalist will receive a $3,500 grant.
The third-place finalist will receive a $2,500 grant.
For 10-minute plays:
The competition winner will receive a $1,000 grant.
The second-place finalist will receive a $750 grant.
The third-place finalist will receive a $500 grant.
o Categories: 10 minute plays, Full-Length Plays
o Contact: info@vetrep.org
YouthPlays
Welcome! YouthPLAYS publishes challenging, entertaining plays and musicals that are appropriate for teen and younger actors and/or audiences, as well as shows that have the potential to cross over to universities or community theatres. We accept emailed queries only. DO NOT SUBMIT A FULL SCRIPT unless you fit one of the four categories below: Current YouthPLAYS Authors: Please log in first. You may submit multiple scripts (one at a time). Playwrights 19 and Under (Worldwide): You may submit one script only that adheres to the guidelines for the New Voices One-Act Competition for Young Playwrights from January 1, 2026 through May 1, 2026. (Scroll to the bottom to read the guidelines!) BIPOC playwrights 20 and Older (US-based only): You may submit one script (please wait for a submission decision prior to submitting another script). Please be sure to mention in your Note to the Publisher that you are a member of this group. Requested Scripts: This means you submitted a query, and we emailed you back requesting the full script. Please mention in your Note to the Publisher that we have requested the script.
o Deadline: May 1
o Application Fee: None
o Eligibility: Please make sure the query includes all of the following in the body other email (no attachments): The play's title.
A brief synopsis.
The approximate running time.
A cast breakdown (e.g. 2 males, 4 females, 8+ any gender). Please address specifically whether the play contains any significant young (teen or younger) characters.
The producing groups for which you think the play is most appropriate (e.g. high schools, middle schools, TYA theatres, etc.).
Production/development history.
Any encumbrances (e.g. some part of it is published in a non-exclusive anthology). Also, please disclose any agency representation at this time.
Why do you believe this play is a fit for our mission?
Again, do NOT include the script, in whole or in part, with your query.
o Contact: submissions@youthplays.com.
o Categories: Full-length Plays
The Woodward/Newman Award
The Woodward/Newman Award is an exclusive honor offered by Constellation Stage & Screen, started through the support of Joanne Woodward, Newman’s Own Foundation, and the Newman family, celebrating Paul Newman & Joanne Woodward’s tremendous history of work on stage and screen. It presents the best unpublished play of the year with a cash prize of $3,000 and a full production as part of Constellation’s Mainstage season. Please note that there are significant changes to our submission and selection process from previous years. In order to make the Woodward/Newman Award accessible to all, we have eliminated submission fees as well as the contest format. The Woodward/Newman Award will continue to be awarded to an unpublished new play once per year and come with a $3,000 cash prize and a full production. Submissions will be accepted and reviewed by our literary team on an ongoing basis, and will be considered for the award as well as for all 7 production slots in our season. So a play that is not selected for the Woodward/Newman slot in our season, may still be considered and selected for production. This will allow us to now accept open submissions for all types of plays (including TYA shows). Plays submitted by midnight, August 31st, 2026 will be considered for the 2027-28 season, while plays submitted beyond that date will be considered for the 2028-29 Season. All submissions will be kept on file for 2 years after submission.
o Deadline: August 31
o Submission Guidelines: We are currently accepting submissions for the 2027-28 Woodward/Newman Award. The award recipient will be announced by May 15, 2027. The winner will be awarded $3,000 and a full production.
“Full-length” plays should have a complete running time of between 1 hour 15 minutes (75 minutes) to 2 hours 15 minutes (135 minutes). TYA shows should have a complete running time of over 40 minutes.
Plays submitted must be unpublished at the time of submission (independently published is acceptable).
Each play should be individually submitted at the following link: CONSTELLATION STAGE & SCREEN PLAY SUBMISSION.
You will be asked to submit your play as an attachment and all other information (bio, history, synopsis, character breakdown) will be entered into a form. Musical submissions may upload demos as an attachment or include a link to a shared folder.
Limit of 2 play submissions per year.
$3,000 cash prize is in lieu of royalties for the full production. Housing & transportation will also be provided.
Any unpublished play submitted to Constellation regardless of method (e.g. online form, agent submission, direct contact) may be considered for the Woodward/Newman Award.
Please note that we are moving away from a “finalists” model in lieu of keeping all plays under consideration for extended periods (2yrs). We will only announce a winner.
o Categories: New Works, Drama, Theatre
o Address: 411 E 7th ST Bloomington, IN 47408
o Contact: lIf you have any questions, please email literary@seeconstellation.org.
Blackboard Plays - Reading Series Submission
Founded in 2008, Blackboard Plays has been devoted to Black Playwrights throughout the African Diaspora.
o Deadline: None Given
o Application Fee: Free
o Eligibility: Black Playwrights Submit up to 10 pages in consideration for a Feature reading. A Feature and a Community Night are the two main ways to have your work supported by Blackboard. Those not selected for a feature, are encouraged to attend a community night, which is structured like an Open Mic Night for Playwrights, where up to 10 pages is cold-read by Actors in person or on Zoom (During COVID-19 Social Distancing Practices).
o Categories: Short Plays, Plays
Neurodivergent New Play Series
Neurodivergent playwrights in NYC since 2023 - is accepting recurring submissions as we prepare for our 2024-25 Season.All submissions should be for full-length plays between 45 to 180 minutes long and may have received a previous reading or production outside of NYC, as long as they are unpublished. All neurodivergent/disabled writers (autistic, ADHD, dyslexic, OCD, Tourette's, etc.) at all stages of their careers are encouraged to apply - especially BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and female-identifying writers. There is no submission fee or any other fee for being involved in this process.
o Deadline: Rolling Basis
o Application Fee: None
o Eligibility: Plays can be of any genre, although we are especially seeking works that challenge traditional methods of storytelling & have something important to say about the world that isn't being heard enough. We ask that you submit only one play every 30 days during our recurring submissions process.
Contact: neurodivergentplays@gmail.com
o Categories: Full-length Plays
Freshwater Theatre
Freshwater Theatre prides itself on constantly working with new artists, expanding our family. We’re always on the lookout for new scripts and new technical artists to work with.
o Deadline: Ongoing
o Application Fee: Free
o Eligibility: While we certainly are interested in world premieres of new plays, we also are very interested in second and third productions of new works, as we believe this to be the key to finding the works that will propel theater into the future.
We will only respond to playwright submissions for plays that come into serious consideration for future production. We cannot give any specific time frame on if/when a response will be given.
o Categories: New Plays
o Contact: info@freshwatertheatre.com
SCRIPT Submissions
16th Annual Short Play Festival: Merciless Indian Savages: A Native Perspective about the Declaration of Independence and U.S. History
With the upcoming 250th anniversary of 1776 and the Declaration of Independence, it is only appropriate that our theme for the 16th Annual Short Play Festival addresses this historical event.
"We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal..." Many Americans learned the preamble of the Declaration of Independence while in elementary school and proudly recited it from memory. However, most are unaware that in this same document about the importance of equality, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness is the following phrase: “Merciless Indian Savages.” Native Playwrights, tell us about what this country does (or does not) teach about the original Inhabitants. This is your opportunity to create your own "Idiot's Guide to Native American History" through storytelling. Correct wrongs, offer counter-narratives, share crazy encounters you have had with the US and Canada’s warped sense of Native people, or just poke fun at all the misinformation about our people. We are not asking you to be merciless or savage, but we do ask that you be unapologetically Native! Selected short plays will be performed in an afternoon of staged readings, where playwrights have a chance to win the Thomas Studies Gadugi Audience Prize of $500 and the Von Marie Atchley Playwright Award of $1,000.
o Deadline: June 30
o Application Fee: None
o Eligibility: Playwrights will be notified in November 2025 of the final status of their script.
*Scripts longer than 15 pages or read aloud at longer than 10 minutes, or with the playwright’s name appearing anywhere on the script, will not be accepted.
*A maximum of 5 characters is recommended. Doubling is encouraged, should it be necessary to complete your vision.
o Categories: Short Plays
Don McAnn Playwriting Contest
The Oswego Players were established in 1938 as a non-profit community theater organization dedicated to live theater productions and theater education for Oswego area residents. Consistent with those goals, a playwriting contest was established to promote the creation of original, one-act plays by contemporary authors.
o Deadline: May 1
o Application Fee: None
o Eligibility: The contest is FREE and open to any playwright who is 18 years or older and resides (or attends college) in the state of New York.
All plays must be based on original concepts (no adaptations of any works or no verse plays), unpublished and unproduced.
The Oswego Players reserves the right to produce and perform any of the prize winners.
The content, theme, and time period of the play are at the discretion of the writer.
Since a live production of the of at least one of the prize winners is planned* simplicity is highly recommended:
One act, single set, with a run time of 20 to 30
Written so it can be staged with minimal set, props, lighting and sound effects, and costume design.
The story should not exceed eight characters due to the potential unavailability of actors.
All entries must include a cover page which includes the name of the play, name of the playwright, and an updated address, phone number, and email address.Provided there are enough entries, the following cash prizes will be awarded:– 1st Prize: $250.00 – 2nd Prize: $150.00 – 3rd Prize: $75.00
o Categories: One Act
o Contact: Submissions must be received by May 1st of the contest year and sent either electronically to osweplay@yahoo.com or through the mail, Donald J. McCann Memorial Playwriting Contest, P.O. Box 183, Oswego, NY 13126.
The Risk Theatre Modern Tragedy Competition
Edwin Wong announces year eight of The Risk Theatre Modern Tragedy Competition, the world’s richest specifically for the writing of tragedy: at stake is $12,265 (CDN) in prize money, a workshop, and travel stipend.
o Deadline: May 31
o Application Fee: $49
o Eligibility: The Risk Theatre Modern Tragedy Competition (henceforth ‘the Competition’) is open to one-act and multi-act plays, 90 – 120 minutes in length (not including intermission). Generally, a properly formatted play of this length will be 80 to 110 pages long. If your script is significantly outside these parameters, it is probably ineligible.
Playwrights may submit more than one script, but each script must be accompanied by a separate entry fee and entry form.
Entries must be received by the Competition no later than 9PM, May 31, 2026 Pacific Time (PDT).
The Competition is open to writers of any nationality BUT all entries must be written in English.
The script must be original. Adaptations of other works will not be accepted with two exceptions: 1) adaptation of works that are in the public domain will be accepted; for instance, a contemporary adaptation of a classic Greek back tragedy; 2) adaptation of works to which the author holds sole copyright will be accepted; for instance, a short story written by the author.
Scripts that have been simultaneously entered in other playwriting competitions are eligible.
Musicals are eligible. Jurors will judge musicals on the basis of the libretto only. They will not have access to the music.
Scripts that have gone through a workshop or been given public reading ARE eligible.
Scripts that have been professionally produced at the time of submission are NOT eligible. Any public performance for which production members have been paid beyond a token honorarium will be considered a professional production.
Scripts which have been commissioned are NOT eligible.
o Categories: Full Length Plays, New Works, Musicals
o Contact: tragedycompetition@gmail.com
Abingdon Theatre
Abingdon Theatre Company is excited to invite both established and emerging artists to submit their full length one-person plays to continue our mission of developing brave new work. We encourage one-person plays that cover a diverse ground in genre, performance type, and subject matter. Abingdon Theatre Company is proud to be a champion of and provide a place for one-person plays to flourish. We are particularly interested in narrative focused plays. Past one-person plays at Abingdon include Queens Girl In The World by Caleen Sinnette Jennings, Robin and Me by Dave Droxler, and Get On Your Knees by Jacqueline Novak.
o Deadline: April 17
o Application Fee: None
o Eligibility: Play submissions should be unpublished. Plays should not have been previously presented to New York audiences. We are accepting applications from artists from all experience levels, locations, and ages. Please limit your submission to one play per playwright. Please be sure to submit a headshot and writing resume.
Playwright/Performer: Guidelines above apply. If you are also a performer of your play please be sure to submit your writing and acting resume and headshot along with a 2 minute reel in the indicated submission boxes.
Please submit a 250-500 word artistic statement to tell us more about your play and your mission as a playwright. Please also include a short bio.
o Categories: Plays
o Contact: info@abingdontheatre.org
The Leah
An eligible applicant for The Boost is a woman, trans, and/or non-binary playwright aged 40 or over who has had at least one production performed in front of a paying audience OR a script published by an established/known publishing/licensing house.
o Deadline: April 30
o Application Fee: None
o Eligibility: Scripts should be suitable for online production. No script submission fee is required. If we produce your play, you will receive a small stipend. Scripts can include up to six characters.
Please email scripts (PDFs only) to playzoomers@gmail.com. In the email’s subject line, put “(Theme) play submission: [title of play] by [playwright].” If you are submitting multiple scripts, send each one in a separate email. Please do not submit a script you have previously submitted to us.
On the first page of your script, include the title, playwright name, estimated run time (no longer than 20 minutes), and contact information. On the next page, include a logline/synopsis, a detailed character breakdown, production history, and a short playwright bio. At the end of the script,describe production details, such as backgrounds, costumes, props, music, and sound effects.
o Categories: Plays
PlayZoomers Seeks 10-20-minute Scripts for Online Production
PlayZoomers, a live, online theatre company, seeks short (10-20 min.) scripts for online production in 2026 and 2027. We seek humorous or serious, clever plays on the following themes: Imperfect love, Winter holidays (Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Year’s Eve/Day), Comedies (any subject), Theatre
o Deadline: April 13
o Application Fee: None
o Eligibility: A two-page project summary in which the writer describes the play they intend to write, and answers the question: what about Leah’s play Debt inspired your idea for this play?
CV / production history
Fifteen pages of a work that best represents the writer’s voice. (This does not need to be the first fifteen pages of the work, just the pages you feel are the strongest).
One reference – someone who can speak to your work as a playwright and theater maker (no letter is needed.)
o Categories: Plays
Southern Soul Theatre Ensemble Presents the Inaugural 10x10 Play Festival
The Southern Soul Theatre Ensemble proudly announces the Inaugural 10x10 Play Festival, celebrating creativity, culture, and community! In honor of Juneteenth, this festival amplifies Black and Latinx voices through a dynamic showcase of 10-minute plays.
o Deadline: None Given
o Application Fee: None
o Eligibility: Eligibility: Open to Black and Latinx playwrights (one submission per playwright).
Play Length: 10-minute plays (8-10 pages).
Cast Size: 2-6 characters.
Themes: Works should reflect the diversity of Black and Latinx cultures; all genres welcome.
Original Work: Must be unproduced or have had limited exposure (readings/workshops accepted).
Format: PDF submissions only, including a title page with name, contact info, and a brief synopsis.
Deadline: Selected playwrights will be notified by April 15th.Southern Soul Theatre
o Categories: Plays
2026 International Playwriting Prize Carlo Annoni
The Carlo Annoni International Playwriting Prize is now open for submissions with topics concerning the LGBTQ+ community, including love, diversity, and identity in a time of gender fluidity. We accept full-length or short plays even if already represented. Award ceremony in Milan, September 2026.
o Deadline: April 30
o Application Fee: No Fee
o Eligibility: Send your submission to info@premiocarloannoni.eu 1000 € awarded to two best plays (one in English and one in Italian)
o Categories: Plays
Southern Soul Theatre Ensemble Presents the Inaugural 10x10 Play Festival
The Southern Soul Theatre Ensemble proudly announces the Inaugural 10x10 Play Festival, celebrating creativity, culture, and community! In honor of Juneteenth, this festival amplifies Black and Latinx voices through a dynamic showcase of 10-minute plays.
o Deadline: None Given
o Application Fee: None
o Eligibility: Eligibility: Open to Black and Latinx playwrights (one submission per playwright).
Play Length: 10-minute plays (8-10 pages).
Cast Size: 2-6 characters.
Themes: Works should reflect the diversity of Black and Latinx cultures; all genres welcome.
Original Work: Must be unproduced or have had limited exposure (readings/workshops accepted).
Format: PDF submissions only, including a title page with name, contact info, and a brief synopsis.
Deadline: Selected playwrights will be notified by April 15th.Southern Soul Theatre
o Categories: Plays
The Autry: 2026 OPEN Submission for Production Consideration
We accept scripts all year long. Do you have a full-length script that has been developed and produced that you would like us to consider for a future Native Voices production in Los Angeles? Please follow the Checklist for All Submissions below and in the Native Voices Script Submission form, check the box for 2026 General Production Consideration.
o When/Where: Open all year
o Deadline: None Given
o Application Fee: None
o Eligibility:Full-length plays (60+ pages) received will be read and evaluated.
o Categories: Full-length Plays
NY Theatre Festival Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter
This is a unique opportunity to invite people from the industry to see your production! People are more likely to go see a show than to read an unsolicited script - some industry people receive on average thousands of submissions per month. They understand that the journey for a show to be successful often goes through several productions and this is your chance to show that you can start that process! Our dedicated team is here to help you get your work out. We are with you from the moment you begin tech rehearsals, all the way through to your closing performance. You will never be left alone during the process. We will help you choose from the 85 set/furniture pieces we offer to dress your stage for your run, and we will give you a complete crash course on how to use the audio/light/video system in just 3 minutes, which are intentionally designed to be very user friendly.
After we show you how to use the tools we provide and how to best utilize the space, The Festival’s team will provide prime responses to every inquiry, as well as a telephone # you can call anytime during relevant hours throughout the run of your show. In 12 years and 22 seasons we have successfully hosted 1,400 plays and 300 musicals, as well as rewarding over 300 participating artists cash prizes.
o Deadline: TBD
o Application Fee: None
o Eligibility: Submissions Accepted from a 30-mile radius outside of Manhattan and only run if the entire cast and crew are from New York City. Plays are considered on a first-come, first-serve basis. The earlier you submit, the better your chances are of having your script invited to the festival. Each applicant is fully responsible for all elements of their production, including directing, casting, stage-managing. We know exactly what you need to make your show a success and we welcome you into our community of playwrights and theater innovators!
o Categories: Plays, Musicals
Torch Literary Arts
Torch Literary Arts welcomes submissions of original creative work by Black women writers. We are interested in work that challenges and disrupts preconceived notions of what contemporary writing by Black women should be. Your stories and poems are valuable and necessary. Write freely and submit what you are excited to share with the world. Submissions are accepted for Friday Features only. We accept submissions on a rolling basis. Simultaneous submissions to other journals are welcome as long as they are identified as such and we are notified immediately upon acceptance elsewhere.
o Deadline: Rolling Basis
o Application Fee: No Fee
o Eligibility: Include a one (1) page cover letter noting the title(s) of the work(s) submitted.
Upload your text submission as a Word (DOC, DOCX) or portable document format/PDF (PDF).
Typed, double-spaced (poetry may be single-spaced) pages.
Numbered pages.
Margins should be set at no less than 1” and no greater than 1.5”.
Poetry: submit up to five (5) poems totaling no more than eight (8) pages.
Fiction, Hybrid genre: 12-point font. No more than ten (10) pages or 2500 words (whichever is achieved first). Excerpts of longer works are welcome if self-contained.
Drama/Screenwriting: submit one act or a collection of short scenes no longer than ten (10) pages. Excerpts of longer works are welcome if self-contained. Indicate if a performance video or dramatic audio reading will be available with the text submission if selected.
Restrictions: We do not reprint previously published work for TORCH Friday Features.
o Categories: Scripts
The Tank Presents
Each season, our The Tank Presents program serves hundreds of emerging artists as they create over 1000 performances of new works in music, theater, film, dance, comedy, and storytelling. As part of our mission to remove the economic barriers from the creation of new work, we never charge our artists to use our space for their performances! In addition, we also provide free rehearsal space, as well as free marketing and promotion of their event. Our The Tank Presents presenting model removes the daunting cost of space rental from the equation of art making, and provides an affordable home for emerging artists to create art that pushes the boundaries of their mediums. Through this program, artists can present readings, works-in-development, short runs of full theatre productions, screenings, concerts, storytelling festivals, comedy shows, and more.
o Deadline: None Given
o Application Fee: None
o Eligibility: To submit work for consideration as part of Tank programming, please email submissions@thetanknyc.org with the following information:
Show title
Discipline (theater, music, comedy, etc.)
Approximate running time
Summary of piece
Brief summary of artistic goals
Brief explanation of how the piece exists in the world (i.e. - art exhibit, soundscape, outdoor experience, digital hybrid)
Sample of work that will give us a sense of what it is you’re trying to make and that you know how to make it
Bio of lead artist(s)
The name of the Tank show you viewed
Submissions are accepted on a rolling basis.
o Categories: Plays
o Contact: submissions@thetanknyc.org
Diversionary: Seeking new, full-length LGBTQIA+ works
Diversionary is always seeking new, full-length LGBTQIA+ works for consideration. Please follow the guidelines below if you would like to submit your work. Because of the volume of submissions, those that do not follow the guidelines will not be considered.
o Deadline: None
o Application Fee: None
o Eligibility: Please send all of the above items as a single document in pdf format to frankie@diversionary.org. For music, please send the items in mp3 format or include a link to be accessed. No physical submissions sent to the theatre will be considered.
a one-page synopsis, character breakdown, and playwright bio
a development/production history of the submitted work (including date written and any readings, workshops, and full stagings)
a ten-page sample of the work
three audio recordings of music, twelve minutes total, if it’s a musical
o Categories: Full Length Plays, Musicals
o Contact: frankie@diversionary.org
Murmuration Theatre
Murmuration Theatre Company is seeking plays that have a cast size between 2-11 for our 2023 & 2024 seasons Accepting work for consideration in the following categories: New Voices Showcase: Curated selection of 4-10 new plays (scripts 2 - 40 pages); fully staged and directed by our creative team. Mainstage Show: a one act or full length play (scripts 35 - 120 pages); fully staged and directed by our creative team. In development: Actor's Lab Performance Series: a monthly selection of scenes or short plays (any length), performed at workshop or staged reading level.Playwrights selected for our mainstage production will receive $30 per performance of their one-act or full length play; playwrights selected for our New Voices Showcase will receive $10 per performance of their short or one-act.
o When/Where: Brooklyn, New York
o Deadline: None
o Application Fee: None
o Eligibility: Please submit PDF copies of scripts via the google form below, and feel free to reach out to murmurationtheatreco@gmail.com with any questions or concerns. Multiple submissions are allowed. Preference will be given to playwrights who are able to attend at least one performance of their work in the NYC area.
We will be accepting submissions on a rolling basis, and hope to be in touch with responses within 30 days of submission. Please feel free to reach out after that point if you have not received word from our team.
Solo Shows, Theatre for Young Audiences and Musicals will not be considered.
New writers as well as writers with voices that have historically been underrepresented in the theater industry (gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, religion, ability status, etc.) are encouraged to apply.
o Categories: Full-Length Plays, One-Acts
o Contact: murmurationtheatreco@gmail.com
Manhattan Repertory Theatre Play Production Program
Self-Produce a production of your best play in New York City as live theatre comes back to life in this New Renaissance of Theatre. We will do all the work, from hiring a production team and staff, to casting, directing, building costumes, set design, lighting design, payroll and more. From 3 performances to 20 performances for one simple Production Fee. Pre-Pandemic, 2017 - 2019, we produced 60 plays in Midtown Manhattan for playwrights all over the world. Production time frames available: Late Autumn 2021, Winter/Spring 2022.Currently, as we move back into production in New York City, we are only accepting Full-Length plays and Musicals - 60 to 150 minutes. Production fees range from $12,000 to $50,000 depending on the "size" of your production, scenic elements, and the number of performances.
o Deadline: TBD
o Application Fee: None
o Eligibility: If you are serious about self-producing your play in New York City, please forward us: An email cover letter with information about you and your work. your play attached as a .pdf, an attached Synopsis of your play, with the approximate running time, and your set, lighting and costume requirements.
o Categories: Full Length Plays, New Plays
o Contact: manhattanrep@yahoo.com
Shubert Fendrich Memorial Playwriting Contest
To encourage the development of quality theatrical materials for the educational, community and children’s theatre markets, Pioneer Drama Service is proud to sponsor the annual Shubert Fendrich Memorial Playwriting Contest.
This is an ongoing contest, with a winner selected by June 1 each year from all eligible submissions received the previous year. All eligible plays accepted for publication will be considered contest finalists, from which the winner will be selected. The contest winner will receive a $1,000 royalty advance in addition to publication.
o Deadline: Ongoing
o Application Fee: None
o Eligibility: You can start the submission process by contacting us here.
We will only consider manuscripts with a running time between 20 and 90 minutes.
Submissions must be family friendly in both subject and language. NO cursing. NO explicitly adult content.
We prefer casts that are either balanced or favoring females. The more gender neutral roles, the better.
We favor plays and musicals with ensemble casts, where more than just a few have a chance to shine.
Plays with elaborate set, costume or technical requirements are not appealing because of the limited resources of many of our customers. Pictures, sketches or descriptions of your vision are always helpful.
We recommend your submissions have had at least one production or reading, hopefully staged. We feel this fundamental field test is necessary before a play can be considered for publication since plays are created for the purpose of performance.
Manuscripts must be computer-printed in dark ink. We do not require specific formatting. However, your efforts to ensure your script is free of misspellings and typos will help the submissions editor.
We hope that Pioneer Drama is your first choice as a publisher, and we encourage you to submit to us exclusively. However, we do accept simultaneous submissions with the understanding that you will accept the first contract you’re offered and not use the situation to seek multiple offers from which to choose. If you receive another offer, please notify us immediately so we may rescind your submission.
The following information must accompany your submission or query:
100-200 word synopsis.
Cast list that indicates the number of female roles, the number of male roles and the number of roles that can be performed by either gender. We do not accept one-person shows.
Running time.
CD and/or score for musicals. We appreciate the opportunity to hear the music, if possible.
Set design(s). Please feel free to provide diagrams and/or pictures.
Proof of production or staged reading (i.e., review, program, etc.) A DVD of your performance is ideal, though not required.
Age of intended audience.
A self-addressed envelope of sufficient size with appropriate postage for the return of your materials. We will NOT return manuscripts or accompanying material if this is not included.
Cover letter and/or resume.
o Categories: family friendly
o Address: Pioneer Drama Service, Inc. Attn: Submissions Editor PO Box 4267
Englewood, CO 80155-4267
o Contact: https://www.pioneerdrama.com/ContactUs.asp?ID=6
Urban Stages Emerging Playwright Award
Our $500 Emerging Playwright Award (coupled with press coverage) is given to playwrights who show excellence and dedication throughout this process – from development to the stage. Out of hundreds of submissions a year, we select 15-20 plays for readings. From these, we select 1-3 plays annually to go on to our workshopping phase. Our workshops are meant to prepare a play for our Off-Broadway stage. From our workshops, we select 1-2 plays for full productions, complete with a playwright’s contract and compensation (separate from the award).
o Deadline: Ongoing
o Application Fee: None
o Eligibility: Plays may have been developed or produced elsewhere, but never produced in New York City. Plays from overseas and throughout the US are accepted and considered, but special attention will be given to playwrights who live in or near New York
o Categories: Full Length Plays, New Plays
o Contact: 212.421.1380
Onstage
The Jersey Devil Is A Papi Chulo - NYC EPA
SEEKING Equity actors for roles in THE JERSEY DEVIL IS A PAPI CHULO (See breakdown).
o Deadline: April 13
o Details: Please prepare 2 contrasting contemporary monologues totaling 2-minutes or less.
o Location: Ripley-Grier Studios (520) 520 8th Ave
New York, NY 10018-6507 Holding room - Studio 17V
o Seeking: SOPHIA - Female. Late 30s-40s. Colombian-American. Doctor. Was supposed to marry Jimmie. 1st Gen. She wears a wedding dress throughout most of the play. Miss Colombia meets Miss Havisham.
MARIA - Female. 30s. Mexican-American. Nurse. I was supposed to be at the wedding party. 1st Gen. Dressed for the Club.
CELIA - Female. 30s. Venezuelan-American. Lawyer- if she can get hired. Was supposed to be in the wedding party. DACA Dreamer. Cute velour matching sweat suit kind of girl.
GLORIA - Female. 30s-40s. Cuban-American. Lawyer. Was supposed to be in the wedding party. 1st Gen. Dressed to pitch a tent, play tennis, or pop lock and drop it. Lots of jewelry.
JENNI - Female. Late 30s-40s. Puerto Rican. Nuyorican. Nurse. Was supposed to be the Maid of Honor. A cut-up styled T- Shirt that says, “Boricua Pride” and stylish jeans.
o Salary: Showcase-NY $500 Stipend
o Contact: casting@theshakespeareforum.org
For more Onstage opportunities, visit Backstage.com; ActorsAccess.com; and Playbill.com.
Backstage
Neukom Literary Arts Award for Playwriting 2026
The Neukom Institute for Computational Science at Dartmouth College – in collaboration with Northern Stage – is excited to announce the 2026 Neukom Institute Literary Arts Awards for Playwriting, for full-length plays and other full-length works for the theater addressing the question “What does it mean to be a human in a computerized world?”. The award comes with a $5,000 honorarium as well as a weeklong workshop and public reading produced by Northern Stage (https://northernstage.org/) in early 2027. Note that works that have received a full production are NOT eligible for the competition
o Deadline: May 1
o Application Fee: None
o Eligibility: An anonymized (blinded) copy of the piece
Playwright resume/bio
Production history of the piece
1 page statement of purpose that answers the following questions:A. How does your piece address the theme of exploring humanity in our computerized, digital world?
B. The winning play will have a weeklong workshop and public reading at Northern Stage in White River Junction, VT in early 2026. What are your developmental goals for the play and how would this workshop serve those goals?
o Categories: Full Length Plays, New Plays
o Contact: Questions? Email Brandy (Yijin) Zhang bzhang@northernstage.org and Mandi Benjamin mbenjamin@northernstage.org.
Associate Producer, Lincoln Center
LCT’s mission is to bring exceptional theater to life. Building on a legacy of artistic excellence, LCT strives to expand what is possible: to make the magic of theatre more palpable, empowering visionary artists and extending the invitation for the community to join in celebrating the power of live performance. To see that mission to fruition in a new era at the New York institution, commencing with the current 2025-2026 season, Lear deBessonet assumes the role of Kewsong Lee Artistic Director, alongside Managing Director Mike Schleifer, Executive Producer Barlett Sher, Stacey and Eric Mindich Producer Nicole Kastrinos, Executive Director of Development and Planning Naomi Grabel, and LCT3 Artistic Director and Producer Maria Manuela Goyanes. Founded in 1985 by Board Chair Hon. John V. Lindsay, Executive Producer Bernard Gersten and Director Gregory Mosher, and led for 33 years by André Bishop, LCT is one of the leading nonprofit theaters in the country, producing an annual season of plays and musicals that have been seen by millions around the globe. It is one of 11 autonomous constituents of the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. Each year, the three theaters that make up LCT welcome nearly 300,000 audience members to its home on the Lincoln Center campus. Over the last 40 years, LCT and its outstanding productions have received many of the highest accolades, including 87 Tony Awards®, 97 Drama Desk Awards, 79 Outer Critics Circle Awards, 33 Obies, 11 NY Drama Critics Circle Awards, and one Pulitzer Prize, as well as two finalists. The Associate Producer will join the Artistic team and gain hands-on experience in producing and general management within a major nonprofit theater organization. Working closely with Lincoln Center Theater’s artistic team, the Associate Producer will assist in shepherding productions from development through performance across all three venues.
o Roles & Responsibilities
Assist Producers with administrative, creative, and logistical support for current and upcoming productions.
• Help coordinate calendars, contracts, and communication among artistic, production, marketing, and general management departments.
• Participate in production meetings, readings, and workshops.
• Conduct research and prepare materials for potential productions, artists, and projects.
• Support coordination of developmental readings, rehearsals, and special events.
• Assist with tracking budgets, invoices, and production expenses.
• Collaborate with the Marketing and Development teams on show-related content and donor events.
• Provide general administrative support to the Producing and Artistic staff as assigned.
• Participate in staff meetings, internal training, and professional development opportunities.
o Compensation: This is a full-time, exempt, salaried position with an annual salary range of $115,000 - $120,000. Lincoln Center Theater provides comprehensive benefits including: Paid Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance, 403(b) and Employer Match, and Paid Time Off.
Director of Production, Arena Stage
The Director of Production is responsible for the overall management of the Production Department, balancing artistic vision and integrity with practical needs including deadlines and budgets. The Director of Production will be responsible for budget management, staff development and creative problem solving.
o Essential Duties
Coordinate effective communication among the directors, designers and all members of production staff
Budget and schedule the needs of the Production Department to ensure the fulfillment of planned productions, presentations, rentals and other events
Create and monitor schedules for building, production and presentation activitiesOversee annual production budget, monitor expenses and provide timely updates of actual expenses and projections
Facilitate design and production meetings, ensure deadlines are met and oversee the tech/production process
Administer the production payrollContract production staff (scenic, props, costume, lighting, sound, other production support)
Hire additional production staff (overhire) as required
As a member of Senior Staff, work with the Senior Staff to schedule and plan each season and develop strategic plans for the future.
o Skills: Five years of production management
Degree in theater preferred but not required
Ability to work some evenings and weekends required
Knowledge of MS Office, particularly Excel and Outlook
Knowledge of all production elements including scenic, properties, lighting, costuming, sound, video, stage management, and directing
Previous experience working within SDC, AEA, USA and AFofM policies preferred.
o Compensation: $110,000-$165,000
Obsidian Theater Festival
There exists an enduring legacy of storytelling within the Black community. Actors, writers, musicians, and dancers, capture the richness of Black stories, moving beyond stereotypes and tropes. The Obsidian Theatre Festival exists to uplift both stories as well as storytellers, and firmly believes in the power of art to change lives. Obsidian will provide the community with the powerful platform it deserves by way of a fresh new stage upon which these stories will be meaningfully exist, an enduring legacy of storytelling within the Black community. Actors, writers, musicians, and dancers, capture the richness of Black stories, moving beyond stereotypes and tropes. The Obsidian Theatre Festival exists to uplift both stories as well as storytellers, and firmly believes in the power of art to change lives. Obsidian will provide the community with the powerful platform it deserves by way of a fresh new stage upon which these stories will be meaningfully celebrate
o Seeking: Various Roles
o Location: Detroit, MI
o Website: https://www.obsidianfest.org/available-positions
Milwaukee Repertory Theatre
o Seeking: Various Roles
o Location: Milwaukee, WI
o Website: https://www.milwaukeerep.com
For more information: https://www.milwaukeerep.com/about/work-us/jobs/?fbclid=IwAR2lXyj99fIOhY8MmQ5n4XRveG1wEqPl2mL_9w7A1-WVpLoZhqwUDc-2Crc
Milwaukee Repertory Theater is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values and encourages a diverse workforce. We invite you to review jobs that are currently available.
Full-time employee benefits include health, dental and voluntary vision and disability insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement plan; parking programs and complimentary tickets.
Application Instructions
Send your letter, resume and salary history (PDF or Word attachments only) to the email address listed in the job listing.
Oregon Shakespeare Festival
o Seeking: Various Roles
o Location: Ashland, Oregon
o Website: https://www.osfashland.org
For more information: https://www.osfashland.org/work-with-us?fbclid=IwAR2cqx7fSs1YYwa2I86SMVxJjZ8ns4ba2RqsEr51mMKIVWdiIL7ByQ4Lv8U
Located in the beautiful Rogue Valley of southern Oregon, the Tony Award-Winning Oregon Shakespeare Festival presents a season of eleven plays in rotating repertory across three theaters between the months of February and October. Additionally, OSF offers extensive educational opportunities to students, teachers, and theatergoers of all ages during our performance season.
We offer employment and career opportunities in a wide range of positions (acting, other performing opportunities, scenery, costumes, lighting, marketing, finance, etc.). We encourage you to check our website regularly for openings.
Two River Theater
Two River Theater annually produces a theatrical season that includes American and world classics, new plays and musicals, programs for young people, and festivals of new work. Each year, we also offer 40+ events that reflect our diverse community of Red Bank, New Jersey. Two River celebrates and honors our core values of Artistic Excellence; Education and Community Engagement; Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion; and Operational Excellence. Anyone who joins our team quickly becomes part of putting all of our initiatives into action day in and day out. Two River Theater is led by Artistic Director John Dias and Managing Director Michael Hurst.Two River Theater is dedicated to the goal of building an equitable and culturally diverse work environment and strongly encourages applications from members of underrepresented groups.
o Seeking: Various Roles
o Location: Red Bank, NJ
o Website: https://tworivertheater.org/jobs/
The Kate Spade New York Foundation
o To honor Kate Spade’s legacy of empowering and inspiring women and girls, the National Council for Behavioral Health is excited to provide complimentary Mental Health First Aid training to communities throughout the five boroughs of New York City and New Jersey and in partnership with organizations that specifically support these populations.
What is Mental Health First Aid?
Just as CPR helps you assist an individual having a heart attack, Mental Health First Aid helps you assist someone experiencing a mental health or substance use-related crisis. In the Mental Health First Aid course, you learn risk factors and warning signs for mental health and addiction concerns, strategies for how to help someone in both crisis and non-crisis situations, and where to turn for help.
The National Council for Behavioral Health shares Kate Spade New York Foundation’s belief in “the power of women to transform their communities” through empowerment. In support of this mission, we are offering through a competitive application process, select Mental Health First Aid and Youth Mental Health First Aid training, fully funded!
o Location: New York, NY
o Website
For more Offstage opportunities, visit OffStageJobs.com and Playbill.com.
Funding Opportunities
The Inkwell Theater Development LAB
A unique program in Los Angeles, the LAB aims to bring the writer out of their office, or coffee shop, and into the rehearsal room. While we recognize the necessity for writers to work on their own, we believe that nothing benefits works-in-progress more than artistic collaboration. The LAB is focused on developing new plays through a collaborative workshop process. We believe that by working in a rehearsal setting with a director and actors, a playwright can best further their plays. Playwrights often tell us how they gained new insights from simply seeing their work with a cast, not to mention the constructive input from directors and other artists.We begin with a writer and their first draft. During a 3-week intensive process, writers will not only see and hear that draft as written but will also see their rewrites, changes, and inspired ideas come to life. This is aided by introducing an experienced and versatile director, bringing their own unique insights to the play. Mixing in a cast of talented performers only adds to the volume of artistic brainpower being brought to bear upon the play. And pulling the playwright into the rehearsal room brings the whole thing together.
o Deadline: April 3
o Application Fee: None
o Eligibility: Anyone is eligible to submit. There are no restrictions based on age, experience, representation, formal training or union-affiliation.
Please submit only full, completed scripts. It can be an early draft, but we do require a complete script in order to evaluate the submission.
Submitted work cannot have been previously produced. (Private workshops and readings are not considered productions).
Commissioned work is not eligible for submission.
Previous applicants may re-apply, but only with new material. We do not accept plays that have been previously submitted.
Submissions from writers outside of the LA area are accepted, but the writer is responsible for transportation and accommodations (if selected).
Please limit your submissions to one every six months
Creative Capital Award 25
The 2027 Creative Capital Open Call seeks proposals from individual artists in all 50 states for new artistic works in the Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Film, and Literature. The Creative Capital Award provides unrestricted project grants of up to $50,000 to individual artists to create new work. The new State of the Art Prize provides unrestricted artist grants of $10,000.
o Deadline: April 2
o Application Fee: No Fee
Legacy Playwright Grants
AGE is committed to transforming the American Theatre canon by enhancing the representation of BIPOC playwrights of marginalized genders who are 40 years and older. We intentionally provide unrestricted grant funding, as we believe that when funders dictate the use of grant resources and impose complex documentation requirements, it undermines the autonomy of the recipients. Shared power is a fundamental principle for AGE. We recognize the complex history of oppression, trauma, and disempowerment experienced by BIPOC women and gender-diverse individuals.
o Deadline: To Be Confirmed
o Application Fee: No Fee
o Eligibility: Identify as BIPOC
40+ years of age
Identify as a person of marginalized gender or gender-diverse. We use the terms “marginalized gender” or “gender-diverse” to refer to our community of members who experience marginalization due to their genders. This includes cisgender women, transgender women, transgender men, non-binary people, among many other marginalized gender identities. Please note- marginalized gender is not the same as a marginalized person, nor does it relate to sexuality.
Identify as an emerging artist. Emerging means that the playwright has had no more than one play fully produced in one or more professional theatre(s). Readings and workshop productions are exempt.
Have an original draft of a full length play completed at the time of application; while not necessary, it is highly encouraged that the script have at least one principal character who is a BIPOC person of marginalized gender, 40+ years of age. Special consideration will be given to plays that fulfill this suggestion.
Live and work in the United States or Puerto Rico and are able to submit a W9 if chosen as a Finalist or Recipient.
o Contact: alpgrants@ageinthearts.org.
The Democracy Cycle
In January 2024, The Perelman Performing Arts Center (PAC NYC) and Civis Foundation partnered to launch The Democracy Cycle, a commissioning program designed to support new works that illuminate the promise, practice, imperfection, and opportunity of democracy. Over a five-year period, The Democracy Cycle will commission and develop 25 new performing arts works across the fields of theater, dance, music, opera, and multi-disciplinary performance. The commissioned works, to be selected over the course of three annual Rounds of Open Calls (2024, 2025, and 2026) will explore themes relating to the nature, practice, and experience of democracy.
o Deadline: April 28
o Application Fee: Free
o Eligibility: Please look at the Eligibility section of both the RFP / Request for Proposals and the Submission Guidelines, and do the Eligibility Screen in Submittable. If you still have questions, make an appointment with the director of The Democracy Cycle via Calendly.
The Alpine Fellowship
The winner of the Theatre Prize will receive a cash prize to support the writing of their proposed play, and the runners up will receive travel expense support that must be used to attend our 2026 symposium - dates and venue to be announced.
o Deadline: May 1
o Application Fee: None
o Eligibility: Open to all nationalities.
Applicants must be aged 18 or above at the time of entry.
All entries must be written in English.
Applicants can only enter one of our prizes.
Limited to one entry per person.
Travel expenses can be used for economy travel costs only and are not exchangeable for cash, any leftover travel budget will not be redeemed as cash.
Travel expenses can be used for transport only and cannot be used towards accommodation outside of the dates of our symposium.
Steven Schwartzberg Grants for Mental Health & Wellness
Writers are the beating heart of theater, whom we rely upon to take us on journeys and inspire us to think. During these unprecedented times, DGF has created the Steven Schwartzberg Grants to provide financial support for mental health and wellness services for writers. To help connect writers to therapists, DGF has partnered with Advekit, an online therapist matching service, to expand access to mental health support that might be out of your reach.
Please complete the form to receive $1,000 toward therapy through Advekit, courtesy of DGF.
If you already have a therapist or are seeking mental wellness support other than Western talk therapy, DGF is working on ways to support you in your wellness.
NYC Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA)
The NYC DCLA is dedicated to supporting and strengthening New York City's vibrant cultural life. Among our primary missions is to ensure adequate public funding for non-profit cultural organizations, both large and small, throughout the five boroughs.
They have many grants tailored to the needs of artists living and working in the city throughout the year.
o Deadline: Ongoing
o Application Fee: Free
o Eligibility: Independent Artists and Groups
o Address: New York City Department of Cultural Affairs 31 Chambers Street New York, New York 10007
o Contact: 212.513.9300
SubletSeries@HERE Program
This creative curated rental program has allowed many upstart companies and emerging artists to realize their full artistic vision on a small budget. The program provides subsidized performance and rehearsal space, technical assistance, and administrative support, including a fully staffed box office. SubletSeries@HERE artists can also access equipment that is not typically available in venues our size such as video projectors, wireless microphones, color scrollers—all for free or at subsidized rates. We accept applications from artists all over the world for the opportunity to show work.
o Deadline: Ongoing
o Application Fee: Free
o Eligibility: Independent Artists and Groups
o Address: HERE Program 145 Sixth Ave New York, NY 10013
o Contact: 212.647.0202
Annenberg Foundation
The Annenberg Foundation does most of their funding in the arts, culture, and humanities to organizations in the counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura. The Annenberg Foundation
dation's arts and humanities grants are available to agencies that serve the greater Los Angeles region, typically with budgets over $5 million.
o Deadline: Ongoing
o Application Fee: Free
o Eligibility: Arts, culture, and humanities in greater Los Angeles region
Residencies
Artcroft Center for Arts and Humanities
Residencies of an average of 2-8 weeks for visual artists, writers, actors, and performance artists. Residency provides housing, studio, and meals; artist responsible residency fee ($40/day), deposit (10% of residency fee), travel, materials, and local transportation.
o Deadline: Ongoing
o Application Fee: $25
o When: 2-8 weeks
o Eligibility: Residencies are available to established and emerging visual and literary artists 18 years of age and older without regard for race, gender, sexual orientation, or religion.
o Address: Artcroft Center for Arts and Humanities 2075 Johnson Rd. Carlisle, KY 40311
o Contact: artcroft@msn.com
Other Resources
NOTE: For more resources, visit our pages of Resources - Funding, Submissions, and more.
NYFA SOURCE - The New York Foundation for the Arts maintains the most comprehensive national directory of awards, services and publications for artists in the NYFA Source section of their website.
Updates to our resources and opportunities have been made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
#Screenopps
#ScreenOpps
#ScreenOppsapril26
Submission Opportunities for Women in Film & Video
(previously known as Film/Video Funding Newsletter)
For full #ScreenOpps Listings please scroll
or click links below for specific listings
Film Festivals
Onscreen
Offscreen
Funding
Residencies
Other Resources
If you are a longtime recipient of #StageOpps and #ScreenOpps,
you know that they started as the Funding Newsletters,
brought to you by WomenArts, who still support the ongoing production of these opportunities as well as our Funding Resources pages.
WomenArts' founder and president, Martha Richards,
received the 2020 Elsa Rael VintAge Award
(for Advocacy for Women in the Arts & Media as They Age) from us
on Zoom Saturday, November 14, 2020.
Check out our VintAge page for more info.
Film Festivals
Peach Theatre and Film Festival
The PEACH Theatre and Film Intl. Festival is a unique and rare experience that merge two beautiful genres of arts and entertainment. Both theatre and film, showcasing a series of short films and selected plays, in one of the world's most famous cities, internationally known for being the home of entertainment. Los Angeles, California. Our mission is to select films and plays based on content, quality, and merit. It is also our volition to honor the creatives selected, with integrity and respect for their hard work, discipline and sacrifice to get their productions completed and ready for display. As playwrights, filmmakers and entertainment professionals ourselves, we understand what it takes, and for that reason, we salute you! Continue history with us!
o When/Where: November 14
o Deadline: April 5 (Early Bird Deadline), June 10 (Regular Deadline), September 18 (Late Deadline)
o Application Fee: $35-$55
o Eligibility: Trailers must be included in your FilmFreeway submission, to be considered for official selection.
We do not accept student films or "Works in progress."
Films must have been released, no earlier than January '2020
Those who submit films, must own the rights to the film, own the rights or have proper clearance for the original or selected music featured in the film, and footage.
All Non English films submitted, must include English captions.
This festival reserves the right to make amendments/revisions to the event itinerary, or postpone due to possible/forthcoming COVID-19 restrictions.
By submitting: You consent for our festival to use still shots and/or footage from your play or film, for promotional purposes.
We do not pay screening fees to films selected to screen in our festival.
o Categories: Short Film
SF Queer Film Festival
Our festival is looking for ground-breaking indie films by under-represented Queer storytellers. Unlike the older LGBTQIA+ film festivals, we do not adhere to the status quo and offer an alternate platform for out-of-the-box thinkers and content creators. We do not disqualify films based on premiere status or date of completion. We select films on merit and not based on the names attached to the project. This festival is created by filmmakers for filmmakers.
o When/Where: August 21
o Deadline: June 7 (Regular Deadline), June 27 (Late Deadline)
o Application Fee: $20-$55
o Eligibility: Film must be directed by LGBTQI+ individual(s).
Subject matter should be related to the LGBTQI+ community.
Films streaming on VOD platforms and Youtube/Vimeo are NOT eligible.
o Categories: Feature, Short, Documentary, Music Video
The Women’s Film Festival
The Women's Film Festival is an annual festival that is normally during Women's History Month in March that showcases work made by and/or about women and self-identifying women. This year, it will be held in September 2026. The Women's Film Festival is the only event of its kind in Philadelphia that celebrates and elevates women in film and television. Since October 2014, The Women's Film Festival has presented hundreds of culturally relevant films and exciting programming to broad and diverse audiences in the Greater Philadelphia region. Past main venues included the Perelman Theater at the Kimmel Center of Performing Arts, Caplan Theater at the University of the Arts, Drexel URBN Annex Screening Room, National Liberty Museum, Philadelphia Museum of Art Ruth and Raymond G Perelman Building, The Lightbox Center, The Suzanne Roberts Theater, Masonic Temple, Neighborhood House at Christ Church, Moore College of Art & Design, and Fleisher Art Memorial.
o When/Where: September 17
o Deadline: April 3 (Regular Deadline), May 1 (Late Deadline)
o Application Fee: $18-$34
o Eligibility: Please submit your work (documentary, short, feature, animation, or music video) featuring a strong female role in the category of director, writer, producer, editor, director of photography, or lead actress. Work cannot be screened in Philadelphia area prior to this film festival and must not be open to the public to view. No submission waivers.
o Categories: Feature, Short, Documentary, Documentary Short
San Diego Asian Film Festival
Since 2000, the San Diego Asian Film Festival has been one of the premier platforms for Asian American cinema and has grown into the largest showcase of Asian and Pacific Islander cinema in the western United States. The festival is borne out of the love for independent film and the desire to showcase the diverse Pan Asian experience through film and other arts. SDAFF supports both Asian and non-Asian artists by giving them a venue to showcase their work, and it gives the community access to quality films that otherwise would never show in San Diego.
o When/Where: November 5
o Deadline: April 20 (Regular Deadline), June 1 (Late Deadline), June 22 (Extended Deadline: Shorts), August 10 (Extended Deadline: Features)
o Application Fee: $40-$60
o Eligibility: Films/videos entered into competition must be directed or principally acted by an artist of Asian or Pacific Islander descent, or contain subject matter relating to Asian or Pacific Islander cultures or communities. Clarify questions of eligibility prior to submission of entry.
Entries must have been completed after June 1, 2025. For short films, the date of first public premiere (if any) must be after August 1, 2025. For feature-length films, the date of first public premiere (if any) must be after October 1, 2025.
Feature length entries cannot have been previously exhibited in San Diego at another film festival or commercial venue or be available for broadcast, home video, or online for American audiences, before Nov. 20, 2026.
Each project entered into competition must pay an entry fee. There is no limit to the number of qualifying entries by any entrant so long as an entry form and fee accompanies each entry.
Non-English dialogue must be subtitled in English.
Films/videos cannot be re-entered into competition if previously rejected by the San Diego Asian Film Festival.
Entrants shall obtain all licenses, royalties, and permits necessary to present their work. Entry will assume all costs arising from the use of patented, trademarked, franchised, or copyrighted music, materials, devices, processes, or dramatic rights used in production of work.
Short films previously exhibited on the Internet are eligible for entry.
o Categories: Feature, Short, Documentary, Documentary Short
New York Lift-Off Film Festival
For over ten years Lift-Off has been screening in the city of New York. It stands tall as the central hub of creative ambition. Bursting from its emergence out of the 20th Century as one of the worlds most recognizable and iconic cities. It is an undeniable powerhouse of independent art - a city of massive cultural, and business relevance to the entire film industry. Lift-Off invites filmmakers to this exceptional showcase location, that aims to deliver more opportunities for ambitious creatives to build their professional lives. From talent agencies, sales agents, distributors, and the press - New York Lift-Off is the destination for filmmakers looking to build their career, and have the right eyes on their work. The audience feedback in NYC will give filmmakers a unique, quantifiable and intelligent breakdown as to how their work communicates.
o When/Where: July 1-31
o Deadline: March 3 (March Deadline), April 1 (Spring Deadline), May 5 (Late Deadline), June 3 (Final Deadline)
o Application Fee: $18-$100
o Eligibility: If you pay a submission fee, we will screen your work. Our programme's are separated into categories based on your content's level of storytelling, production value, message and acting. During the festival we have two voting committees - our professional jury and the general public. IMPORTANT NOTE: Our online festivals are NOT a pay for vote platform. If you invite your friends and family to watch either the physical or online screenings it is encouraged that they engage with as much of the content as possible and vote accordingly. This is why two votes are always counted from each audience member with both votes resulting in 1 point for each film. We are doing our best to invite new and exciting audiences to genuine indie film content - if you can encourage your audiences to do the same we will build a wonderful network of opportunity for all, no matter where you are starting out. Proudly, we have no other restrictions for your work. This includes your work's premier status, it's age and/or whether your work has been made available online
o Categories: Feature, Short, Animated, Documentary
Los Angeles Asian Film Festival
Los Angeles Asian Film Awards, originally called Las Vegas Asian Film Awards (LVAFA), was an independent festival that resides beneath the umbrella of AOF MegaFest, which is in its 19th year, is the largest film event of its kind in the world. Held in Las Vegas at the Premiere Theaters and Locations, the show regularly exceeds 20,000 guests and attendees. After a first successful annual event in Las Vegas with the legendary AOF MegaFest in summer 2021, it moved to Los Angeles, the center of the world film industry. Opportunities at Los Angeles Asian Film Awards are literally like no other in the world; Los Angeles Asian Film Awards can put more resources together and offer a wide variety of industry guests, seminar speakers, and panelists. We invite you to join festival director, Award-Winning Filmmaker and Writer Lureen Wu and honorable judge, director Roger Christiansen ("Friends," "Hannah Montana," "Tango Down") as they bring you a selection of pure Asian Cinema for Screenings and Awards. The situation surrounding COVID-19 has caused much pain in the film and entertainment industries, and no group has been affected more than Asian Filmmakers, Writers, and Creators. The Los Angeles Asian Film Awards is a hub and platform for Asian filmmakers to have their works seen and voices heard. Festival Director Lureen Wu was born and raised in Shanghai, China. She worked as a TV director in Shanghai for years, including TV documentaries, TV commercials, celebrity talk shows, and music videos. Early in her career in Shanghai, Lureen worked with the Emmy Award-winning television interviewer, Nancy Merrill, in the English talk show "Nancy Merrill: Minds of Millionaires" on the international channel of Shanghai TV Station(SMG) and CCTV NEWS. After moving to the United States, Lureen continued pursuing her career in film. She worked with filmmakers who are part of some best-known movies and TV shows such as Friends, Les Misérables（2012), The Big Bang Theory, Saw, Sex and The City, Iron Man 2, Grey's Anatomy, The Princess Diaries, Stranger Things, Game of Thrones......Our Festival is open to ALL Asian filmmakers, talents, and writers of all genres and lengths.
o When/Where: December 12
o Deadline: March 31 (Early Deadline), May 31 (Regular Early Deadline), June 30 (Regular Deadline), July 31 (Regular Late Deadline), August 31 (Late Deadline), September 30 (Extended Deadline) November 15 (Final Deadline)
o Application Fee: $40-$55
o Eligibility: We are Accepting submissions for feature Narrative and Documentary, short Narrative and Documentary, Music Videos, TV Commercials, short/feature scripts. All genres are welcome. The festival programming staff will place your film in the appropriate category. To Enter for Competition your film or Project must have a writer, producer, talent or director of Asian descent in order to be eligible for awards.
o Categories: Feature, Short, Documentary, Documentary Short, Animation
Chelsea Film Festival
The Chelsea Film Festival (CFF) has been selected in the "TOP 10 BEST FILM FESTIVAL IN NORTH AMERICA" (#6) by USA Today in 2019 among 19 other film festivals in the USA.CFF is an organization dedicated to supporting films and the artists who create them by providing a creative forum for exchange and discovery with the public. The Festival attracts filmmakers, artists and audience members from across North America and around the globe. It premieres independent feature-length, documentaries and short films with a Global Focus. Chelsea Film Festival aims to raise an awareness about foreign independent films and discover upcoming talents. The Chelsea Film Festival is an international film platform for world lovers.
o When/Where: October 14-18
o Deadline: March 31 (Regular Deadline), May 31 (Late Deadline), July 6 (Extended Deadline)
o Application Fee: $9-$100
o Eligibility: Entries must be New York City premieres and have been completed in 2021 or 2022. Films shown in other festivals or public screenings in New York are not eligible for consideration. Contact us directly at info@chelseafilm.org if your film is a WORLD PREMIERE.
o Categories: Feature, Short, Documentary, Documentary Short, Animation
Astoria Film Festival
Filmmakers as possible, to our community via events and social media, and to industry professionals that judge the works and attend the festival. Astoria Film Festival Inc in Astoria NY, is a 501c3 non-profit organization and an official NYC DOE VENDOR. Founded by an Astoria-born First-Gen Woman with a background in TV and Digital Media production, with a majority female board, this festival aims to increase representation in media through the festival itself and also through its education and workforce development programs. Each year, we produce a Main Festival and a Youth Festival , focused on short live action and animated films, and highlight our Student Programming, where we teach filmmaking workshops to ages 8-adult in schools, after schools, and community centers. In addition, we train high-school and college age youth in our Media Production Lab where we provide instruction in media production skills, real-world production experience, and connections to industry professionals. Please follow us on Instagram, YouTube, or Facebook for more info.
You can also visit astoriafilmfestival.org
o When/Where: May 23-31
o Deadline: March 1 (Regular Deadline), April 1 (Late), April 21 (Last Minute)
o Application Fee: $8-$80
o Eligibility: Submissions must be made in an mp4 format via FilmFreeway ONLY and should contain subtitles as some of our judges are deaf and will not be able to judge otherwise.
Please do not email or DM us films. They will not be part of the judged films.
Projects should not be more than 2 years old at time of submission.
Projects need to have the rights to use included music or use royalty-free music.
Projects cannot be screened in any other Queens-based festival in May/June 2026.
Short films and short animated films: 20 mins or less.
Exception: Documentary Shorts can be up to 40 mins.
o Categories: Short, Documentary
Hollywood International Diversity Film Festival
The values of Southern California reflect the diversity of gender, gender identity, and the many different cultures that reside within our region. And independent film has been the driver of change in the Hollywood mainstream, at times influencing and re-shaping the norms of studio and network content. With screenings in Hollywood, our event celebrates independent films that embrace diversity of gender and cultural perspectives, and accepts our differences to promote understanding and empathy.
o When/Where: August 30
o Deadline: March 21 (Regular Deadline), April 11 (Sprint Deadline), May 2 (Late Deadline), June 13 (Extended Deadline), July 4 (Late Extended Deadline), July 25 (Final Deadline)
o Application Fee: $45-95
o Eligibility:
The Festival does not claim any copyright or other rights related to the material submitted. However, by submitting your film or video material to the Festival, you are agreeing to allow the Festival to use partial clips and/or screenshots of your work in the Festival's promotional material.
If a submitted film (or other video-based material) is chosen by the Festival to be screened at an event, the submitter must be ready to provide the film in a high quality digital format (at least 1080p or higher) or other formats which may be requested by the Festival. Any alternative formats must be agreed upon by the Festival's directors and the submitter and the Festival reserves the right to withdraw the offer to screen the film if an appropriate format cannot be provided in time for the Festival's event date. Additionally, by submitting material to the Festival, you hereby consent to the Festival to share your name and contact information with any producers, distributors, agents, managers, and other industry professionals who may be interested in your submitted material. However, the Festival shall be under no obligation to disclose any personal or contact information related to the judges or jury members. Judging feedback information may be shared at the discretion of the Festival but should not be considered any part of standard procedure and should not be expected under normal circumstances due to time and resource limitations. If a film is selected for screening, the submitter may contact the Festival to opt out of the screening at any time prior to the date of the scheduled screening.
All status notifications and communications regarding the event will be sent by the Festival to the submitter by email. It is the submitter's responsibility to check SPAM or JUNK folders in case an important email has been misidentified as unsolicited advertising.
The Festival does not have any premiere requirements as of the current season. If your film has premiered at another film festival or was exhibited privately or online, it remains eligible. Films with distribution are also eligible but please notify us of this in your submission. (If your film is accepted to screen at our festival and our screening will be the world premiere, American premiere, California state premiere, or Los Angeles premiere of your film, feel free to let us know so your premiere status can be mentioned on our promotional material.)
All submissions of films, short films, web series, documentaries, music videos, or other video-based material must include an online screener. The Festival does not accept physical submissions of film, DVD, Blu-Ray or other physical media for the judging stages. If the online screener is hosted on a service that requires a shared password, it is the submitter's responsibility to ensure that the shared password provided is accurate and up to date.
Your film must be understandable to a primarily English-speaking audience. If the main dialogue in the film is not in English, please include English subtitles in all submission copies as well as the screening copy (if your film is selected.)
All submissions must be accompanied by the applicable submission fee. Submission fees are paid for the time and work performed by judges and jury. The Festival shall not be obliged to provide any refunds after a work has been submitted. If a dispute arises for any reason, the submitter will be responsible for any transaction fees or costs incurred by the Festival in connection with the dispute. The submitter is solely responsible for any applicable local, state, and/or federal taxes in connection with submissions.
All submitted films must be an original work. If the film is based on an existing property or other underlying work, the submitter must have secured the rights to the material. The Festival shall not be expected to verify or investigate the rights secured by the submitter. By submitting your work, you hereby represent that all necessary rights related to the work (including but not limited to story, content, music, logos, performer likenesses and images) have been secured and you accept all responsibility and liability for any copyright violations related to your submission. The Festival reserves the right to disqualify any submission on the basis of legal reasons including but not limited to copyright violations or any content that violates the laws of California.
Works in progress are accepted. However, please clearly indicate on your submission forms if your film is a work in progress. It is the submitter's responsibility to ensure that a suitable cut of the film will be ready and available by the date of the event if the film is selected for screening by the Festival. The Festival may accept revisions of submitted material on a case by case basis but is under no obligation to do so.
The Festival shall not be held liable nor responsible for any statements or opinions expressed by any individual administrator, jury member, board member, director, judge, staff member, affiliate, partner, or volunteer. Any statements or opinions expressed by such individuals do not necessarily reflect those of the Festival as an organization. If a dispute arises in connection with your submission to the Festival, you agree to contact the Festival and allow the administrators of the Festival at least one week to resolve the problem prior to involving any third party.
o Categories: Feature, Short, Documentary, TV
She/Her Fest
She/Her Fest was created to empower, recognize, and promote art created by women identifying filmmakers. She/Her Fest is an inclusive, safe, art community. It is important to know that the festival itself is for EVERYONE regardless of gender! Hosted in the picturesque Pacific Northwest, She/Her Fest is an annual community gathering that you won't want to miss!
o When/Where: September 19
o Deadline: March 7 (Very First Week Discount), April 3 (Early Bird Deadline), May 15 (Regular Deadline), June 12 (Late Deadline)
o Application Fee: $10-30
o Eligibility:
All entries must include at least two individuals—either a Director, Writer, Cinematographer, or Producer—who use she/her or she/they pronouns. Entrants must be 18+.
Entries must be 100% Completed, including, color, picture, and sound.
FILM LENGTH: Short films must not exceed 30 minutes in length. Feature length films must not exceed 120 minutes in length.
BUDGET CAP: Film budget is not to exceed $25,000.
PREMIERE STATUS: No Premiere Status requirements.
FILM AGE: Films have no age requirement.
AGREEMENT OF USE: By submitting to She/Her Fest, filmmakers agree to have their work publicly screened on the listed event date.Filmmakers and guests agree to allow the festival to use their likeness in promotional materials relating to the festival.
COPYRIGHT: All rights to the film must be owned by the filmmakers, INCLUDING music and archive footage.
o Categories: Short, Documentary
California Women’s Film Festival (Summer)
The California Women’s Film Festival is deeply honored to celebrate women filmmakers, artists and writers by providing a showcase and networking forum in the heart of Hollywood. The CWFF understands how important it is to hear and see the educated, entertaining and diverse stories of women from around the globe. We provide a platform so these voices can be heard and shared with audiences that want to be inspired. The California Women’s Film Festival accepts all projects that have at least one woman in one of the key production positions: (Producer, Director, Writer, Cinematographer, Editor, Lead Actress, Etc......). Projects that are produced and/or directed by men are accepted as long as there is a lead female protagonist and/or the story is based around women. The California Women's Film Festival operates as a biannual event. Our Winter season will be held in January and our Summer season will be held in July.
o When/Where: August 7-9
o Deadline: March 19 (Late Deadline), April 9 (Extended Deadline), April 30 (Freeway Deadline), May 21 (Final Deadline)
o Application Fee: $22.50-$90
o Eligibility: Projects must have at least one woman in one of the key production positions: (Producer, Director, Writer, Cinematographer, Lead Actress, Etc......).
Projects that are produced and/or directed by men are accepted as long as there is a lead female protagonist and/or the story is based around women.
All genres are accepted.
Works in progress should be clearly marked on the screening copy.
Submissions in languages other than English must be subtitled or dubbed.
The entry fee is per category. Entry fee is non-refundable. Fee waivers are not available.
DVDs must clearly be labeled with FilmFreeway tracking ID and contact info.
Our Festival will consist of Award presentations, red carpet photos, screenings and Q&A sessions.
For more information please contact us at info@calwomensfest.com
Please do not send paper press kits with your screener unless requested.
DVDs will not be returned.
o Categories: Feature, Short, Documentary
o Contact: info@calwomensfest.com
LA Underground Film Forum
LA Underground Film Forum (LAUFF) is Los Angeles's premier showcase of experimentation in film, video and audio based mediums. It focuses on avant-garde, art-house, independent and no/low budget filmmaking. Our program provides a venue for filmmakers to reinvent and explore new approaches, to foster new forms of media art and to build an audience for such work. We aim to present a wide range of work exploring the many definitions and interpretations of the concept of “underground”. We’re looking for films made with passion, obsession and drive; films that go beyond expectations and genre; films, video and audio projects that strive to push the boundaries of accepted form and content. A strong sense of authorship is a must.
o When/Where: February 13
o Deadline: March 9 (Early Bird Deadline 1), March 29 (Early Bird Deadline 2), April 26 (Early Bird Deadline 3), May 24 (Early Bird Deadline 4), June 27 (Regular Deadline 1), July 26 (Regular Deadline 2), August 29 (Regular Deadline 3), September 27 (Late Deadline 1), October 25 (Late Deadline 2), November 29 (Final Deadline)
o Application Fee: $27-38
o Eligibility: LAUFF accepts all forms and genres: from drama, documentary, experimental, cult, art-house, foreign language, comedy, horror, sci-fi, fantasy, animation, LGBT, indigenous, erotica to slow cinema and video art …
o Categories: Micro Films, Short Films, Feature Films, Animation, Screenplay
Horrific Women Film Festival
The Horrorific Women Film Festival is a festival made to showcase the scariest and craziest films from women around the world. On the day of the festival, we will screen all of the nominees and have and award ceremony where we will announce the winners of each category and crown the Most Horrorific Woman Filmmaker. You can expect to experience meeting other amazing women filmmakers and networking with industry professionals!
o When/Where: September 12
o Deadline: February 1 (Regular Deadline), April 1 (Late Deadline), June 1 (Extended Deadline)
o Application Fee: $11-35
o Eligibility: Upon submission. Films must be original creations. By submitting their material, applicants agree to indemnify, protect, and defend the festival and its staff against any liability, claims, and damages associated with the submission, including fees and expenses. Failure to comply with the competition rules will lead to disqualification and forfeiture of the entry fee. Applicants commit to holding Horrorific Women Film Festival blameless and defending against any claims, demands, losses, damages, judgments, liabilities, and expenses arising from any submitted film.
Our festival places significant emphasis on upholding ethical and professional standards. Our rules and regulations form the bedrock of this commitment, and it is imperative that all participants adhere to these guidelines to ensure a just and respectful atmosphere for everyone involved.
Failure to Meet Submission Requirements: Submissions must conform to the specified criteria laid out in our rules and regulations, encompassing but not restricted to content, format, submission deadlines, and eligibility prerequisites.
Role requirement: Every film submission requires a woman filmmaker in a supportive position. Neglecting to meet this requirement may result in disqualification.
o Categories: Short, Music Video
East Village Queer Film Festival
East Village Queer Film Festival (EVQ) celebrates queer film in all it's glorious diversity. We welcome filmmakers who entertain, explore and promote queer-themed issues and as well as the downtown avant garde. EVQ's further goal is community building through queer cinema. EVQ promotes the work of queer film and fosters a highly inclusive environment for all artists. You don't have to be LGBTQ+ to submit your film but you do have to be Queer!
o When/Where: August 27-30
o Deadline: May 1 (Regular Deadline), May 5 (Late Deadline),
o Application Fee: $30-50
o Eligibility:You don't have to be LGBTQ+ to submit your film but you do have to be Queer!
o Categories: Feature, Short, Music Video
Reel Queer Film Festival
The Reel Queer Film Festival is a celebration of LGBTQ+ films, filmmakers, and stories from around the world. With a mission to provide innovative, unique, and diverse programming we hope to engage the hearts and minds of audiences in Arkansas and the surrounding region. Reel Queer observes the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community by presenting stories that reflect, document, and celebrate LGBTQ+ lives truthfully and with respect. The festival demonstrates the power of storytelling and filmmaking to transform lives of those inside and outside the LGBTQ+ community. Some of our guests in previous years included Armistead Maupin (The Untold Tales of Armistead Maupin), Cheryl Dunye (The Watermelon Woman), Luka Kain (Saturday Church), Assaad Yacoub (Cherry Pop), Graham Kolbeins (Queer Japan), Elegance Bratton (Pier Kids) and Stephen Cone (Princess Cyd), Del Shores (Sordid Lives), Vera Drew (The People's Joker).
o When/Where: August 27-30
o Deadline: January 31 (Early Bird Deadline), April 30 (Regular Deadline), May 31 (Late Deadline)
o Application Fee: $10-$65
o Eligibility: Reel Queer Film Festival (Kaleidoscope Arts and Culture) is not responsible for any lost, damaged, or stolen items, including films in any medium, while en-route or in our possession, on or off of festival grounds.
Runtimes: Short Films are any films under 40 minutes in length. Feature films will be considered those that are over 40 minutes.
Only digital online screener submissions are accepted using FilmFreeway’s digital submission process (Vimeo/YouTube links).
All films submitted must be in English dialogue or contain onscreen English subtitles. The festival reserves the right to disqualify any film that does not meet this requirement.
More than one entry may be submitted. Each must be submitted with its own entry form and fee.
It is the sole responsibility of the Applicant to obtain all necessary copyrights. By submitting the film you maintain you have obtained all necessary rights for exhibition.
COMPLETION DATE: The film must have been completed on or after January 1, 2017.
PREMIERE STATUS: No premiere requirement
Works in progress may be submitted but it must be stated on the application. If selected it is the responsibility of the Applicant to ensure the completed version arrives to the festival before the festival begins.
Films may have distribution.
All submissions are final. No refunds are provided
o Categories: Feature, Short
Horrorific Women Film Festival
The Horrorific Women Film Festival is a festival made to showcase the scariest and craziest films from women around the world. On the day of the festival, we will screen all of the nominees and have and award ceremony where we will announce the winners of each category and crown the Most Horrorific Woman Filmmaker. You can expect to experience meeting other amazing women filmmakers and networking with industry professionals!
o When/Where: September 12
o Deadline: December 1 (Early Bird Deadline), February 1 (Regular Deadline), April 1 (Late Deadline), June 1 (Extended Deadline)
o Application Fee: $6-$35
o Eligibility: Upon submission. Films must be original creations. By submitting their material, applicants agree to indemnify, protect, and defend the festival and its staff against any liability, claims, and damages associated with the submission, including fees and expenses. Failure to comply with the competition rules will lead to disqualification and forfeiture of the entry fee. Applicants commit to holding Horrorific Women Film Festival blameless and defending against any claims, demands, losses, damages, judgments, liabilities, and expenses arising from any submitted film.
Our festival places significant emphasis on upholding ethical and professional standards. Our rules and regulations form the bedrock of this commitment, and it is imperative that all participants adhere to these guidelines to ensure a just and respectful atmosphere for everyone involved.
Failure to Meet Submission Requirements: Submissions must conform to the specified criteria laid out in our rules and regulations, encompassing but not restricted to content, format, submission deadlines, and eligibility prerequisites.
Role requirement: Every film submission requires a woman filmmaker in a supportive position. Neglecting to meet this requirement may result in disqualification.
Foreign language: In all categories, If the film is any language besides English, subtitles much be included. Failure to include subtitles in your submission may result in disqualification.
AI (Artificial Intelligence): Submissions can not contain any AI (Artificial Intelligence). Any film found to have AI (Artificial Intelligence) will result in disqualification.
Unethical Conduct: Any unethical behavior, such as plagiarism, dishonesty, or any actions that undermine the festival's integrity, is strictly prohibited.
Lack of Responsiveness: Entrants must maintain open and timely communication with the festival organizers. Neglecting to respond to inquiries or furnish necessary information may result in disqualification.
o Categories: Short
Sick Chick Flics Film Festival
This is the 10th year for the Sick Chick's Film Festival! While we screen films for the public, this is largely a filmmaker networking event where filmmakers come together to support each other and their work. We are all about showing love to these wonderful people. You won't find a lot of "celebrities" here because we only celebrate our ladies and their work. They are our stars. We accept short and feature films in one of the following genres: Horror, Sci Fi or Fantasy. Our emphasis is female filmmakers so we do require that at least one of the primary creative roles is filled by a woman. We will be showcasing work by some of the best indie filmmakers from NC and around the world.
o When/Where: October 3-4
o Deadline: January 31 (Regular Deadline), March 31 (Late Deadline), May 31 (Extended Deadline)
o Application Fee: $25-$50
o Eligibility: All Short films must be under 21 minutes. All features must be at least 50min. We accept online screeners and digital downloads only. They must be in one of the following genres: Horror, Sci Fi or Fantasy.
We do accept films from all genders but because our emphasis is on supporting women in film we do require that at least one of the following primary creative roles is filled by a woman (writer, director, cinematographer/director of photography).
Films in the Sick Chick Flick Category must have a woman in at least three of the primary production roles one of which must be director. The others can be writer, cinematographer/director of photography, female lead, producer, specialfx, editor. The more women you have on your production team, the better your chances are of winning this award.
o Categories: Feature, Short
NYWIFT Member Screening Series
The New York Women in Film & Television Member Screening Series is a unique opportunity for NYWIFT members to showcase their work in a theatrical setting. The series features a diverse array of projects from both established and emerging filmmakers in celebration of our community of women filmmakers. The NYWIFT member screening is open to all current members of NYWIFT. Films are selected and notified on a rolling basis for screening in the series. Due to high demand, screening is not guaranteed though we do our best to accommodate as many members as possible. Films may be short or feature length and may be paired with other film(s) for the screening. All genres are welcome. Projects must feature at least one current NYWIFT member in a key creative role. Films should have been completed within the last 4 years. If you have submitted your film in the past we encourage you to submit it again now for future consideration.
NYWIFT Members have the unique opportunity to have their short film selected for a special NYWIFT Member Screening Shorts Showcase at the SOHO International Film Festival. Films selected for this showcase will also be considered official selections of the festival. If you would like your short to be considered for the SOHO Showcase, please note this on your application.
o When/Where: The series takes place September through November and January through June.
o Deadline: May 31
o Application Fee: None
o Eligibility: The NYWIFT member screening is open to all current members of NYWIFT.
Films are selected and notified on a rolling basis for screening in the series. Due to high demand, screening is not guaranteed though we do our best to accommodate as many members as possible.
Films may be short or feature length and may be paired with other film(s) for the screening.
All genres are welcome.
Projects must feature at least one current NYWIFT member in a key creative role.
Films should have been completed within the last 4 years.
If you have submitted your film in the past we encourage you to submit it again now for future consideration.
o Categories: Feature, Short, Documentary, Documentary Short, Animation
o Contact: If you have any questions, please contact Katie Chambers at kchambers@nywift.org.
Reel Sisters of the diaspora Film Festival & Lecture Series
Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film Festival & Lecture Series is the first Academy Qualifying Film Festival for short narratives devoted to women of color across the globe. Founded by African Voices magazine in 1997, Reel Sisters (www.reelsisters.org) accepts films written, directed, or produced by women/non-binary filmmakers of color. Reel Sisters presents in person and virtual screenings. Films showcased virtually are in competition for all awards including our Oscar qualifying award. Reel Sisters is an IMDb qualifying film festival. Reel Sisters celebrates our 29th Anniversary in 2026. Dates and venues will be added, our festival season begins with our Harlem kick off!
o When/Where: October 24-25
o Deadline: March 31 (Early Bird Film Deadline), April 30 (Regular Film Deadline), May 27 (Final Film Deadline)
o Application Fee: $35-$55
o Eligibility
We will need downloadable trailer links from FilmFreeway or Vimeo to help promote your film in our festival. You must submit the trailers and photos with your application. If your materials are not submitted with your application, your film will be disqualified.
Complete the details required, providing brief synopsis of the film, credits, production stills and trailers. We accept photographs in all formats including JPEGs, TIFFs and EPS (electronic photos must be 300 dpi resolution for promotional purposes).
All accepted films will be notified via email. Please make sure ALL of your Contact Information is up-to-date. If your email changed between the time you submitted your film and our Notification Date, please update it ASAP so we can correspond with you.
o Categories: Feature, Short, Documentary, Documentary Short, Animation
The Women’s Independent Film & Television Festival
The Women's Independent Film & Televison Festival is a chance to share and celebrate greatness in the world of female filmmaking. Our incredible community ranges from directors, to producers, to screenwriters, to actors, to content creators! Whatever the medium: We build this festival to shed light, deliver opportunity and celebrate the achievements of women in the world of filmmaking, storytelling and beyond! We're going into our 3rd year celebrating the Women's Independent Film Festival and we're so excited for this year's work, partnerships, competitions and more. Whether a finalist or not, all officially selected filmmakers will be invited to join us at the Women's Independent Film Festival for screenings, networking, resources, collaboration, learning, partnerships and for our official premieres and awards ceremony blocks. The Women's Independent Film Festival was created to encourage female content creators with unique backgrounds to share their stories/ The festival will promote the work of women filmmakers and recognize them globally for their achievements in film. Women have to be involved in the creation of ALL submitted films! That can be either as directors, producers, writers, performers, etc. Just as long as they were involved in the creation of the submitted work.
o When/Where: October 9-12 2026
o Deadline: January 31 (January Deadline), March 1 (February Deadline), March 31 (March Deadline), April 30 (April Deadline), May 31 (May Deadline), June 30 (June Deadline), July 31 (Regular Deadline), September 1 (Final Deadline)
o Application Fee: $10-$60
o Eligibility: All entries should be sent via FilmFreeway with a secure online screener. Each accepted film must be submitted in the .mp4 or .mov format, preferably. By submitting to the festival you confirm that you own the rights of the film, including the rights to the music in the film. By submitting to the festival you give consent to the festival programming staff to screen your work in front of the private audience of the Women's Independent Film Festival community. There is no minimum running time. Films must have been completed on or after Jan 1st, 2019. All genres are welcome Filmmakers may submit multiple entries as long as each film is submitted with its own Entry Form, online screener and paid Entry Fee.
o Categories: Shorts, Feature Film, Documentary, Animated
Latino Feedback Film Festival
This festival is an extension to the popular Feedback Festival in Los Angeles and is designed to showcase the best of Latino stories from around the world. We accept screenplays (short, TV Pilot, feature) and short films from all corners of the world. Showcasing all winning scripts & short films in the great city of Los Angeles at the LA LIVE Regal Cinemas.
o When/Where: May 5-26
o Deadline: November 14 (#4 Festival Deadline), December 14 (#5 Festival Deadline), January 14 (#6 Festival Deadline), March 15 (#8 Festival Deadline). April 14 (#9 Festival Deadline)
o Application Fee: $85-120
o Eligibility: Submit your FEATURE FILM and receive an audience feedback promotional/testimonial video of your film. Great video to use to get into more festivals and/or promote your film. All submissions receive feedback on their film no matter what.
o Categories: Short Film, Feature Film, Documentary, Animated
Atlanta Women’s Film Festival
The Atlanta Women's Film Festival is a live screening of short films and table read events that takes place in Atlanta, GA. This event is an amazing opportunity to promote female filmmakers, directors, writers, producers, actors, and female-centered storylines to our incredibly supportive film community. There will be live screening blocks of films with Q&As with the filmmakers, table reads for the screenplays in our competition, live panels with influential women in the film industry, and networking events for anyone that would like to attend. Script writers, in addition to submitting your script to the festival we also provide optional script coverage. Script coverage with our festival includes the price of your submission fee. Your work will be analyzed by a Cinema Life filmmaker who’s produced award-winning films, has extensive writing experience, and also understands the indie way of filmmaking.
o When/Where: September 23-27
o Deadline: November 30 (Early Bird Deadline), December 31 (Holiday Deadline), January 31 (New Year Deadline), February 28 (Regular Deadline), March 31 (Spring Deadline), April 30 (Late Deadline), May 31 (Extended Late Deadline), July 31 (Final Deadline)
o Application Fee: $15-60
o Eligibility: Please fully fill out your submission profile to avoid hold-ups in the judging process. Points may be taken off of overall scores for incomplete profiles.
o Categories: Short Film, Feature Film, Documentary, Animated, Music Video, Podcast
Female Eye Film Festival
The Female Eye Film Festival (FeFF) is a competitive international women directors’ film festival established in 2001, as a not-for-profit organization. FeFF is big on audience engagement and networking. An audience Q&A follows each screening. Festival delegates receive a VIP All Access Pass to the festival (screenings, script development, industry panels, tributes, workshops, and the closing awards ceremony). The Female Eye, noted for its intimate atmosphere and accessibility, attracts film enthusiasts, emerging and internationally recognized directors, screenwriters, seasoned industry professionals, celebrities, and decision-makers in the film and television industry. The Female Eye serves to bridge the gap between the written and media arts which includes the FeFF Photo Exhibit. We produce a robust Industry Initiatives Program consisting of panels, masterclasses, workshops, script development, live pitch competition and networking sessions. Annually, FeFF honors an Honorary Director and Honorary Maverick with a Best in the Biz Tribute, an “intimate conversation with” and award presentation. FILMS must be directed by a women or female-identifying. The Script Development Program is open to both men and women. Priority is given to scripts that feature a female protagonist. Our competitive Script Development Program is a three-tier program comprising the Good to Go, a closed-door session with decision-makers for screenwriters with scripts that are “good to go”; the Script-Reading Series, where main scenes are read by ACTRA members before a live audience and industry guests who provide feedback to the writers. Voted one of the “Top 50 film festivals in the world worth the entry fee” by Movie Maker magazine for 12 consecutive years (2013–2024). FeFF is an accredited festival by the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television and a Telefilm Talent to Watch partner. In 2024, FeFF, in partnership with the The Writers Lab (NYC) and the Firecracker Department launched the first Lab in Canada.
o When/Where: November 3-8
o Deadline: December 31 (Early Bird Deadline), February 28 (Regular Deadline), April 30 (Late Deadline), June 5 (Extended Deadline)
o Application Fee: $50-$100
o Eligibility: Films must be directed by women. The Script Development Program is open to both men and women. Screenplays written by men must feature a female protagonist. Films must be produced within two years of the festival, and they cannot be streaming, televised, or playing theatrically in Canada. We give priority to films that have not yet screened in Toronto. The fee for the competition is applicable to all deadlines. Filmmakers and screenwriters must elect to compete for an award. The flat fee to enter the competition is $100 regardless of the deadline, genre, or project duration. FeFF programmers can also choose to nominate a project into the competition if they feel a project is award-worthy.
o Categories: Feature, Short, Screenplay
Big Apple Film Festival and Screenplay Competition
Big Apple Film Festival is CURRENTLY accepting entries for the SPRING 2025 edition. Big Apple Film Festival (Fall Edition) will take place November 18 - December 12 at Look Dine-In Cinemas in the heart of NYC, with additional film screenings taking place at Look Dine-in Cinemas in LOS ANGELES. In addition to film screenings and screenplay competition, BAFF presents numerous networking opportunities, including Meet The Agents and Managers Conference, industry panels, networking receptions, along with year round industry networking and mentoring sessions. ALL submitters to this season's festival will receive complimentary access to select networking and mentorship events.
o When/Where: May 18-21
o Deadline: November 11 (Early Discount Deadline), December 2 (Film Freeway Discount Deadline), December 23 (Baff Discount Deadline), January 13 (Final Discount Deadline), February 3 (Film Freeway Early Deadline), February 24 (Baff Early Deadline), March 17 (Official Entry Deadline), April 7 (Final Entry Deadline)
o Application Fee: $45-$210
o Eligibility: Big Apple Film Festival accepts submissions for feature films, short films, feature documentaries, short documentaries, animation, episodic, music videos, student films, feature length screenplays, series/episodic pilot scripts and short screenplays.
All films submitted must have been completed on or after January 1, 2022.
All films must be submitted with an online screener
All feature narrative and feature documentary submissions must be over 60 minutes in length.
All short film narrative and short documentary submissions must be under 60 minutes in length.
Animation, episodic, and student film submissions of all lengths will be considered.
Music Videos must be under 10 minutes
BAFF will present selected films as a live in person event.
Submission fees are non-refundable
SUBMITTER MUST HOLD ALL NECESSARY RIGHTS AND CLEARANCES TO ALL MATERIAL SUBMITTED TO BIG APPLE FILM FESTIVAL, LLC
The organizers of the Big Apple Film Festival and Screenplay Competition wish to make it clear that while we welcome and appreciate all submissions to our festival, we are unable to provide individualized feedback on entries. Furthermore, the selection process for our festival is subjective and may involve various factors related to overall programming considerations. BAFF is under no obligation to provide feedback or comments regarding submitted films or scripts to any applicant. As such, Big Apple Film Festival is not obligated to explain why a particular film or script was not selected for inclusion in the festival, or why a particular script did not advance in our screenplay competition. Our decisions are final and not open to negotiation or appeal.
o Categories: Feature, Short, Screenplay
Los Angeles Diversity Film Festival
Our mission is to create a true multicultural experience represented by the world’s independent film community where filmmakers showcase their voices without judgment, stereotypes, degradation or insincere reflection. We support the following topics, filmmakers and communities: LGBT, Disability Culture, Racial/Ethnic Diversity, Religious Diversity, Family structures, as well as other social diversities including the aging population and youth in cinema.
o When/Where: September 18-20
o Deadline: October 17 (Early Bird Deadline), December 18 (Regular Deadline), February 13 (Late Deadline), April 1 (Extended Deadline)
o Application Fee: $40-$95
o Eligibility: To be eligible to screen, your film does not have to be a Premiere. Films must be original works, or you must have official permission and licensure to exhibit someone else's work. If you submit a film with copyrighted or trademarked materials, and you do not have written permission to use them, you are not be eligible to screen. Films can be original or adapted works, but you must have written permission to use copyrighted or trademarked content. Your film must be in English, or subtitled in English.
o Categories: Short, Documentary, Pilot, Music Video
Warped Witch Film Festival
Warped Witch (formerly Southern Gothic) is a dynamic film festival led by women which empowers filmmakers in our community. We value inclusivity above all else, welcoming filmmakers from diverse backgrounds with open arms. We provide a platform for their unique perspectives and embrace the weird, the strange, the unorthodox, and the unconventional. Our mission is to celebrate the beauty of diversity and encourage everyone to dare to be different! Go beyond the norm! While the roots of our festival remain in the essence of horror, we go beyond the boundaries showcasing films from all genres! All types of cinematic expressions are welcomed! Filmmakers who attend will get the opportunity to network and mingle with other filmmakers during the fest. We will also have a Q&A session after every block so you will get to speak about your films to an audience of film lovers! We want to be able to include other artists in our festival as well. There will be artists vending in the lobby and the entertainment will be provided by our amazing local drag community! Costumes are highly encouraged! Come out and have a spooky good time with us!
o When/Where: June 12-13
o Deadline: August 4 (Early Bird Deadline), December 17 (Regular Deadline), March 3 (Dead Deadline)
o Application Fee: $10-$40
o Eligibility: Film submissions must be provided on digital files.
Submissions must be English language or English subtitled.
Include title and name of contact on all media.
Southern Scream Film Festival reserves the right to change submission categories.
Eligibility and category determinations, along with prize awards, are the sole discretion of the Festival.
Submissions may be screened more than once during the Festival and at events post festival.
All films must be under 20 minutes.
o Categories: Short Film, Feature Film, Student Film
Valkyrie International Film Festival
Valkyrie International Film Festival (VIFF) spotlights films directed by women of all backgrounds and advances the cause of women in film. Held every year in March (Women's History Month), VIFF was founded by Tamar Lamberson and her daughter, Kaelin Lamberson. VIFF seeks impactful films in all genres. If a woman directed it, we want to see it! VIFF will screen narrative, documentary, and experimental shorts and features. The only requirement is that every film selected for screening must have been directed by a woman. VIFF will be held on Thursday, March 21st - Monday, March 25th, 2024 at The Screening Room Cinema & Arts Café, a boutique digital cinema located in Amherst, New York, just outside Buffalo. The Screening Room features a large screen and surround sound, with mixed dining room and theater seating. The venue is a staple of the indie film scene in Western New York. Beer and wine are available. VIFF will only hold in-person screenings. VIFF will serve as a platform for female directors to come together, support each other’s work, and discuss the challenges and advances of women in film. The programmers will present awards, but view the event as a celebration rather than a competition. VIFF will be held during Women’s History Month each year. We are accepting all female-directed films, of all genres, completed 2019 – present.
o When/Where: May 29 - June 2
o Deadline: August 31 (Early Bird Deadline), November 30 (Regular Deadline), March 6(Late Deadline), April 6 (Extended Deadline)
o Application Fee: $18-$50
o Eligibility: NO WAIVERS.
Only films directed by females will be selected.
Any co-directors must also be female.
Films must be in English or subtitled in English.
All exhibition screeners must be MP4 digital files .
All films must have been completed 2019 – present.
Anyone submitting a film to VIFF warrants that they are authorized to do so.
o Categories: Short Film, Feature, Documentary, Animation. Experimental, Music Video
Onscreen
'A Sense of Urgency’
Casting "A Sense of Urgency," an upcoming feature. Logline: A year after their brother's death and with their lease coming to a close, siblings Ben and Alex are not on the same page about what to do next.
o Roles: Various
o Details: Principal photography Sept. 24-Oct. 17 (17 days, five-day weeks) in NY.
o Rate: $125-2125 (est. 17 days of work)
Offscreen
Tubi X Black List Horror Iniative
Tubi and the Black List are looking for the next great horror film!
The Black List and Tubi have expanded their partnership with a new initiative to provide both emerging and established writers with the opportunity to submit feature scripts within the horror genre with the intention for Tubi to produce and distribute the selected script. Writers can submit their entries beginning March 1, 2026 and the submission period will run through June 30, 2026.
The selected script will first be purchased by Tubi taking into account the intended film budget but for no less than the WGA upset price; from there, Tubi will determine what additional writing steps may be necessary. The Black List will also be an executive producer on the film. 100 fee waivers are available for this program! In order to qualify for a fee waiver, you must have a completed horror feature script. Please be patient as it might take some time before we can respond to your request. Fee waivers will be distributed at the discretion of the Black List and Tubi. This opportunity is open to writers at every level, WGA and otherwise, and we encourage all voices to submit their feature script for consideration.
o Deadline: June 30
o Application Fee: $100
Hollywood Cineverse Screenplay Competition
What’s your story? THE HOLLYWOOD CINEVERSE SCREENPLAY COMPETITION would like to know! Our competition welcomes emerging writers, celebrates diversity, and upholds the collective experience of enjoying cinema. We're a small-scale, indie screenplay competition that meets for annual gatherings in the heart of Hollywood, Los Angeles. Part of an alliance of indie festivals around the world, this is a great opportunity to get your work seen both in the U.S. and globally. Official selections of our festival are screened each year at trendy venues in Los Angeles. Writers are encouraged to join us at these events for Q&As, an awards presentation, and an opportunity to mingle with an enthusiastic audience. Selected works have the opportunity to win a variety of awards, accolades, distribution opportunities, and prizes (see below). Our awards are IMDb certified! We welcome scripts from all over the world, and of all genres. We accept short, feature, and pilot scripts up to 120 pages long. Come, grab a drink with friends, and check out the latest scripts from L.A. and across the globe. We pride ourselves on a diverse and open community who loves indie cinema of all kinds. When you submit to our festival you enter into a local filmmaking and film loving community. Join CINEVERSE, submit your script, and get your work seen! It all starts here
o When/Where: September 26
o Deadline: January 31 (New Year Deadline), February 28 (Winter Deadline), March 31 (Spring Deadline), April 30 (Closing Deadline), May 31 (Extended Deadline), June 30 (Judges Deadline)
o Application Fee: $30-50
o Categories: Feature Script, Short Script
WIFMCO Screenplay Contest
When you enter the Women in Film & Media Screenplay Contest, you put your script in the running for $1000 in cash prizes, a table read with professional actors, and feedback from a script consultant. We pride ourselves on the personal attention provided to our winners! Get a boost to your screenwriting career, and have a lot of fun while you're at it -- surrounded by caring, like-minded people! This year we are doing short scripts, which means the top THREE get table reads, and the audience at the table read will vote for the winner.
o When/Where: March 24
o Deadline: January 12 (Regular Deadline), February 9 (Late Deadline)
o Application Fee: $4-50
o Eligibility:
IMPORTANT! WHEN SUBMITTING, DO NOT INCLUDE YOUR NAME ON THE TITLE PAGE! This is a small community and we want to make this is objective as possible. In the past we have done workarounds for those who forgot, but this year YOUR ENTRY WILL SIMPLY BE DISQUALIFIED! NO EXCEPTIONS!
You don't have to be a member of WIFMCO to enter, but members may submit for free with a code (email president@wifmco.org). If you are not a WIFMCO member, you must be a Colorado resident, or a member of a WIFT-US chapter.
Your script must meet the Bechdel test (if you don't know what that is, look it up and learn) unless you have only 1 named character, in which case the lead must be female-identifying.
To enter, send us an original short script in any genre.
Screenplays should be between 8 and 15 pages.
You must own the sole rights to the story.
Your script must be something that would achieve an MPAA rating of PG-13 or less, be supportive of women and in proper screenplay format.
o Categories: Feature Script, Short Script
Los Angeles International Awards Screenplay Diversity
THE MOTION PICTURE INDUSTRY'S PREMIER SCREENPLAY COMPETITION
is hosting a Diversity Initiative to bring attention to those groups who are underrepresented in Hollywood. Our judging panel of Oscar and Emmy winning producers, writers, directors, and executives are looking to endorse the best diverse talent and bring them to literary representatives ASAP!
o When/Where: April 17
o Deadline: January 16 (Regular Deadline), February 6 (Late Deadline), February 27 (Final Deadline)
o Application Fee: $39-139
o Eligibility: Material is accepted via electronic submission only.
There is no limit to the number of projects you may submit.
Submitted scripts must be received by midnight of deadline dates and submission fee payment must accompany your material. All entry fees are non-refundable
All submitted material must be original, and all rights must be wholly owned by the writer(s).
Material must be submitted by the writer. Material written by writing teams must be submitted by one of the writers, with consent of the other(s). All writers must be credited on title page.
If a writing team is chosen as a winner, prizes will be given to the writer submitting the project. Each team is responsible for dividing or sharing the prize money, with no direction from L.A. International Screenplay Awards administrators, staff, or judges.
Revisions, rewrites, addenda, or substitutions of either corrected pages or new drafts of the entered material are accepted upon payment of a discounted administrative fee.
By using our service, you authorize us to use any trusted third-party online and cloud-based services and databases for hosting, managing and/or transmitting your submission file(s).
All copyright, ownership and derivative rights to the material submitted to L.A. International Screenplay Awards remains with the original rights holders and/or author.
Eligibility:All writers, without regard to age, gender, country of origin, native language, or sexual preference at least 18 years of age are eligible.
The material submitted must be in English.
All material submitted to other competitions or contests is eligible.
There are no limitations or restrictions as to date of authorship.
The material submitted must not be encumbered by any obligation to, or option held by, any third party prior to entering the competition.
Any submitted work that becomes optioned, published, produced or purchased between the time of submission and the end of the judging period will be ineligible.
Material should be submitted in standard screenplay format, font, spacing and margin.
No limitations regarding title page content. Title and name of writer and contact information on cover page is recommended.
Adaptations of source material or other literary work must be properly referenced and credited.
Feature scripts that exceed 130 pages will be disqualified.
All material must be submitted electronically as a PDF digital file.
o Categories: Feature Script, Short Script
Welcome to the New York Metropolitan Screenwriting Competition & Film Awards
We love New York and we love film! We especially loves films shot, set, about, or written and produced and starring New Yorkers! And by New Yorker, we mean New Yorkers from the State, the City, and around the world. Even New Yorkers who haven’t made it here yet. We love you all. (And no, you don’t have to be here or be from here to submit your work). We want to inspire New York’s next generation of great writers and filmmakers. We care deeply about nurturing, developing, and furthering the careers of the next generation of New York filmmakers and screenwriters from the U.S. and around the world. Our team is passionate about discovering new talent. Our greatest joy is in finding and recognizing talented artists first. We want our festival to inspire up and coming artists who are passionate about film. We are especially passionate about supporting artists in the ‘Mecca’ we call home. We love so many of the great films set in New York and made by New Yorkers. As such we love all kinds of genres of film from studio blockbusters to little indies. No two paths are ever the same and no two stories are either.
o When/Where: August 30
o Deadline: October 16 (Regular Deadline), November 13 (Ext. Regular Award), December 11 (Standard), January 15 (Ext. Standard Deadline), February 12 (Late Deadline), March 12 (Extended Late), April 16 (Final Deadline), May 14 (Extended Late)
o Application Fee: $49-65
o Eligibility: We accept projects from all over the world not just the US and from writers of all shapes and sizes, ethnicities, sexes and sexual orientations.
o Categories: Screenplay, Awards
New York International Screenplay Awards
New York International Screenplay Awards is an international screenplay competition for screenwriters who aspire to connect with the US industry workers and explore the US markets. NYISA winners will be connected to the US film industry by the valued Sponsors; InkTip, Script Mailer, R2W2 talent & project accelerator/ consulting, Script Reader Pro, Screenwriting Software Final Draft!, And much more!
o When/Where: May 7
o Deadline: July 7 (Early Bird Deadline), November 24 (Regular Deadline), February 9 (Late Deadline), April 13 (Extended Deadline)
o Application Fee: $18-$60
o Eligibility: All scripts must be submitted in English, formatted in 12-point courier font.
Entry fees must be paid in U.S. dollars. Entry in the competition is void where prohibited by law.
Screenplays written by up to four people may be entered in the contest. Only one entry fee is required for such entries. All writers' names should be listed on the online entry. All writers must authorize the submission of the entry. If a screenplay is written by multiple authors, prizes will be divided at the writers' discretion.
All entries must be uploaded in PDF format. (www.freepdfconcert.com)
Entrants to the NYISA retain all rights to their screenplays.
Entries must be received by the applicable Entry Deadline.
Once a script has been entered into the competition, we will not accept substitutions or revised drafts. If you wish to submit a revised draft of your script, you must enter it as a new submission.
NYISA will not share your screenplay with anyone except the official judges of the competition.
By entering the NYISA, you represent that your entry is your original work, and does not infringe on the copyright or other rights of other people.
Entry fees are non-refundable.
We do not accept hardcopy submissions by mail.
Submissions must be the original work of the applicant. Entries may be adapted from the applicant's own work.
The decisions of the judges are final.
NYISA reserves the right to make any necessary changes, postponements, or cancellations to event scheduling at our discretion.
Notification of winners and official finalists will be sent by email and posted on our website. It is the responsibility of the winners to redeem any prizes allotted to them by the NYISA or our sponsors. Applicants will be responsible for providing current contact information and mailing addresses for prize redemption purposes.
Feature screenplays must be between 41 and 150 pages in length.
Short screenplays must be between 1 and 40 pages in length. Please email us if you have a longer screenplay that you would like to submit.There is no limit to the number of screenplays you may submit.
Under absolutely no circumstances will substitutions of either corrected pages or new drafts of the entry screenplay(s) be made. Screenplays will not be returned.
Screenplay titles cannot be changed upon resubmission under any circumstances.
o Categories: Feature, Short, TV Pilot
Torch Literary Arts
Torch Literary Arts welcomes submissions of original creative work by Black women writers. We are interested in work that challenges and disrupts preconceived notions of what contemporary writing by Black women should be. Your stories and poems are valuable and necessary. Write freely and submit what you are excited to share with the world. Submissions are accepted for Friday Features only. We accept submissions on a rolling basis. Simultaneous submissions to other journals are welcome as long as they are identified as such and we are notified immediately upon acceptance elsewhere.
o Deadline: Rolling Basis
o Application Fee: No Fee
o Eligibility: Include a one (1) page cover letter noting the title(s) of the work(s) submitted.
Upload your text submission as a Word (DOC, DOCX) or portable document format/PDF (PDF).
Typed, double-spaced (poetry may be single-spaced) pages.
Numbered pages.
Margins should be set at no less than 1” and no greater than 1.5”.
Poetry: submit up to five (5) poems totaling no more than eight (8) pages.
Fiction, Hybrid genre: 12-point font. No more than ten (10) pages or 2500 words (whichever is achieved first). Excerpts of longer works are welcome if self-contained.
Drama/Screenwriting: submit one act or a collection of short scenes no longer than ten (10) pages. Excerpts of longer works are welcome if self-contained. Indicate if a performance video or dramatic audio reading will be available with the text submission if selected.
Restrictions: We do not reprint previously published work for TORCH Friday Features.
o Categories: Scripts
A24
Based in NY and LA, A24 is the Academy Award-winning film and TV studio behind feature films such as Minari, Midsommar, Moonlight, Ex Machina, Uncut Gems, and this summer’s Zola and The Green Knight. A24 TV productions include the Emmy-winning series Euphoria for HBO starring Zendaya, Hulu series Ramy from Golden Globe-winner Ramy Youssef, the eponymous variety series from viral comedy sensation Ziwe for Showtime, the forthcoming Joseph Gordon-Levitt Apple series Mr. Corman, and the Netflix anthology series Beef starring Oscar nominee Steven Yeun and Ali Wong.
o Seeking: Various Roles
o Location: Los Angeles, CA & New York, NY
o Website: https://a24films.com/jobs
The Kate Spade New York Foundation
o To honor Kate Spade’s legacy of empowering and inspiring women and girls, the National Council for Behavioral Health is excited to provide complimentary Mental Health First Aid training to communities throughout the five boroughs of New York City and New Jersey and in partnership with organizations that specifically support these populations.
What is Mental Health First Aid?
Just as CPR helps you assist an individual having a heart attack, Mental Health First Aid helps you assist someone experiencing a mental health or substance use-related crisis. In the Mental Health First Aid course, you learn risk factors and warning signs for mental health and addiction concerns, strategies for how to help someone in both crisis and non-crisis situations, and where to turn for help.
The National Council for Behavioral Health shares Kate Spade New York Foundation’s belief in “the power of women to transform their communities” through empowerment. In support of this mission, we are offering through a competitive application process, select Mental Health First Aid and Youth Mental Health First Aid training, fully funded!
o Location: New York, NY
o Website
Funding
New Voices Fellowship
The New Voices Fellowship is an approximately six-month mentorship program for early career television and screenwriters who are exploring the human condition in a nuanced, meaningful way. The program identifies and empowers five writers each year who are working on a 30- or 60-minute pilot or feature-length screenplay. Building a writing career in film and television requires strong writing samples, but it also requires social access that current industry patterns do not facilitate. Humanitas recognizes the importance of mentorship and peer-to-peer relationships, and continues to tailor this program to help develop these bonds through fostering a strong community. Through mentorship, workshops, conversations on professional development, and networking opportunities, New Voices equips writers with the confidence and tools needed to advance their careers. Fellows are paired with a mentor, invited to the Humanitas Prizes event, and receive a trophy and $7,500 stipend.
o Deadline: April 6
o Application Fee: None
o Eligibility: Applicants must be 21 years of age or older by August 1, 2026.
Applicants do not need to be a U.S. permanent resident and/or citizen but must be residing in the United States. Humanitas is unable to provide visa support for writers.
Applicants must be available to participate actively in all dimensions of fellowship programming, which may be completed virtually.
The New Voices Fellowship is for emerging television and screenwriters who meet all of the following criteria:
Do not have a manager or agent representing them in the area of writing for film and television,
have not been previously staffed as a writer in a scripted television series’ writers room, and
have not otherwise received payment for produced scripted feature film or television writing services prior to the submission period.
Writers paid for options on unproduced scripts or for writing services on unproduced treatments, or on unproduced projects outside the WGA’s jurisdiction and below WGA-established minimums should, contact Humanitas with details on their situation to determine eligibility.
Self-produced and self-financed projects do not impact eligibility for the fellowship. Writers with questions on this should contact Humanitas with details on their situation to determine their eligibility.
Writing teams with a member who, as an individual writer, has produced credits will remain eligible so long as the writing team applying to the program does not have produced credits. The individual writer with credits, however, would be ineligible if applying on their own.
Former semifinalists and finalists are eligible to reapply so long as they meet all other criteria. Former semifinalists and finalists are advised that all application materials must have undergone notable revisions, including and especially the script sample if it is the same project as previously submitted.
Previous recipients of the Carol Mendelsohn College Drama Award and David and Lynn Angell College Comedy Award are eligible for the New Voices Fellowship so long as they meet all other eligibility criteria.
Former New Voices Fellows are not eligible to reapply.
Current Humanitas staff and interns are not eligible for the fellowship, nor are those engaged as the program’s readers/judges.
Humanitas has a limited number of submission fee waivers it can offer annually to those for whom the cost of submission presents a significant barrier to entry. You can use this form to request a fee waiver.
Artslink International Fellowship
The ArtsLink International Fellowship program prioritizes applicants whose social practices seek to actively engage communities on issues related to the current climate emergency and human rights. We will actively encourage artists and arts leaders whose work is making a vital contribution to furthering people’s awareness, understanding, and active participation in environmental and/or social justice issues. Additionally, we will prioritize artists recently displaced from or still working in Afghanistan and Ukraine.
o Deadline: The Letter of Inquiry deadline will be announced in Fall 2026 Fellowships take place in 2027: online research in June-July and in person residencies in the US in October-November
o Application Fee: None
o Eligibility: CEC ArtsLink welcomes applications from contemporary artists, curators, and arts leaders whose work is shaped by community engagement and social practice strategies, and informed by our most urgent local and global issues. We welcome applications from artists of any generation and invite those with both traditional and non-traditional artistic backgrounds. Applicants must be citizens of one of our network countries. If you are living outside the region, please indicate where you are currently based. Please note that an ability to communicate both verbally and in written English will be essential to success in the program. Undergraduate students and research scholars are not eligible. Arts leaders/curators must be affiliated with an arts organization in the non-commercial sector or work as individual independent arts professionals. Artists seeking placement in commercial firms are ineligible. ArtsLink International Fellows from prior years are not eligible to reapply.
Sloan Distribution Grant
The Sloan Distribution Grant is a $50,000 grant awarded by Film Independent to a film that is entering its distribution phase. Eligible films must depict themes, stories and ase.
o Contact: artistdevelopment@filmindependent.org
Panavision New Filmmaker Program
Panavision believes in helping students and beginning filmmakers achieve their dreams. More than 25 years ago, Panavision launched the New Filmmaker Program, an ongoing grant program that loans camera packages to film schools, training programs, and independent filmmakers – at little or no charge. Panavision’s commitment to the industry's future provides student and beginning filmmakers the opportunity to work with professional grade equipment early in their careers.
o Deadline: Rolling
o Application Fee: Free
o Eligibility: Submit your proposals at least two months before you plan to shoot. Due to the high demand for Panavision cameras and equipment, it is essential that you plan ahead and contact us early.
Proposal materials will not be returned.
The New Filmmaker Program does not discriminate as to the nature of the project that can receive equipment grants. Any form, from experimental to documentary to musical to traditional narrative, is welcome.
Camera grants are available only for productions in the United States. Customs laws make transportation of cameras out of the US prohibitive. No exceptions.
The New Filmmaker Program will not allow cameras to be used on projects that perpetuate racial or sexual stereotypes and prejudices. Pornography is absolutely unacceptable.
Grant recipients must obtain insurance from an outside insurance agent. Students can generally have the school issue the necessary policies. Plan ahead! This can take several weeks to implement. The process varies from school to school, so check with your film department. Productcharacters grounded in real science, technology or economics.
o Contact: nfp@panavision.com
Catapult Film Fund
Catapult Film Fund provides development funding to documentary filmmakers who have a compelling story to tell, have secured access to their story, and are ready to shoot and edit a piece for production fundraising purposes. Our mission is to enable filmmakers to develop their films to the next level at a moment where funding is hard to find.
o Deadline: Rolling
o Application Fee: Free
o Eligibility: Applicants must be 18 years of age or older. Catapult does not fund student films.
Documentaries must be 28 minutes or longer in length. We do not fund series.
Animation is okay. Documentary/narrative hybrids will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Development funds must specifically be used for the process of completing a fundraising piece, which may include writing, shooting and editing once story and characters are in place.
Applicants must own the copyright of their production, and have artistic, budgetary and editorial control over their project.
Applicants should preferably have previous film or television production experience in a principal role (director, co-director, producer, co-producer) as demonstrated by submitting a previously completed work sample.
Applicants who have not yet produced or directed their own feature length documentary should demonstrate that they will be working with an experienced filmmaker in a principal role.
Catapult only makes grants to 501(c)(3) organizations. In most cases, this will mean getting a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor for the project. A film production company or individual, including applicants from outside the US, may submit an application without a fiscal sponsor in place. Please see the FAQ section for more details.
o Contact: info@catapultfilmfund.org
Residencies
18th Street Arts Center
18th Street Arts Center values art making as an essential component of a vibrant, just, and healthy society. Its mission is “to provoke public dialogue through contemporary art making.” Founded in 1988, 18th Street Arts Center has fostered and supported the work of many of Los Angeles’ most engaging artists, and has built bridges to artist communities around the globe.
o Deadline: Ongoing
o Application Fee: Yes
o When: Ongoing
o Eligibility: The Visiting Artist Residency Program accepts applications from working, professional artists who demonstrate a deep commitment to their practices. The program is open to artists of all generations, nationalities, and disciplines. Applicants are required to cover studio rental costs themselves. Although we primarily support visual artists, 18th Street Arts Center will consider applications from performing artists, writers, and filmmakers as well.
o Address: 1639 18th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90404
o Contact: 310-453-3711
Other Resources
NOTE: For more resources, visit our pages of Resources - Funding, Submissions, and more.
NYFA SOURCE - The New York Foundation for the Arts maintains the most comprehensive national directory of awards, services and publications for artists in the NYFA Source section of their website.
FILM FREEWAY - Film/Video artists can check Film Freeway at: