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#STAGEOPPS
#StageOpps
#StageOppSFEB26
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
Social Justice Shorts 2026
A Call to Conscience Interactive Theater for Social Change is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit theatre collective founded in January 2012 by a group of women participant/members of the Regional Arts Commission’s Community Arts Training Program. The company was created to accentuate and give voice to the issues of race, gender equality, social injustice, and civil unrest in communities which experience themselves as powerless and voiceless. Please complete this form to submit your unpublished 10-minute play or monologue for consideration in our 2026 Social Justice Shorts Festival, produced by A Call to Conscience Interactive Theater for Social Change and Bread & Roses Missouri. Our deadline for submissions is March 1, 2026 at 11:59 pm. The Social Justice Shorts Festival will be June 4-7 in St. Louis, Missouri at a venue to be announced. You must use this form to submit your play, email submissions will not be reviewed. Storytelling must be rich in self-expression and theatrical imagination. Playwrights may live in any part of the country, and St. Louis-based playwrights are strongly encouraged to submit. Plays featuring a cast of one to three actors will be accepted (plays with more than three actors will not be considered). Playwrights are welcome to submit solo performance pieces. Plays longer than 10 minutes will NOT be considered. Published plays will also not be considered. Limited set, props and technical requirements are strongly preferred. Only one submission from a playwright may be submitted, please do not submit multiple plays for consideration.
o Deadline: March 1
o Application Fee: None
o Eligibility: Seeking 10-minute short plays and monologues centered around the following suggested themes:
● LGBTQIA+ & Transgender Rights
● Healthcare Justice (including Mental Health)
● Economic Justice/Workers’ Rights
● Immigrant/Refugee Justice
● Reproductive Justice
o Categories: Short Plays
That’s What She Said
Since its inception in 2018, this festival has been a vital platform for powerful new plays that uplift, challenge, and connect audiences. Produced in partnership with That’s What She Said Women’s Writers Collective, this annual event continues its mission to highlight diverse female voices through bold storytelling by playwrights from across the country. Our 2026 Festival will take place August 14th - 16th at the Curtis Theatre in Brea, CA
o Deadline: February 20
o Application Fee: None
o Eligibility: Full-Length or One-Act plays centered on female, femme, trans, non-binary, queer or other inherently non-male experiences & voices.
Plays should be at least 60 pages and no longer than 120 pages in length.
Plays should be submitted as PDF files only.
Plays submitted can have a lightly produced background but should generally remain within the realm of a “new work”.
o Categories: Full-length Plays, One-Act Plays
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 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
14th Annual Columbus Black Theater Festival
Mine 4 God Productions is accepting monologues and one-act plays that have diversity, inclusion, and equity of people of color characters for our 14th Annual Columbus Black Theatre Festival (CBTF) that will be held July 2nd, 3rd & 5th, 2026 at The Columbus Performing Arts Center Van Fleet Theatre, located in downtown Columbus, Ohio. The theme for 2026 is Still Going Strong: Voices of Triumph! Our Founder/Artistic Director, Julie Whitney Scott, was given this theme, as usual, through prayer. It’s a theme that inspires hope and resilience in the face of trouble. The theme represents those that have continued to stay strong before, during, through and after personal storms have invaded their lives, and how they were victorious in the end. It must be a story that is a story and not a lecture to push your views on others. It must be about everyday people and their everyday lives and their voices of triumph.
o When/Where: Columbus, OH
o Deadline: February 28
o Application Fee: No Fee
o Eligibility: The entries need to meet the following criteria:
No more than 4 to 6 characters (Actors can play double-roles.)
No derogatory, hate based, sexually explicit work will be reviewed or accepted.
Have minimal set/light requirements.
If required, play can be rehearsed/performed effectively by virtual means.
15 to 20 minutes long for one-act plays. 5 to 10 minutes long for monologues.
Written blocking notes of the play can be rearranged by the Director to meet venue space.
Must submit a titled script and a blind script without any identifying information other than the title.
Only one play submission per playwright.
o Categories: Monologues, One Act Plays
o Contact: Due to the number of plays received each year, you will not be notified unless your play is accepted. However, you can email us after February 28, 2026, for feedback on your submission at www.mine4godproductionsllc@aol.com
New Works of Merit Playwriting Contest
In our 22nd year, New Works of Merit Playwriting Contest was developed to bring works of social significance to the attention of Producers, Directors, and Literary Managers
o Deadline: February 2
o Application Fee: $27
o Eligibility: Scripts no longer than 2 hours or 90 pages Stage Play Format
(PLEASE NOTE: Scripts over 90 pages, but with performance time under 2 hours, are also eligible.)
One-acts
Short stage plays
Children's plays
Published scripts
Scripts that received a workshop
Scripts that received a staged reading
Scripts that received a non-union production
Scripts produced with an AEA Showcase Code or Plan
Plays submitted must be the original work of the author and meet Mission Statement Criteria (see Home Page).
o Categories: Plays, One Acts
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
Cherry Lane Theatre Playwrights Collective
The Cherry Lane Playwrights Collective is a nine-month developmental program under the direction of playwright Annie Baker, designed to support rising playwrights through community and a rigorous structure without the barriers of formal graduate programs. A cohort of six selected playwrights will meet over ten Sunday evenings, every three weeks, at Cherry Lane Theatre from September 2026 through June 2027 to share work, read pages aloud, and develop brand-new plays over the course of the year. The program culminates in a public reading series presented over six Monday nights in late May - June 2027, featuring professional actors and directors for text-focused presentations, each with one day of rehearsal. While the reading series provides a platform to hear the work with an audience, the primary mission is to create new work, and only playwrights who have shown up for the Sunday meetings will have public readings. The program will embrace Cherry Lane’s downtown history of incubating bold new writing, offering playwrights a supportive, artist-first community. The Cherry Lane Playwrights Collective will operate under Cherry Lane Development Group, a new non-profit with a mission “to foster bold, innovative voices in the theatrical arts by cultivating a dynamic space where artists can take risks, deepen their craft, and shape new worlds for the stage." A24 will not own any work created through this program. Writers retain full ownership of their material. The ideal applicants are emerging playwrights who crave rigorous feedback, consistency, accountability, and a collaborative environment. The program is built for writers who might have day jobs, who need structure, and who would benefit from a sustained, intimate cohort committed to taking risks and developing new full-length plays over nine months.
o Deadline: March 2
o Application Fee: No Fee
o Eligibility: Applications are free, open to the public. Applicants will submit a full length play and brief materials (see below).
Writers must be able to attend all Collective meetings in person.
(Please note, no travel stipends or living stipends will be provided).Writers who have not had a Broadway or Off-Broadway production in NYC and who will not be in an undergraduate, graduate, or conservatory program in the 26/27 academic year are eligible to apply. Preference will be given to writers who are not in other incubator programs that meet weekly/monthly.
Submissions portal will open February 2, 2026 at 10am ET and close March 2, 2026 at 5pm ET. Late applications will not be accepted.
o Categories: Full-Length Plays
o Contact: Should you have any questions, please email questions@cherrylanetheatre.org and we will respond in a timely manner.
Live & In Color Musical Theatre Development Program
Live & In Color is looking for playwrights, composers, and lyricists of color and/or other underrepresented communities interested in developing their new musical. The selected musical submission will have a one-week workshop in the fall at The Bingham Camp in Salem, Connecticut culminating in a staged presentation to an invited audience. Writers receive a $1,000 stipend plus housing, meals, and travel. We provide support including a several-month development period based on needs of the composer/writers leading up to the retreat. Live & In Color staff will continue the support the development of your piece beyond the retreat including a reading for industry and Broadway Alums.
o Deadline: February 15
o Application Fee: No Fee
o Eligibility: The musical must be performed with 4 actors (or less) All submissions should include:
Resumes + CVs (a one-page PDF document for each team member's resume and CV)
Artistic Statement (can be authored by individual team members, or as a joint statement)
Single page synopsis*
Single page character breakdown*
Demo of score (2-3 songs)*
Sample of dialogue (~15 pages)*
Brief production/development history (properties with prior full productions not accepted)*
Optional: a PDF of the full script (please note, if you move forward to the Semi-Finalist round, a full script and score will be required) *Submission Materials must be in a single PDF document of all
o Categories: Musicals
o Contact: For any questions email musicalsubmissions@liveandincolor.org
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
WRPN Women’s International Film Festival
Welcome to the WRPN Women's International Film Festival, where distribution and feedback opportunities abound for films made by women or those that address issues affecting women. WWIFF is a sister festival to the Depth of Field International Film Festival, a FilmFreeway “Top 100 Reviewed” festival alumnus.
o When/Where: June 20
o Deadline: October 31 (Regular Deadline), November 30 (Late Deadline), December 31 (Extended Deadline), March 31 (Last Chance)
o Application Fee: $50-$130
o Eligibility: While WWIFF is a female-focused film festival, we also accept films produced and/or directed by men if one or more self-identifying top production members are female (including, but not limited to, cinematographers, producers, writers, editors, or films featuring a strong female presence on screen). We will not exclude films directed by men if the topic is significant to women and women's issues.
o Categories: Play
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: 2025 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 2025 General Production Consideration.
o When/Where: Open all year
o Deadline: None Given
o Application Fee: None
o Eligibility:Full-length plays (60+ pages) receive 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
Chicken & Biscuits - Submit for NYC Appointments (Deadline: 02.12.26)
Laughter and chaos collide as the Jenkins family gathers to lay their beloved patriarch to rest— only to have the service turn into a feast of family drama when a shocking revelation bursts into the room. As past wounds resurface and tempers flare, this uproarious Broadway comedy dares to ask: what happens when the truth shows up uninvited? With biting humor and a whole lot of heart, Chicken & Biscuits serves up a deliciously messy feast of Black joy, forgiveness, and the fierce love that holds us together—even when everything’s falling apart.
o Deadline: February 12
o Details: Please submit your headshot and resume for consideration. Please include “C&B” in the subject line
o Audition Information:
Auditions are planned for the week of 2/23.
First rehearsal: May 12
Preview: June 4
Opening: June 5
Closing: June 21
o Salary: LORT Non-Rep $839 weekly minimum (LORT D)
o Contact: kcactorsubmissions@gmail.com
For more Onstage opportunities, visit Backstage.com; ActorsAccess.com; and Playbill.com.
Backstage
Michael Maggio Directing Fellow 2026-2027
The Goodman is now accepting applications for the 2026/2027 Michael Maggio Directing Fellowship. The submission deadline is March 1, 2026. Please note, the Maggio Fellowship is a year long full-time artistic administrative position starting in August. This position is primarily in-person with limited remote options when not actively involved in a production. The death of Goodman Associate Artistic Director Michael Maggio on August 19, 2000, robbed the American theater of one of its most articulate and versatile directors. As the veteran of more than 60 productions in theaters around the country, Michael was a consummate artist who was equally at home in nearly any dramatic genre, from new plays to classics, grand scale musicals to intimate realistic dramas.In recognition of Michael’s artistry and his dedication to nurturing young artists, Goodman Theatre established the annual Michael Maggio Fellowship. The Maggio Fellow is an emerging career Chicago-based director, selected by a panel of Goodman artistic staff, Chicago artists, and the current Maggio Fellow.
o The Maggio Fellow joins the artistic staff, with administrative and artistic responsibilities:
Assigned assistant directing or other artistic specialty roles on Main Stage productions
Attend standing meetings and take notes as assigned
Weekly assigned administrative tasks
Read and respond to script submissions and projects under consideration
Support New Works programs
Attend locally produced work
Provide producing support for special events
Facilitate or participate in Engagement, Education and Development events.
The Maggio Fellow will work closely with the Northwestern Directing Fellow to produce IDEAA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Anti-Racism and Accessibility) events that engage local directors, playwrights, and designers.
Work cross-departmentally on internal and external projects in various capacities.
o Compensation: $45,000.00 per year Goodman Theatre offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, paid vacation, sick leave, 401K & Parental Leave. The Goodman is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. By dedicating itself to three guiding principles—quality, diversity and community— The Goodman seeks to be the premier cultural organization in Chicago, providing productions and programs that make an essential contribution to the quality of life in our city.
Commercial Director, AKA NYC
AKA NYC is a New York City based, award-winning, fully integrated advertising agency with unparalleled expertise across the arts & entertainment, leisure, travel, retail, and tourism sectors. We are content-forward and data-fueled with a proven record of delivering cross-platform campaigns that get results. We are proud to partner with some of the most iconic names in entertainment, culture, and live experiences. Our client roster includes Broadway’s biggest shows, world-renowned institutions like The Metropolitan Museum of Art, vibrant attractions such as The New York Botanical Garden, and dynamic sports organizations like the Harlem Globetrotters. From the magic of live theatre to the energy of stadiums and the wonder of cultural landmarks, we craft campaigns that connect audiences with real experiences – providing real stories, real emotions and real connections. AKA NYC seeks a commercially minded leader who combines strategic vision with executional excellence. The ideal candidate thinks like a producer, acts as a business partner, and leads with entrepreneurial drive. They thrive in complexity, enjoy solving commercial challenges, and maintain a relentless focus on audience growth, revenue generation, and sustainable success. Above all, they bring energy, vision, and leadership to help our clients — and AKA — achieve extraordinary results.
o Essential Duties
Lead commercial strategy for key accounts, aligning marketing, pricing, and sales activity with revenue goals.
Develop and manage forecasts, pricing models, and sales strategies that deliver measurable results.
Oversee audience segmentation, ticketing, and revenue management to maximize occupancy and average ticket price.
Use data and insights to identify growth opportunities and guide strategic decisions.
Serve as a trusted commercial advisor to senior stakeholders and agency leaders.
Inspire and mentor teams, fostering commercial acumen and a culture of curiosity and accountability.
o Compensation: The salary range for this position in New York, NY is $100,000 to $130,000 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and years of experience. A discretionary bonus may be provided as part of the total compensation package.
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 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 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 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.
Café Royal Cultural Foundation NYC Performance Grant 2026
Café Royal Cultural Foundation NYC will award a Performance Grant to individuals focused on the production of theatre, dance and performance art (all of which can be accompanied by music). Submissions: To ensure that each submission receives the attention it deserves we will be only accepting 40 applications for each of our categories.
o Deadline: Our Winter 2026 Grant cycle is now open and will close on February 2nd, 2026 at 9:00 am EDT or if we reach our limit of 40 applications, which ever comes first.
o Application Fee: No Fee
o Eligibility: Performer(s) of theatre, dance and performance art (all of which can be accompanied by music).
Grants awarded in this category do not fund costs associated with the creating/composition of new work.
Performer(s) applying must be a United States Citizen or Resident Alien and a resident of New York City and have lived in New York City for a minimum of one year prior to applying and plan to be a resident through the completion of their project.
If your performance is a play, it must be a full production. Readings will not qualify.
We would prefer that the performance of your project take place in New York City’s five boroughs, or in a location in close proximity to New York City that has been discussed and approved by Café Royal Cultural Foundation. Email caferoyaldigital@gmail.com for inquiries.
Applicants can only apply with the same project twice.
Applicants can only apply to only one category during a grant cycle.
o Contact: We would prefer that the performance of your project take place in New York City’s five boroughs, or at a location within proximity to New York City that has been discussed and approved by Café Royal Cultural Foundation before you apply, please email caferoyaldigital@gmail.com for inquiries.
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 Foun
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
BECHDEL PROJECT ROO Residency 2026/27
In "A Room of One's Own," written in 1929, Virginia Woolf says, “fictitious women are too simple — contrary to the living, breathing, complex women of real life, (they) are almost always depicted only “in their relation to men.” With the ROO Residency, Bechdel Project hopes to take one more step toward creating a culture of stories with complex women who are not simply depicted in relation to men. In "A Room of One's Own," written in 1929, Virginia Woolf says, “fictitious women are too simple — contrary to the living, breathing, complex women of real life, (they) are almost always depicted only “in their relation to men.” With the ROO Residency, Bechdel Project hopes to take one more step toward creating a culture of stories with complex women who are not simply depicted in relation to men. The ROO Residency is a two-year residency that supports the creation of a new work for the stage or screen. Projects must center women, and highlight untold, or underrepresented, narratives and perspectives.
o Deadline: February 6
o Application Fee: Free
o Eligibility: The residency is open to writers over the age of 18.
The residency is open to feminist writers (of any intersection) whose work centers women, non-binary or underrepresented genders through a feminist lens and whose proposed script passes the Bechdel Test. Global Majority and LGBTQ+ writers are especially encouraged to apply.
The residency is open to writers in any area of the world and in any stage of their careers; however, priority will be given to those whose needs most align with our provided resources.
We do not accept scripts that have already been produced or that are currently in pre-production. We do consider and are eager to read incomplete scripts!
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
#ScreenOppsFEB26
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
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
BlackStar Film Festival
BlackStar Film Festival is an annual celebration of the visual and storytelling traditions of the African diaspora and of global Indigenous communities, showcasing films by Black, Brown and Indigenous artists from around the world.
o When/Where: August 6-9
o Deadline: March 1 (Preferred Deadline), April 1 (Late Deadline)
o Application Fee: $20-45
o Eligibility:Films must (1) be directed by a person of African descent or who otherwise identifies as Black, Brown or Indigenous, and (2) feature persons of African descent, or tell a story of Black, Brown or Indigenous experiences.
Narrative feature films and documentary films must not exceed a runtime of 120 minutes, and short films must not exceed a runtime of 40 minutes.
Non-English language works must have English subtitles at the time submitted. Dialogue lists will not be accepted.
Though not required for eligibility, preference is given to premiere status films: Philadelphia, East Coast, US, North American, and World premieres.
Entrants must fully comply with these entry rules and regulations, including all deadlines, film length, entry material and other requirements.
Note: Entry fees are in U.S. dollars, are per film, and are non-refundable. BlackStar reserves the right to disqualify a submission, without refund of any kind, if eligibility requirements are not met, including if eligibility status changes post-submission.
Students: Entry fees for student submissions will be waived upon receipt of a photocopy of a current and valid student ID card or a letter from an accredited school that verifies enrollment.
o Categories: Feature, Documentary, Short, Music Video, Experimental
o Contact: submissions@blackstarfest.org.
NC Black Film Festival
The North Carolina Black Film Festival is a Four day juried and invitational festival of independent motion pictures by Black filmmakers which showcase features, shorts, animation, documentary films, and student films. We pride ourselves in the Carolina Hospitality and great previous honorees and winners such as Anthony Hemingway, Ava DuVernay, Giancarlo Esposito, the late Dwayne McDuffie, Scott Sanders and more.The North Carolina Black Film Festival is held in Wilmington, NC formerly known as Hollywood East.
o When/Where: May 1-3
o Deadline: January 22 (Regular Deadline), February 23 (Late Deadline)
o Application Fee: $35-50
o Eligibility: Trophies Awarded to 1st Place winners as well as a Festival package in the Feature, Doc, and Short categories based on 3 submissions in each category.1st Place Student winners receive a special package and trophy.
o Categories: Feature, Short, Documentary, Documentary Short
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
Glass Ceiling Breakers: GCB
Theatre Revolution's Glass Ceiling Breakers Film Festival is the very FIRST film festival in the Hudson Valley to present the work of women filmmakers from all over the world. The film fest joined the well established women's short play festival and will take place at the Philipstown Depot Theatre in Garrison NY located alongside the beautiful Hudson River steps away from MetroNorth. The festival will include a workshop with artists and will offer networking opportunities with filmmakers, writers and actors. Dates of the festival will be June 5-7 with the possibility of another screening by the end of the year.
o When/Where: June 5-7
o Deadline: December 1 (Early Bird Deadline), January 1 (Regular Deadline), February 14 (Late Deadline), March 15 (Extended Deadline)
o Application Fee: $11-$45
o Eligibility: Films must have a running time of 20 minutes or less. At least two female or female identifying filmmakers must fill the role of Writer, Director, Producer, Cinematographer, Production Designer, and/or Editor to qualify to screen at our festival. Any of these roles can be filled by a man but 2 have to be credited to a woman. BIPOC filmmakers are strongly encouraged to submit.
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
New Jersey International Film Festival
The Rutgers Film Co-op/New Jersey Media Arts Center proudly announces the 29th Annual New Jersey International Film Festival. The festival will be held between May 31- June 9, 2024 at Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey and will showcase the best in independent film by featuring premiere screenings, special guest appearances by film directors, screenwriters, cast and crew and more. For more information go to www.njfilmfest.com or e-mail us at NJMAC@aol.com or njmac12@gmail.com!
o When/Where: May 29-June 7
o Deadline: November 18 (Super Early Bird Deadline), December 8 (Early Bird Deadline), December 28 (Regular Deadline), January 17 (Late Deadline), February 6 (Super Late Deadline), February 26 (Super Super Late Deadline)
o Application Fee: $36-95
o Eligibility: This competition is open to U.S. and International entries. Maximum film age is 24 months. No repeat entries. If a work is selected for public screening entrants are contractually obligated to provide an exhibition copy suitable for screening and cannot withdraw their film from the festival. Entry must be a New Jersey or Area Premiere and must not be available to view in full on the internet! Please note we do not pay screening fees. Only finalists are notified in advance that their work has been selected to be part of the Festival.
o Categories: Short Film, Feature Film, Documentary, Experimental.
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
WRPN Women’s International Film Festival
Welcome to the WRPN Women's International Film Festival, where distribution and feedback opportunities abound for films made by women or those that address issues affecting women. WWIFF is a sister festival to the Depth of Field International Film Festival, a FilmFreeway “Top 100 Reviewed” festival alumnus.
o When/Where: June 20
o Deadline: October 31 (Regular Deadline), November 30 (Late Deadline), December 31 (Extended Deadline), March 31 (Last Chance)
o Application Fee: $50-$130
o Eligibility: While WWIFF is a female-focused film festival, we also accept films produced and/or directed by men if one or more self-identifying top production members are female (including, but not limited to, cinematographers, producers, writers, editors, or films featuring a strong female presence on screen). We will not exclude films directed by men if the topic is significant to women and women's issues.
o Categories: Short Film, Documentary Short, Animated Short, Full-Length, Web-Series, Comedy Short
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
Everybody is Somebody
The Albuquerque Film Festival, with the mantra 'Everybody is Somebody,' stands as a beacon of digital celebration for the world's storytellers. Nestled in the heart of New Mexico's vibrant capital, Albuquerque, our festival opens its doors wide, welcoming a kaleidoscope of cinematic talent from every corner of the globe. Dive into the fray with your masterpieces, as we call for submissions across all film genres; there's a spotlight here for every creator, regardless of nationality. It's your time to shine, to vie for prestigious awards across a multitude of categories. Let's unite. Let's craft. Let's rejoice. Boasting a spectrum as broad as the imagination itself, our festival invites you to join an esteemed circle, where selected films don't just screen—they compete for a host of distinctions, bestowed both by our expert panel and the audience's voice. Rest assured, every entry is given the attentive gaze it deserves. As seasoned filmmakers, we resonate with the dedication poured into your craft. That's why we elevate Officially Selected films with a spotlight dialogue—up to 10 minutes of in-depth conversation about your creative journey, shared on our official website, YouTube channel, and across social media landscapes. Our committee is as varied as the films we celebrate, featuring a global tapestry of professionals—Architects to Entrepreneurs, Artists to Filmmakers, and VFX Producers—each bringing a unique perspective to the screen. Every submission is watched thoroughly, ensuring your vision is seen and appreciated in its entirety. Our Goals:To broadcast fresh, trailblazing narratives and cinematic discourse from across the world.To offer an exclusive glimpse into the pioneering realm of New Cinema.To foster the exchange of ideas and experiences among our event's vibrant participants. Our Creed: We are the champions of the cinematic dreamer, the believers in the power of story. The 'Everybody is Somebody' Albuquerque Film Festival is dedicated to showcasing the most diverse array of narratives. Our mission? To empower every filmmaker with a burning passion, to connect creators with audiences, and to help solidify their mark in the ever-expanding universe of film.
o When/Where: March 27-29
o Deadline: July 7 (Deadline 4), August 4 (Deadline 6), September 1 (Deadline 7), October 6 (Deadline 8), November 3 (Deadline 9), December 1 (Deadline 10), February 9 (Final Deadline)
o Application Fee: $15-25
o Eligibility: We accept all fiction and non-fiction film genres. All age groups are accepted. Projects submitted must be the original work of the participant. All submission will be received through Film Freeway only. No Exceptions.
o Categories: Feature, Short, Animated, Documentary, Music Video
Onscreen
'Exclamation Point’
Casting "Exclamation Point," a short film.Synopsis: Set in New York City, the film follows Kimball, a man in his 30s coping with a recent separation while trying to function in everyday life. As he navigates an awkward HR meeting at work, pressure from family to “be okay,” and an emotionally charged visit from his ex, Kimball struggles with how much honesty is socially acceptable. In this world, Kimball and his ex-partner Katie are missing their eyes — a surreal visual element treated as normal, symbolizing emotional disconnection and suppressed vulnerability. The film blends grounded realism with subtle surrealism to explore grief, intimacy, and the performance of emotional wellness.
o Roles: Various
o Details: Shoots March 7-8 and March 14-15 in New York.
o Rate: $500-2400 (est. 36 of work)
Offscreen
LA Independent Women in Film Awards
LA Independent Women Film Awards focuses on international and U.S. film and script projects of all genres. Every season, the IMDb qualifying fest recognizes projects with a female producer, director, lead actress, writer, cinematographer, editor, composer, etc. All topics related to women's thoughts, women's fate, life conditions, women's views and so on are welcome to participate. All the winners will be promoted through various online magazines in California and can request to receive certificates and laurels. All the winners can request for screening through our festival. Our mission is designed to help create a platform for our filmmakers to be seen, but more importantly, get them the industry exposure to help sustain their craft for many years to come.The members of our jury will be award winning artists working in media from all over the world. All the award winners can request to be a jury member of a new edition of the festival in order to vote for one of the categories. LA Independent Women Film Awards is an outstanding event for promoting female artists working in media from all over the world.
o When/Where: April 18
o Deadline: February 12 (Regular Deadline), March 12(Final Deadline)
o Application Fee: $30-$60
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
Sundance Institute: 2025 Feature Film Producers Track
The 2026–2027 Feature Film Producers Fellowship is a yearlong program designed to nurture emerging producers with project-specific support through the Producers Lab, year-round mentorship from a dedicated industry mentor, film industry networking opportunities, professional development and project advancement strategy workshops, and ongoing support from Sundance Institute staff. The program is designed to hone emerging producers’ creative instincts and evolve their communication and problem-solving skills at all stages of their next feature film.
o Deadline: February 11
o Eligibility: Candidates must have produced at least one short or feature-length narrative or documentary film, but no more than two narrative features total as lead producer. This does not include co-producer, associate producer, or executive producer credits.
Candidates must have a completed scripted narrative feature-length project in hand, with a director attached to the project.
Candidates must have a legal agreement in place through which they control the project (e.g., an option, attachment, or shopping agreement).
Candidates may not be involved as a writer or director of the submitted project. Candidates must live in the United States, though the project may be filmed internationally.
o Contact: If you have further questions after reviewing our FAQ, please email us at producers@sundance.org.
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: