CURTAIN RISING

Purpose

CURTAIN RISING is a Mini-Reading Festival dedicated to uplifting early-stage playwrights and their untold stories. This initiative creates an inclusive platform for diverse voices, fostering dialogue on themes of alienation, reconciliation, and humanity. We aim to inspire empathy, compassion, and social change through thought-provoking theater.

Presented by NewYorkRep and Sea Dog Theater

Key Details

Submission Guidelines

  • Eligibility: Open to playwrights whose work has not been staged in a total production, including festivals and showcases.

  • Length: Plays must be under 90 minutes.

  • Characters: Limited to six (6) characters.

  • Location: Playwrights must be based in or have access to NYC.

  • Content: This should align with our mission, reflecting social impact themes:

    • NewYorkRep develops and produces new plays and musicals that inspire and compel social change by telling stories that expose our humanity. By illuminating social and ethical questions through art, we strive to create provocative theater that promotes empathy, compassion, and inclusion.

Awards & Benefits

  • Development Opportunity: Winning plays receive a 29-hour Equity developmental presentation with entire creative teams.

  • Financial Stipend: Winners are awarded the Gayle Waxenberg Award and a financial stipend.  

  • Industry Exposure: Plays will be presented before theater patrons and professionals.

Festival Structure

  • Venue: Sea Dog Theater at St. George's Episcopal Church, 209 E. 16th Street, NYC.

  • Event Format: Two staged developmental readings with an intermission, followed by a celebratory award ceremony.

Dates:

  • Submissions Open: December 3, 2024

  • Submissions Close: January 10, 2025 (or upon reaching 25 accepted entries)

  • Winners Announced: March 10, 2025

  • Rehearsals: April 21–26, 2025

  • Final Presentation: April 26, 2025

Submission Criteria

Eligibility

  • First-Time Staging: Submissions must have not been produced, including in festivals or showcases.

Length and Format

  • Run Time: At most 90 minutes.

  • Pages: 90 pages maximum.

  • Word Count: Approximately 13,500–18,000 words, depending on dialogue and stage directions.

Entry Limit

  • Only one entry per playwright.

  • New York Rep and Sea Dog Theater members, or their immediate families, are ineligible.

Judging Criteria

Each submission will be evaluated on a 1–10 scale across the following categories:

  1. Originality of Concept
    Fresh, inventive ideas that stand out.
    Exploration of underrepresented or innovative themes and storytelling methods.

  2. Structure and Plot Development
    Cohesive narrative flow with meaningful progression.
    Well-executed turning points and resolutions.

  3. Character Development
    Multi-dimensional characters with clear motivations and growth.
    Strong alignment with the play's themes.

  4. Dialogue
    Natural, authentic conversations with depth and nuance.
    Effective use of subtext and emotional layering.

  5. Theme and Message
    Seamlessly integrated themes that provoke thought and resonate with audiences.
    Avoids heavy-handed or superficial treatment of central ideas.

  6. Emotional Impact
    Ability to evoke a range of emotions and connect deeply with the audience.

  7. Stagecraft and Visual Potential
    Creative use of staging, lighting, and props to enhance storytelling.

  8. Pacing and Timing
    Well-balanced rhythm, maintaining audience engagement throughout.

  9. Relevance and Resonance
    Tackles contemporary issues or universal themes promptly.
    Inspires ongoing reflection and conversation.

  10. Overall Impact and Memorability
    Leaves a lasting impression with its intellectual and emotional depth.

  11. Would You Want to See This Produced?
    Measures the play's theatrical appeal and potential for live performance.

Second Evaluation Round

  • Process: Plays will be divided into five groups, with the highest-scoring entry in each group advancing to the final round.

  • Final Judging: A new panel will assess the top five plays using streamlined criteria focusing on originality, character depth, emotional impact, stagecraft, and overall appeal.

Festival Vision

This festival celebrates playwrights whose works challenge norms, amplify diverse voices, and explore personal and social narratives. This initiative aims to spotlight emerging talents and stories that drive meaningful dialogue.

Playwrights, universities, and creative communities are encouraged to join us in shaping stories that inspire empathy, compassion, and change.

For more information:  curtainrising@newyorkrep.org