Lead Time Between Production, Script Publication

[msmp]

Posted: 11/4/18 at 3:47am

Sorry if this is a silly question, but I was wondering if anyone had any idea how long it usually takes for a play to go from being produced to the script being available through Dramatists/Samuel French? Without wanting to get into a debate on the merits of the plays themselves, I'd really love to be able to read the Bernhardt/Hamlet (Broadway) and Mother of the Maid (off Broadway) scripts for myself; I loved both productions when I saw them in New York, and usually enjoy reading scripts of plays I liked again in the future.

Thanks in advance if anyone can help out!

[tyleramullen]

Posted: 11/4/18 at 8:53am

Hi MSMP,

It really depends on a number of factors. A new play may go through subsequent changes at regional theatres before being published. Author schedules, material prep and production, the time it takes to edit and proofread sometimes multiple rounds of proofs, upcoming productions/events (ex. DPS published School Girls... the week the current Off Broadway production started), publisher staff time— all things that can impact a publication date. Some move very quickly, and others can take 9mos to upwards of a year.

Both Samuel French and Dramatists Play Service are in the practice of making pre-publication manuscripts available prior to its being published, though.

(Btw I don’t have a pseudonym or fancy handle here. I don’t post often, but I work for Samuel French, so I thought I’d be qualified to answer this one! :) Hope this helped! Happy Reading!)
-Tyler

[msmp]

Posted: 11/4/18 at 9:24pm

tyleramullen said: "Hi MSMP,

It really depends on a number of factors. A new play may go through subsequent changes at regional theatres before being published. Author schedules, material prep and production, the time it takes to edit and proofread sometimes multiple rounds of proofs, upcoming productions/events (ex. DPS published School Girls... the week the current Off Broadway production started), publisher staff time— all things that can impact a publication date. Some move very quickly, and others can take 9mos to upwards of a year.

Both Samuel French and Dramatists Play Service are in the practice of making pre-publication manuscripts available prior to its being published, though.

(Btw I don’t have a pseudonym or fancy handle here. I don’t post often, but I work for Samuel French, so I thought I’d be qualified to answer this one! :) Hope this helped! Happy Reading!)
-Tyler"

Thanks, Tyler--really appreciate the response. Guess I'll just keep an eye out on the website(s) for any news!