Orlando Shakespeare Theater Seeks New Plays For Playfest 2018

Orlando Shakespeare Theater (Orlando Shakes) in Partnership with UCF is seeking new full-length plays to be featured in PlayFest presented by Harriett's Charitable Trust. Past PlayFest plays have dealt with issues of racism, autism, gender, Alzheimer's, immigration, etc. While Shakespeare and classical productions deal with "timeless issues," PlayFest favors new plays that confront modern "issues of our times."

Both comedies and dramas are welcome. Seven of the new works submitted will be selected for readings in the Theater's annual play festival, PlayFest, tentatively scheduled for November 2-4 and November 10-11, and considered for fully staged productions in future seasons. Unsolicited submissions are due on or before February 17, 2018. For a complete list of submission guidelines, visit http://orlandoshakes.org/playfest/play-submissions/.

PlayFest is a nationally recognized program representing one of the strongest commitments to new plays in the United States. Since its inception in 2003, PlayFest has helped nurture and develop over 100 new plays-many of which have received subsequent productions in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Washington, D.C. Audience favorites from PlayFest are handpicked and developed into full productions in the Theater's Signature Series. PlayFest playwright alums include Lee Blessing, Ellen McLaughlin, Steve Yockey, Donnetta Lavinia Grays, Lauren Gunderson, Mark St. Germain, Jon Jory, and Jeffrey Hatcher.

Orlando Shakes supports gender-neutral and color conscious submissions. Playwrights with diverse heritages and backgrounds are strongly encouraged to submit their work. PlayFest is made possible through the generous support of Harriett's Charitable Trust, with additional support by Frank Santos & Dan Dantin.

This project is funded in part by Orange County Government through the Arts & Cultural Affairs Program. Orlando Shakespeare Theater is supported by United Arts of Central Florida, host of OrlandoAtPlay.com and UAArtsEd.com. This project is sponsored in part by the Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, and the State of Florida.