Orlando Shakespeare Theater Seeks Submissions for PlayFest 2017

Orlando Shakespeare Theater (Orlando Shakes) in Partnership with UCF is seeking new full-length plays that speak to the human condition in a fascinating and complicated contemporary world. Topics may range from today's international headlines to tonight's interpersonal issues in the bedroom.

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 presented by Harriett's Charitable Trust, tentatively scheduled for November 2-5, 2017 and considered for fully staged productions in future seasons. All submissions are due on or before March 1, 2017. For a complete list of submission guidelines, visit www.orlandoshakes.org/playfest-home/.

PlayFest, presented by Harriett's Charitable Trust, 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, Israel Horovitz, 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. This project is also funded in part by Frank Santos & Dan Dantin with additional support from 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.