Festival​/Competition Submissions Playwrights - Gene Frankel Theatre Festival Summer Ge

Playwrights - Gene Frankel Theatre Festival Summer 2026

Gene Frankel Theatre Festival – Summer 2026

Festival Dates:
July 27 – Aug. 16, 2026

Submission

The Gene Frankel Theatre Festival is accepting submissions for its summer edition running from July 27th through August 16th, 2026.

The applicant will need to produce the work – director, casting, and all production elements. The Gene Frankel Theatre will help with setting up your technical needs such as lighting, sound, and projections.

One-act plays (up to 60 minutes)

All genres are considered, including drama, comedy, movement-based work, and experimental forms. Submitted work should be New York premieres. We are committed to showcasing works that have never been produced in New York before Aug. 16, 2026
. Participation in festivals counts as a production
. Staged readings, private workshops, and brief excerpt presentations do not count as productions. All work must be unpublished.

Each play should have 1–5 actors. No more than 5 actors will be permitted. Cast and crew should be non-union and 18 and older.

Pieces will be selected based on artistic merit, originality, clarity of vision, and suitability for festival programming. The goal is to present a high-quality, varied lineup. Submission does not guarantee selection.

Playwrights, whose play has been selected, will be contacted by April 10th.

• Full script in PDF format
• Character breakdown (maximum of 5 actors)
• Indication of category: short play (up to 15 minutes) or one-act (up to 60 minutes)
• Production history, if applicable
• Please confirm this is a New York Premiere. (We are committed to showcasing works that have never been produced in New York before Aug. 16th, 2026
  . Participation in festivals counts as a production
  . Staged readings, private workshops, and brief excerpt presentations do not count as productions.)
• Limit two submissions per applicant.
• Optional:
  Playwright bio, director, cast, brief tech/staging notes, prior production photos or media (if available), and social media or website links may also be included to support your submission.

No submission fee.

All participants must be available for all festival dates from July 27th through August 16th.

A $100 participation fee for short plays and a $150 participation fee for one-act plays will apply for selected works.

Selected productions will be eligible for awards, including Best Play, Best Script, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Director. Awards will be given in both short play and one-act categories.

Each selected play will be presented in one of several curated blocks. Each block will run approximately 90 minutes (including intermission) and receive three performances during the three-week performance schedule. The Festival will conclude with a Gala event on Aug. 16th, featuring guest performances and an awards ceremony.

Subject line:
Gene Frankel Theatre Festival – Title of Play

genefrankeltheatreplayfestival…

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