WHO CAN SUBMIT
• Theater companies and independent producers are invited to submit new work. TRU will provide the financial and physical resources for a developmental reading.
• Writers are invited to submit, and are strongly encouraged to find an experienced sponsoring producer for their work. Use this as an opportunity to form a relationship with a potential producer, for our series and perhaps for the future. We discourage writers from submitting as their own producers. If necessary, TRU can assist you in finding an appropriate sponsoring producer.
GUIDELINES / WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
- We seek a diversity of works, commercial as well as experimental or “non-traditional” (e.g. exhibiting non-linear structure, experimental format, unusual musical form, unconventional themes, etc.)
- Shows with multi-racial significance, subject matter and/or cast (minority playwrights will be given special consideration).
- Musicals with international themes or settings (as well as other non-international shows) may be recommended for the 2014 Midtown International Theatre Festival. Please specify on your application if you would like to be submitted for the Midtown International Theatre Festival.
- Children’s shows are discouraged, although family shows are welcome.
- Works may be as short as 75 minutes with no maximum length. However, you must be able to present in under 90 minutes, with no more than 12 actors (doubling is acceptable). Submit full script, but if selected you will need to find ways to present within our time requirement: trim, narrate, be creative. The time limit must be strictly adhered to in order to allow time for the TRU panel afterwards. Readings will be timed and stopped after 90 minutes.
- Work in its present form must not have had a previous professional production before a paying audience in the New York area, although substantially rewritten works may be considered. If the show has a production history of any sort, you must tell us why a reading in our series will help the development of your show in a meaningful way. Hint: developmental performances, including readings, concerts and workshops, as well as festivals and non-professional productions outside of the New York area, will not disqualify you – and are, in fact, a plus!
- Works previously submitted to TRU Voices may be resubmitted if substantial revisions have been made, and you must explain in a cover letter exactly what is different about this version of the show. Shows that score high with our readers but don't make it into the series may also be invited to resubmit.
- If considered for selection, the producer/writer team will be interviewed so we can evaluate your ability to work within the monetary endowment TRU provides and to produce a successful reading. Works are accepted for performance in the series based on the ability of the producer.
- Writers must let us know if you have special requirements for your show; i.e. you expect to be in it or direct it, or you are committed to a cast or a director. (Since this is a producer-driven series, we like the producer to be involved in these decisions. And we like writers to be writers - not the director or a performer in their work.)
HOW TO SUBMIT
- In order to ensure a “blind” selection process, remove your name/production company from all materials, every page as well as your CD label.
- Fill out the attached application, and submit by mail with:
(a) one hard copy of script, plus one copy emailed to truplaysubmissions@gmail.com - scripts that are not available in an electronic version will not be accepted.
(b) one hard copy of a brief synopsis (maximum one page), one copy emailed to truplaysubmissions@gmail.com
(c) one hard copy of a cast breakdown/production requirements, one copy emailed to truplaysubmissions@gmail.com
(d) one copy of tape/CD with at least 6 songs in same sequence as they appear in script, plus separate sheets with song titles and page numbers in script for reference. CD must be taped, bound or secured to the script cover; MP3s of songs must be available to share with us through Dropbox.com, or emailed through wetransfer.com or an equivalent email service for large files;
(e) $25 application fee (non-members only)
(f) optional $5 fee if you would like a feedback letter summarizing the readers' comments.
We no longer return materials - so no SASE’s please.
SUBMISSION FEE
- TRU member writers or producers may submit free of charge.
- Non-members must submit a $25 application fee, which is applicable towards our $75 annual membership. If selected for the series, at least one member of the producing/writing team must be a paid member of TRU. For more information on the benefits of TRU membership, go to our website at www.truonline.org You may join on-line at www.truonline.org/store.html. (Forgive us but the $25 fee barely covers our administrative costs; most of all, we want to encourage you to be a TRU member.)
DEADLINE
- Postmarked AUGUST 10, 2015 (non-members, without a producer); AUGUST 17, 2015 (producer attached, and/or TRU members)
- If considered as a finalist for selection, the producer/writer team will be interviewed.
- If selected, your rehearsal and preparation will take place in November-December with the reading taking place in January 2015.
WHAT WE PROVIDE
- Performance space with piano / Access to our database of actors, technicians, etc. / A panel discussion with top industry professionals / 4-color postcards promoting the entire series / Box office and reservation service / A limited monetary endowment for approved production expenses / One day of auditions for all shows, as needed.
IMPORTANT: Although TRU will promote the reading series to our membership, the participating producers and writers must be actively involved in promoting this event and are responsible for audience attendance at their reading.
NEW THIS YEAR
You may also submit for the new Musical Writers Workshop. Click here for details.
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