Attention all producers and theater companies:
Let us pay for a developmental reading of your new play!
(Writers are welcome to apply, too.)
TRU VOICES New Plays Reading Series!
Submissions now closed for our 2027 series
(one week extension to 10/9 for TRU members, and plays with a producer attached)
For application click this link: PRS2027 Application or
Click here to return to TRU Voices Play Series information
• CLICK HERE TO JOIN TRU AND SUBMIT AS A MEMBER!
(No additional fee except for feedback, if you request it.)
Playwright discounted membership: $75 (regularly $110)
• Pay the $25 submission fee: 
• Pay $10 for a feedback letter:
TRU will produce a New Plays Reading Series in Late January/Early Feburary 2027 that will consist of 2 new works presented in one performance each. The purpose is to:
(a) help develop new plays, and
(b) help producers develop the skills needed to produce new works.
Each reading will be followed by a “Dollars and Sense” panel discussion with prominent New York producers, general managers and artistic directors focusing on potential venues, marketing and budgeting of the work.
WHO CAN SUBMIT
• Producers are invited to submit new work that they are interested in developing.
• Theater companies are invited to submit new work that they wish to produce in the series.
• Writers are invited to submit, and are strongly encouraged to find a sponsoring producer for their work. You do not need a producer attached to submit. However, 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, unless you have had substantial experience as a producer. You will need to have a producer if you advance to finals. If necessary, TRU can assist you in finding an appropriate sponsoring producer.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES (WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR)
We are looking for a diversity of works, commercial as well as experimental or “non-traditional.”
• We are interested in shows with multi-racial significance, subject matter and/or cast. BIPOC identifying playwrights will be given special consideration.
• Plays that deal with and explore current social issues are always of interest.
• Children’s shows are discouraged, although family shows are welcome. No musicals, please (TRU will produce a separate Musicals Readings Series in 2027. Check our website for an announcement of when the musicals submissions period starts.)
• 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). The time limit must be strictly adhered to in order to allow time for the TRU industry 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. Explain why a staged reading would be useful after a full production.
• Works previously submitted to TRU Voices may be resubmitted by special permission - email TRUPlaySubmissions@
• If the show has a production history of any sort, tell us why a reading in our series will help the further development of your show in a meaningful way.
• 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 the producer's ability 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.
SUBMISSION FEE
• TRU members may submit free of charge.
• Non-members must submit a $25 application fee (payable here), or become a member for a writer-reduced yearly price of $75 (usually $110) and pay no fee. If selected for the series, at least one member of the producing/writing team must be a paid member of TRU. For more information about the benefits of TRU membership, click here
• Once you have paid your application fee and/or an additional $10 for a feedback letter, please email proof of purchase to trustaff1@gmail.com.
HOW TO SUBMIT
• In order to ensure a “blind” selection process, remove your name/production company from all materials, every page.
• Fill out the attached application, and submit with:
(a) one blinded copy script emailed to truplaysubmissions@gmail.
(b) one copy of a brief synopsis (maximum one page) emailed to truplaysubmissions@gmail.
(c) one copy of a cast breakdown/production requirements (only if there are special requirements that might effect the reading)
(d) statement of purpose for having your play read in the TRU series emailed to truplaysubmissions@gmail.
(d) $25 application fee (non-members only)
We cannot accept hard copies mailed us. We have limited access to readers who read hard copy submissions.
• Take pride in your work. Proofread for typos, and try to adhere to standard script formatting.
• Deadline: September 30th, 2026. Late Deadline for TRU members and plays with producers attached: October 7th, 2026
WHAT WE PROVIDE
• A professionally-recorded staged reading, on a virtual performance platform
• Access to our database of actors, technicians, etc.
• A panel discussion with top industry professionals
• Website, press releases and e-basts promoting the series
• Box office and reservation service
• A limited monetary endowment for approved production expenses
• NOTE: Although we spend an average of $2500 on a virtual play reading, TRU does not ask for any monetary participation in your play's future. However, we will require that you credit us in the program for all future productions.
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 ultimately responsible for audience attendance at their reading.
Questions can be emailed to TRU at truplaysubmissions@gmail.com
Please, digital submissions only.
