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Plays In Progress FAQ

What are Athena Project’s Vision/Mission/Values?

Athena Project envisions a world with gender equity where *women’s voices are valued and amplified in the arts. Our mission empowers women through the arts. We value: (in order)
1) The inherent power in the artistic voices of women.
2) Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
3) Equality in opportunities, representation, and pay.
4) The creative process.
5) The power of art to connect communities.

What types of plays will you accept?

We accept full-length plays, defined as 60 pages in standard playscript format. Ideally, we look for plays that are theatrically and economically feasible for a small to medium sized theatre company, i.e. plays with manageable cast sizes and manageable technical requirements. Plays that have been previously developed in other readings, workshops, or at universities are accepted, but the script should be revised for the playwright to get the most from this opportunity. Scripts submitted in previous years are accepted as long as there have been significant revisions. Plays with music that have tracks built for production will be accepted. No musicals are accepted at this time.

Is my play eligible if it has been produced before?

Plays that have been fully mounted are not eligible. Athena Project is looking for new plays in earlier stages of development that have not had full design elements applied. The script should be at a point where the writer is done writing and wants to “hear” the play but is willing to still work on the play as collaborations might dictate.

How will my play be workshopped?

All submissions will be narrowed down to a selection of 3 to 5 finalists and offered either a table reading, concert reading, or workshop presentation for 2022. 

Table Reading: Table readings include approximately 2-3 hours of video conference time with the dramaturg to discuss the playwright’s goals for the process. The director, playwright, dramaturg, and cast then meet for 1.5 hours of read-through/rehearsal before the reading takes place before an audience. Actual time spent may vary depending on the needs of the play. The dramaturg will use prompts from the playwright to moderate an audience talkback following the public performance.

Concert Reading: The concert reading model includes up to 5 hours of consultation with a dramaturg and 10 hours of rehearsal with the dramaturg, director, cast, and playwright. Actual time spent will vary depending on the needs of the play. The dramaturg will use prompts from the playwright to moderate a talkback with the audience following the public performance.

Workshop Presentation: A workshop presentation includes approximately 10 hours of consultation time with a dramaturg, in addition to 25 hours of rehearsal with the dramaturg, director, and cast. Actual time spent may vary depending on the needs of the play. The final performance involves basic staging with lights, sound, props, set, and costumes. Actors are on book for the performance, which allows the script to evolve during the process. The dramaturg will use prompts from the playwright to moderate a talkback with the audience following the public performance.

Do I need to reside in the Denver area?

No, however, it is important for playwrights to commit to attending all dramaturg/director/playwright conferences as they are able, as well as attend the weekend of the performance. These events allow playwrights to engage in the process and to hear audience feedback that will further the development of their play. We utilize Skype, Zoom, or similar video chat programs to include our out-of-town playwrights in the process as much as possible and minimize costs for travel and housing. If a playwright lives outside the Denver area, she should plan to attend rehearsals and meetings, either virtually or in person, and be present for the festival performances and networking events. A small travel stipend is provided to assist with expenses.

If I am selected, will I receive compensation?

Yes, there is a small stipend to cover travel costs. We attempt to help with housing and local transport but this is ultimately the playwright’s expense.

What is the time frame of the PIP Series?

Script submissions are accepted from March 1st until midnight on April 15th, 2021 unless closed early due to overwhelming response. Three to five finalists will be notified by October 2021. Directors and dramaturgs will be selected in April 2022, casting will be in May 2022, and the public reading will be in early June 2022. Specific performance times will be scheduled as the PIP Series gets closer.

Why was my submission rejected?

In addition to an anonymous script, we ask that you include all of the requested information found on our submission form. We receive a lot of submissions, so please read the information carefully to avoid being disqualified.

What about copyright?

The text of the play will remain at all times the property/copyright of the playwright. Upon being selected as a finalist, Athena Project will require listing in all future publications and programs as having participated in the workshop.

What will be expected of finalist playwrights?

The primary focus of the PIP Series is to provide support for plays in development through close work with a dramaturg, the opportunity to see and hear a director and cast working with the play, and a chance for audience feedback. Finalists should be interested in using PIP to guide further development of their work. Playwrights are expected to attend meetings and rehearsals, either in person or virtually, and attend the in-person festival in June. Athena Project should receive mention in future productions of the work. We look forward to developing a relationship with both the play and the playwright. We are eager to share a fantastic new play to as broad a global audience as possible. 

What happens if my play has been chosen as a finalist and I have another development opportunity?

Between the time of selection as finalist for our PIP Series and the June workshop performance, we would love for your play to have as many feedback opportunities as possible. However, if other opportunities conflict with the weekend of our performance, we ask that you honor your commitment to Athena Project. If your play is selected for production prior to our workshop dates, please withdraw from our PIP Series as early as possible but before April, when contracts are signed.

Does Athena Project accept only un-produced plays?

Yes, this submission process is only for unproduced plays. Scripts with prior workshops, readings or academic productions are accepted, but the script should be revised for the playwright to get the most from this opportunity. 

Other Info:

  • At Athena Project, we believe that “women” means many things and can be a complicated term. We recognize that the term “women” does not automatically include all aspects of the gender spectrum that we would like to submit. We want to create a safer space for the expression and growth for all women, trans and gender-nonconforming individuals.
  • Playwrights with all levels of experience are encouraged to submit.
  • We strive to hire women as directors, dramaturgs, and all other PIP Series participants.
  • There are no fees to submit, but donations to Athena Project are always welcome. (Donation information is stored separately from PIP administration and holds no bearing in the adjudication process.)