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Read & Rant: A Plays-In-Progress Series 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) Equitable access to the arts.

4) Equality in opportunities, representation, and pay. 

5) The creative process. 

6) 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. Plays that have been previously developed in other readings, workshops, or at universities are accepted, but the script should be revised since then for the playwright to get the most from this opportunity. Scripts submitted in previous calls are accepted as long as there have been revisions since last submitted to Athena Project. No musicals are accepted at this time. All other styles of plays are accepted as long as they are written by women.

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 feels that the play is “finished” and is still willing to work on the play.

What is the time frame for each monthly Read & Rant?

Each monthly Read & Rant operates on a three month “cycle”. During the first month, Athena Project will release a call for submissions (ex. October Read & Rant will accept submissions during the month of August). We will review the submitted scripts during the second month and select two to participate in the moderated Read & Rant session (ex. selection for October will occur in September). The third month will be the month during which Read & Rant will occur and selected playwrights will receive their feedback session.  All Read & Rant events take place virtually via Zoom on the 3rd Monday of each month, 6:30-8:30pm MST.

How does the selection process work?

We will select five plays from the pool of submissions via random lottery. These plays will then be reviewed by a team of rotating dramaturgs, two of which will be selected for the monthly Read & Rant and will receive a public feedback session via Zoom, moderated by a dramaturg. The remaining three plays will receive shorter feedback from a dramaturg in the playwright’s chosen method (written, audio recording, short Zoom session, or short live phone call).

Do I need to reside in the Denver area?

No. This is an entirely virtual new play development opportunity, with all meetings taking place via Zoom.

Does Athena Project accept only unproduced 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.

Who should I reach out to if I still have questions?

You can contact literarymanager@athenaprojectarts.org.

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. 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 dramaturgs wherever possible.
  • There are no fees to submit, but donations to Athena Project are always welcome. (Donation information is stored separately from the lottery and holds no bearing in the adjudication process.)