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Read & Rant: A Plays-In-Progress Series FAQ

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

We’re Athena Project – the Colorado nonprofit that amplifies the work of all women and underrepresented genders through the arts. By providing artists with paid work opportunities, we ensure audiences get to see and hear their work. Since 2012, through our programming and intentional partnerships, we invest in artist development, increase access to professional opportunities and build community by engaging audiences. Our work advances equity in the arts in Denver, Colorado and beyond.

VISION: We envision a world with gender equity, where women’s voices are valued and amplified in the arts. We change the world, one paid underrepresented artist at a time.

MISSION: Athena Project amplifies the voices of all women and underrepresented genders through the arts.

Values: 

We value (in order): 

1) The inherent power in the artistic voices of all women and underrepresented genders 

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?
  • Must be a woman, trans or nonbinary playwright.
  • Plays must be full-length and between 60-160 pages.
  • Only previously unproduced plays are eligible. Scripts with prior workshops, readings or academic productions are accepted, but we recommend submitting a version that has been revised since so you can receive the most benefit from this opportunity.
  • We do not accept musicals.
  • If you have been selected from the lottery previously, please do not resubmit the same script, and please wait 6 months to submit a different script. We want to give other playwrights the chance to experience this process!
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 four month “cycle”.  

Month 1: Submit your script 

Month 2: The Lottery happens and scripts are randomly selected. You can expect to hear back about your script by the 10th of the month. We do email to let you know if your script was not selected. 

Month 3: The Dramaturg Cohort has had plenty of time to read all the scripts from the lottery. They meet and select which two scripts will be featured at the event. This usually happens early-mid month. You can expect to hear the decision by the end of the month. 

Month 4: All Read & Rant events take place virtually via Zoom on the 3rd Monday of each month, 6:30-8:30pm MST. We do highly recommend that you plan to attend!

How does the selection process work?

We will select four 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 two plays will receive shorter written feedback compiled from the dramaturgical team. 

As a part of the decision making, the dramaturgical cohort will assess whether this program can best serve your work through this process. We consider:

  • the piece itself
  • its current stage of development
  • the ways in which your piece may benefit from this particular program
  • whether we feel we can help guide a productive and engaging discussion with a general audience
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 [email protected].

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.)