NewYorkRep presents
PURPOSE
Curtain Rising is a mini reading festival supporting the early-stage development of emerging playwrights whose work has never received a full production. The play being submitted must have had minimal development and must not have been developed through another festival or workshop in a producing capacity.
We seek innovative stories that might otherwise go untold due to barriers to access. NewYorkRep creates an inclusive platform for diverse voices, fostering dialogue on themes of alienation and reconciliation while empowering artists, building community, and centering work that inspires social change by illuminating our shared humanity. We believe that by engaging social and ethical questions through art, we can promote empathy, compassion, and inclusion.
VENUE AND SPACE COORDINATION
Rehearsals:
June 10–14, 2026
Festival Presentation:
June 15, 2026
SUBMISSION & EVALUATION PROCESS
Submission Fee: $15 (non-refundable)
Fee waivers are available. If the submission fee is a barrier, please contact us.
Submission Window:
Submissions Open: March 3, 2026
Submissions Close: March 31, 2026 (or earlier if capacity is reached)
Evaluation:
Submissions will be reviewed anonymously using a rubric focused on script structure, character development, and overall dramaturgy. The process includes an initial review round followed by a finalist round.
FESTIVAL STRUCTURE
Event Type:
Mini festival featuring one selected new work presented as an Equity 29-hour developmental reading.
Format:
A 29-hour developmental reading with a live audience of invited theater patrons and industry professionals.
Eligibility & Submission Rules (Summary):
Plays should explore social impact topics, reflecting personal or community experience.
Playwrights must be based in NYC and/or have reliable access to NYC (no housing or travel provided).
Plays (and plays with music) are eligible; musicals are not eligible.
One submission per playwright.
Awards & Benefits:
The selected playwright receives the opportunity to develop their play through an Equity 29-hour presentation with a professional creative team.
The selected playwright will receive the Curtain Rising Award.
Exposure to industry professionals with potential for future development.
SELECTION CRITERIA
To be eligible, submissions must meet the following:
The contest is open to playwrights whose work has not been staged in a full production (including festival productions and one-act showcases presented as full productions).
The submitted play must also not have been staged in a full production.
Plays should not exceed 90 minutes in length.
Plays should not exceed six (6) characters.
Plays must align with NewYorkRep’s mission and values.
Verification:
NewYorkRep reserves the right to verify eligibility and production history. Submissions found to be ineligible may be disqualified.
JUDGING CRITERIA
Evaluation considers:
Script structure
Character development
Dramaturgy and theatrical potential
Alignment with festival mission and social impact focus
Interested in participating? Submit your application below!