Submissions

Submissions

2026 Quill to Act New Play Festival Submissions

Overview

Murphys Creek Theatre is now accepting submissions for our 2026 Quill to Act New Play Festival.

Submissions will close when we reach 100 scripts or on April 15, 2026, whichever comes first.

Three finalist playwrights will each receive a $200 honorarium and a professionally staged reading of their script.

One winning script will be selected for further development and produced as the world premiere production in Murphys Creek Theatre’s 2027 Season.

Please read all script guidelines carefully and prepare your PDF script accordingly before starting the submission process.

(For returning playwrights, a submission form link is available at the bottom of this page.)

Script Guidelines

MCT will only accept plays that meet all of the Basic Requirements, Document Criteria, and Artistic Merit standards outlined below.

Basic Requirements

  • Full-length drama or comedy. An intermission is preferred; if no intermission is included, the running time must be 90 minutes or less.

  • Quill to Act presentations are performed in a concert-style staged reading (no costumes, lighting, sound effects, sets, or props). The emphasis is on language and dialogue. Stage directions will be read aloud and count toward total running time.

  • Scripts must be previously unproduced and must remain unproduced until after MCT’s 2026 Quill to Act Festival. Any presentation by a theatre—including non-equity, regional, community, or virtual productions—counts as a production. Academic productions, workshops, and readings are exempt.

  • Maximum of four actors*. Character doubling is permitted if a clear doubling plan is included with the cast list.

  • The submitting author(s) must be the sole copyright holder(s) of the script.

*the maximum cast size was previously six, but has been reduced to allow for optimal casting.

Document Criteria

  • Legibly typed, 12-point font, standard play script format with 1” margins.

  • No author name anywhere in the script. Submissions are reviewed blind; scripts containing author identification will be disqualified.

  • Submitted as one PDF file only.

  • Page 1: Cover page with title only.

  • Page 2: Brief synopsis (200 words max) and cast list including character names, ages, and brief descriptions.

  • All pages numbered.

  • Character names appear above dialogue.

  • The end of the play is clearly indicated.

Artistic Merit

Quill to Act is committed to presenting new work that is uniquely theatrical, emotionally resonant, and grounded in strong language and structure. Selected scripts demonstrate originality, clarity of vision, and characters whose dialogue reflects distinct worldviews.

MCT does not accept:

  • Film or television scripts

  • Children’s theatre

  • Musicals

Adaptations and parodies of works in the public domain are welcome.

Submission Process

  1. Read all script guidelines.

  2. Complete the submission form with playwright name, script title, and contact information.

  3. Upload proof of Dramatists Guild membership (if applicable).

  4. Upload your script PDF.

  5. Submit your registration information.

  6. On the confirmation page, follow the link to process the $15 submission fee. Dramatists Guild members may waive the fee by uploading proof of membership or emailing it to q2a@murphyscreektheatre.org.

If you experience any issues, please contact us at q2a@murphyscreektheatre.org.

Thank you for sharing your work with Murphys Creek Theatre.

The Fine Print

  • Submissions are limited to one script per author per year. Collaborations count as a submission for each author involved.

  • Once submitted, revisions cannot be accepted.

  • MCT does not provide written feedback beyond the public talkbacks following finalist readings.

  • Submission fees are non-refundable.

  • Finalist playwrights will be notified by September 2026 and announced publicly thereafter.

  • Staged readings of finalist scripts will take place on October 7, 14, and 21, 2026, at 7:00 PM.

  • Following the readings, one winning script will be selected for a world premiere production in MCT’s 2027 Season.

  • Upon selection, the winning playwright(s) must sign a Playwright Agreement granting permission for workshopping and public performance.

  • Playwrights are responsible for their own travel and lodging should they choose to attend in person.

  • Directors, performers, and technicians for the readings are drawn entirely from a pool of local, professional artists.

SUBMISSION FORM

QUESTIONS?