Write the Story You Needed When You Were Young…
Farmers Alley Theatre is excited to introduce the first ever Lumen Playwriting Competition, which will bring light and life to new theatre for young audience pieces. Playwrights will submit short (30 minutes or less), one-act pieces which will then be reviewed by an expert panel of judges, who will then pick winners in each subject area. Winning playwrights will receive a cash prize, as well as the opportunity to see a staged reading of their work at Farmers Alley Theatre in February. With a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion, these works will be then be taken on the road as part of FATE, Farmers Alley Theatre Education, where they will be presented in local elementary and middle schools as an additional support to their DEI curriculum.
The Lumen Playwriting Competition is open to all entrants. Winners will be decided by a blind panel of accomplished playwrights and be eligible to receive cash prizes, with winning scripts given staged readings. To enter, all entrants must also complete the Lumen Playwriting Competition Release Form. Read the Lumen Playwriting Competition Guidelines before submitting.
We seek plays that instill empathy, increase awareness, and (of course) tell a compelling story. The Lumen Playwriting Competition accepts plays written for young audiences that focus on marginalized populations and underrepresented issues. The competition is open to all entrants, and scripts may be submitted in 1 of 5 categories:
BIPOC | Body Image/Self-acceptance | Grief/Depression | LGBTQIA2S+ | Neurodivergence
Script Requirements:
To be considered for competition, scripts must meet specific criteria:
▷ Follows the standard script format as detailed
▷ Between 10 and 30 pages in length (not including Title or Cast of Characters pages)
▷ Title page includes playwright’s name, address, email address, and phone number
▷ An original, unproduced work to which the playwright owns all rights
Competition Scripts must be received by January 1, 2025.
To compete, playwrights must also submit completed Lumen Playwriting Competition Entry and Release Forms.
All forms, as well as a PDF copy of the script, must be submitted through the Submission Form.
Plays will be judged by a blind panel of accomplished playwrights. In each category, winners may receive prize money up to $1,000 and given honorable mentions.
Winning Scripts
Winners will be declared January 22, 2025. First-place scripts will be given staged readings at Farmers Alley Theatre on February 10, at 7:00 pm. Ranking plays will receive prize money: 1st Place: up to $1,000 | 2nd Place: up to $500 | 3rd Place: up to $250
Forms and Information
Lumen Playwriting Competition Entry Form
Lumen Playwriting Competition Release Form
Lumen Playwriting Competition Script Submission Form
Lumen Playwriting Competition Script Format