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6th Annual Playwrights Festival

Chestnut Street Playhouse is excited to announce submissions are now open for our 6th Annual Playwrights Festival!

Submission Period: May 15, 2026 to June 15, 2026

WHAT SELECTED SCRIPTS WILL RECEIVE:
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR:
We are looking for bold, engaging, original new works from emerging and established playwrights alike. This festival is designed not only as a performance opportunity, but as a collaborative workshop experience focused on helping writers develop the next best version of their piece. This includes: 
  • Original plays (finished drafts only)
  • Works in any genre
  • Pieces with strong storytelling, compelling characters, and developmental potential
  • A staged reading/performance as part of the festival
  • Dedicated rehearsal and workshop time with directors and actors
  • Facilitated feedback sessions
  • Audience response opportunities
  • Post-festival support and guidance for future development/submissions
THE PROCESS:

SUBMISSIONS: 

Playwrights submit scripts during the open call window. Be sure to number your pages and submit your document in PDF format.

Please email a summary and sample of your script (first or best 10 pages ONLY) to submissions@chestnutstreetplayhouse.org

Questions should be directed to lisa@chestnutstreetplayhouse.org

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READING & SELECTION:

A panel of readers which include theater artists, directors, actors, and playwrights will review submissions. The panel will read each summary/submission anonymously. Selected pieces will be chosen based on voice, theatricality, storytelling, and potential for development. If selected, you will be asked to submit your entire script for final review.

 

WORKSHOP & REHEARSAL PROCESS:

Each selected playwright will collaborate with a director and cast through a workshop-style rehearsal process focused on exploration, discovery, and refinement. Additionally, Connecticut playwright Scott Stephen Kegler will be participating as our Dramaturg for the festival working with each selected play to help with script analysis and development.

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FESTIVAL PERFORMANCES:

The selected works will be presented before live audiences as staged readings. The CSP PlayFest will be held Sept. 11-13 (TBD based on selections)

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AUDIENCE FEEDBACK:

Following performances, audiences will have opportunities to provide guided feedback and participate in post-show discussions designed to support the playwrights’ ongoing development process.

 

CONTINUING THE JOURNEY:

Chestnut Street Playhouse hopes to help playwrights continue developing their work beyond the festival by providing resources, festival recommendations, and encouragement for future productions and workshops.

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We can’t wait to discover and help develop new voices and new stories.

​Scott Stephen Kegler, Co-Chair & Dramaturg

Derek Corriveau, Co-Chair & Coordinator

Lisa Bono, Managing Artistic Director & Festival Administrator

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