Nectar new works
Calliope is excited to announce our first full-length script competition.
We invite writers of all ages and experience levels to Compete for a $500 Cash prize and a production of their script in Calliope’s next season.
Scroll down to learn more.
At Calliope Stage, we believe the majesty of the Appalachian Mountains houses a tremendous opportunity for new theatre. We value the stories deep within these mountains and see their potential to garner the respect and admiration of theatre artists and audiences worldwide. As part of our mission to build a sustainable WNC platform for regional artists and storytellers, Calliope Stage announces its first annual Nectar New Works Playwriting Contest.
The Nectar New Works Playwriting Competition encourages and stimulates the writing and production of new full-length plays by WNC and Appalachia-connected writers and storytellers. Calliope Stage is devoted to dedicating a significant portion of its programming to highlighting the work of local artists and developing regional stories and writers of all ages.
Specific questions can be directed to Maggie at maggie@calliopestage.com.
Interested? Here’s some more helpful info…
significant dates.
August 2023 || Registration opens! Those interested in participating should complete the Intent to Submit form on our website.
September 25, 2023 || First Drafts Due
October 20, 2023 || Semi-Finalists Announced
November 3, 2023 || Semi-Finalists’ Revised Submissions Due
November 27, 2023 || Finalists Announced
January 5, 2024 || Finalists’ Submissions Due
February 2024 || Winner Announced
qualifications.
Qualified Submissions MUST have a direct connection to WNC and/or Appalachia. An example of a direct connection may include:
A play written by an author with a WNC or Appalachian connection (resident, previous resident, summer resident, artist in residence, performer, etc.)
A play with WNC or Appalachian settings, major characters, and/or occurrence which impact the narrative.
These rules are subjective and are subject to the interpretation of the Competition Director.
Additional guidelines.
To keep our competition accessible to all artists, there is no administrative fee to submit, but we do ask for you to register an Intent to Submit form. This registration opens August 2023.
First round script submissions are due no later than September 25, 2023 at 11:59pm EST. If we have received your Intent to Submit form, we will reach out via the email address you provide for important reminders and helpful details.
We accept full-length play manuscripts as a qualified submission for consideration. Musicals and plays with music are accepted and encouraged provided a demo recording of the music is also provided.
The script should be close to final draft quality at the time of submission. If selected to be a semi-finalist and/or finalist, you will have a short period of time to make revisions after receiving feedback from our outside blind review team.
The play must be a full-length script. No one act plays or short plays will be considered. In terms of time, please strive for around 70-90 minutes or no fewer than 60 pages in length.
The play should feature no more than six actors.
Plays that have been previously professionally produced will not be considered for this competition.
One entry per person. Additional entries will not be considered.
If you intend to submit, you MUST complete the Intent to Submit form on our website. We will then reach out prior to the September 25th deadline with information on how and where to submit using the contact information you provide on the Intent to Submit form.
Adjudication & Award.
All plays will receive blind review by a team of playwrights, directors, company stakeholders, and Calliope Stage staff.
Following the initial review period, writers will receive their completed score sheets containing feedback from the review team. Writers selected as semi-finalists may use the feedback therein to guide their revisions for the second submission.
Semi-Finalists’ and Finalists’ plays will be read and judged by an advanced review team, and one winner will be selected. The winner will be announced in February 2024.
The Playwright chosen as having the winning script will receive a $500.00 cash prize and will have their play produced as part of Calliope Stage’s next season.
Please direct any questions to Maggie at maggie@calliopestage.com