PlayShop Program

Philadelphia Theatre Workshop is continually seeking new script submissions from up and coming playwrights. Playwrights and scripts accepted for development enter our PlayShop Process though one of the following phases:

1. Playwright Nuturing - talking with playwrights about ideas for new scripts that might be appropriate for our theatre.
2. Private Reading - initial reading of a new script by actors in a private location. You get to hear the script read aloud, undirected.
3. PlayShop - a one-time, public, rehearsed reading of a script thoroughly cast with appropriate actors. We assign a director to your script, rehearse for approximately 8 hours, then put on the work before a live audience, and feature a talkback session.
4. Workshop - a performance of the whole or parts of a play or musical in development. We assign a director, cast the show, and rehearse. Minimal set, costumes, and lighting. The workshop generally includes 2-3 performances.
5. Production - a fully staged production of a new script. The production generally includes 10-15 performances in a local theatre.

Our goal is to produce one PlayShop each quarter (Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall). Additionally, we often feature festvials including several new plays produced in our PlayShop format.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Hello Playwrights! Philadelphia Theatre Workshop eagerly accepts scripts of new works seeking development. Depending on the development stage of your script, and our affinity for it, (and also contingent upon availability) we will let you know if we accept your work into our program or not. We will read the script within 60 days of receipt, and get back to you either way.

To submit a piece to us, you can either:

1) Submit a detailed synopsis of the play via email. If we're interested, we'll ask for the full script.
2) Submit the entire script via postal mail along with a one-page synopsis. If you want the script back, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

Regardless of the means you choose, be sure to include:
• the title of the play
• number of characters
• your name and contact information (email, phone, postal address)
• whether the play has had any prior readings, either public or private.
• whether the script is still in development or whether you believe it is a finished piece

To submit a synopsis via email, please send it to:

subject line: PlayShop Submission

To submit a script via postal mail, send it to:
Philadelphia Theatre Workshop
attn: PlayShop Submission
P.O. Box 17590
Philadelphia, PA 19105