Playwriting

KCACTF offers a number of opportunities for playwrights. While we encourage you to submit your work to the National Playwriting Program (NPP), and are here to help you through the process, we are also committed to developing playwrights who are just getting started.

Please take a look at the requirements for the NPP Program and be sure to submit a Student Inquiry form and select “Playwriting” to get updates as the program details are finalized.

The National Playwriting Program

NPP is dedicated to supporting student playwrights in the development of their original work for the stage, with dramaturgical and performance opportunities that emphasize respect for the written word and for the playwright’s contribution to the theatrical process.

Play Submissions 

The deadline for Ten-Minute and One-Act student play submissions is November 1, 2023. The deadline for full-length plays is December 1, 2023. Click here for information on criteria for each play category.  Submit your plays here: https://kcactf.submittable.com/submit

Play Selection

During November, Ten-Minute and One Act Plays will be assigned to readers across the country in an anonymized selection process. Six (6) Ten-Minute Plays, and 2 One Act plays will be selected to receive staged readings at our regional festival. 

By Saturday, December 9 the Six (6) Ten-Minute Play and two (2) One Act Play Regional Finalists will be notified. The Regional Finalists must confirm their festival participation in order for their plays to be presented. Be sure to register or have your school register for you! Confirmation Deadline: Friday, December 15 at 5pm.

Regional Finalists – Character Breakdown

The six (6) Ten-Minute Play and two (2) One Act Play Regional Finalists must submit a character breakdown for their play. In your character breakdown you will identify the key aspects of the character (How do you see your characters being cast? Are there any specific demographics to the characters?). This will allow our pool of actors to identify which parts they might want to be considered for. Character Breakdown Deadline: Monday, December 18 at 5pm .

NPP Staged Reading Rehearsals

Student playwrights will be paired with a director and possibly a dramaturg prior to festival. Rehearsals for the staged readings will take place in-person during the festival. Exact schedule is TBD but rehearsals will most likely take place between Wednesday, January 31 and Friday, February 2, with the staged readings taking place on Friday, February 2 or Saturday, February 3.

NPP Up Next Plays

On Saturday, December 16, four (4) additional Ten-Minute and two (2) additional One-Act playwrights will be chosen to receive feedback on their plays from theatre professionals at the Regional Festival. These playwrights must also confirm their festival attendance. 

Up Next Plays Confirmation Deadline: Friday, December 22 at 5pm. 

For information on working as a director, actor or dramaturg on the student Ten-Minute Plays, be sure to visit the acting, directing and dramaturgy pages on this site.

Playwriting Award Guidelines

Original Play Submission Deadlines

We have endeavored to make the process as smooth as possible; when the inevitable questions arise, please do not hesitate to contact us at: [email protected].

We look forward to your submissions and hope to see you at Festival!

Best regards,

James Ryan Caldwell
NPP Chair, Region I

Cassie M. Seinuk
NPP Vice Chair, Region 1