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 2, 2022. The deadline for full length plays is December 2, 2002. 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 3 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: Saturday, December 10.
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. Please identify the key components of the character (what’s important to you as the playwright). This will allow our pool of actors to be able to identify which parts they might want to be seen for. Character Breakdown Deadline: December 20.
NPP Staged Reading Rehearsals
Student playwrights will be paired with a director and dramaturg prior to festival. Rehearsals for the staged readings will take place in-person during the festival. Exact schedule is TBD but will most likely take place between Wednesday and Friday with the staged readings taking place on Friday or Saturday.
NPP Lottery Play Workshop
On Monday, December 5th an additional Six (6) Ten-Minute and Two (2) One Act playwrights will be chosen to receive feedback and the opportunity to workshop their plays at the Regional Festival. These playwrights must also confirm their festival attendance. Lottery Workshop Confirmation Deadline: Saturday, December 17th.
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.
We have endeavored to make the process as smooth as possible; when the inevitable questions arise, please do not hesitate to contact us at: npp.chair.region1@gmail.com.
We look forward to your submissions, and hope to see you at Festival!
Best regards,
James Ryan Caldwell
NPP Chair, Region I
Dennis Allen II
NPP Vice Chair, Region 1