The Hudson Valley Writers' Center New Play Reading Series is co-curated by Jane Dubin (Tony Award-winning producer, and founder of Double Play Connections) and Howard Meyer (playwright and founding Artistic Director of Axial Theatre).

The submission period for the 2012 Setting the Stage contest is now closed. Good luck to all who sent in a manuscript - we appreciate your support and your interest. Winners will be announced in April.

2012 Guidelines and Rules

The Hudson Valley Writers' Center is proud to announce the second year of our new play reading series, Setting the Stage. This play reading series will consist of three new works presented June through December 2012 at our scenic and historic site in Sleepy Hollow, NY overlooking the Hudson River.

The goals of the series are to:
     (a) Present compelling new plays to HVWC's Westchester-based audience
     (b) Help develop new plays
     (c) Help producers develop the skills needed to present new works

Each reading will be followed by a reception and question and answer session with the audience, writer/director/ producer and cast, hosted by a guest moderator.

WHO CAN SUBMIT

• Writers are invited to submit, and are strongly encouraged to find an experienced producer to present the work if selected for a reading. If necessary, HVWC can assist you in finding a producer
• Producers are invited to submit new work that they are interested in developing
  
• Theatre companies are invited to submit new work that they wish to produce in the series
  

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES / WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• We seek a diversity of works - traditional, commercial as well as experimental or "non-traditional" (e.g. exhibiting non-linear structure, experimental format, unconventional themes, etc)
  
• Children's shows are discouraged, although family oriented shows are welcome
  
• Works may be as short as 75 minutes with a maximum length of 120 minutes
  
• Cast size is limited to 8 actors (doubling is acceptable)
  
• Work in its present form must not have had a previous professional production before a paying audience in the New York tri-state area, although substantially rewritten works may be considered
  
• If considered for selection, the producer/writer team will be interviewed so we can evaluate your ability to work within the monetary endowment HVWC provides and to produce a successful reading
  
• Works are accepted for presentation in the series on merit of the writing and the ability of the producer to successfully present the reading (Note: If you don't have a producer we still encourage you to submit)
  
• Writers must let us know if you have special requirements for your show; i.e. you expect to be in it or direct it, or you are committed to a cast or a director
  
• Musicals will not be considered at this time
  

SUBMISSION FEE

• There is a $25 application/readers' fee per submission of one script per writer/theatre/production team
  

HOW TO SUBMIT

• In order to ensure a "blind" selection process, remove your name/production company from the title page and all other pages of your manuscript
  
• Only professionally formatted e-mail submissions will be accepted
• Attach the following to your submision email:
  
  (a) A completed Application Form
  • Title this document "[name of play] - Application Form"
• 
  (b) a cast breakdown and complete script as one Word or PDF document (do not include your name or any contact information in this document)
  • Title this document "[name of play] - Script"
• 
  (c) confirmation of payment for your $25 application fee (either using PayPal or by mailing a check to the HVWC made payable to "HVWC" and with "New Play Reading Series" written in the memo line)
  
  

DEADLINE

• All submissions must be postmarked by February 15, 2012
• If considered as a finalist for selection, the producer and/or writer will be interviewed
• If selected, your season slot will be scheduled by April 15, 2012
  

WHAT WE PROVIDE

• Performance space
• Brochure and marketing efforts promoting the entire series
• Winning playwrights will receive a cash prize of $1000 (can be used by playwright for production expenses) and a one-year membership to The Hudson Valley Writers' Center
• Reception and talkback following the reading
  
  

IMPORTANT: Although HVWC will promote the reading series to our membership, the participating producers and writers must be actively involved in promoting this event to help build audience attendance at their reading.

Questions and submissions can be e-mailed to plays@writerscenter.org
or sent by mail to:

HVWC New Play Reading Series
300 Riverside Drive
Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591

The Hudson Valley Writers' Center  |  300 Riverside Drive Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591  |  914.332.5953  |  www.writerscenter.org