Playwright Script Competition

First Prize:

The winning script will receive a fully produced production in New York City, running for three performances at the Hudson Guild Theater in Manhattan, the heart of the theater world.

The production will be part of The New York Theater Festival (NYTF), the largest and one of the most prestigious theater festivals in the U.S. Participation in the festival also gives the winner an additional opportunity to win cash prizes totaling $8,000, offered by the NYTF competition.

Whether your submission is a play or musical, ITC will hire the cast and crew, organize and manage rehearsals, and run the shows at the Hudson Guild Theater. ITC will also cover the cost of rehearsal spaces, as well as the filming of one performance and all other associated production costs.

If the winner is unable to attend the production during the NYTF in New York, they will receive a filmed coverage of one performance.

Additional Prizes:

• Second Prize: $1,000
• Third Prize: $500
• 9 Finalists: Will also be recognized.

Why Enter?

This is an incredible opportunity for playwrights around the world to showcase their work. The ITC provides a platform for your play or musical to be produced in New York, with the possibility of exposure to producers interested in a longer run of the production.

How It Works:

The competition will be judged by a select panel of New York City theater professionals. A panelist will read, evaluate, write a review, and judge your submission. The management team will select the winners based on all the reviews.

The First Place Winner will receive a full production, with the potential for a longer run based on industry interest.

Submission Guidelines:

• Script Format: All scripts must be submitted in PDF format.
• Language: All scripts must be submitted in English.
• Musicals: Submit a PDF of the libretto, along with three sample songs (you may record with a basic setup, such as using a phone, but more professional recordings with multiple singers are encouraged). Judges will only need to hear sample songs, so recording quality is not crucial.
• Duration: Submissions must be between 30 to 90 minutes in length.
• Casting: The winning script will be produced with a maximum of 6 actors/singers. If your script requires more than 6 characters, actors/singers may be asked to play multiple roles.
• Musical Score: The score must be able to be performed by piano alone, as only a pianist hired by ITC will play the score during the production. No additional musicians are permitted.
• Costumes: No elaborate costumes will be included. If your script requires elaborate costumes, adaptations should be made so that performers can wear contemporary clothing.

Feedback and Evaluation:

All submissions will receive:

• A written evaluation and review from the judges.
• Advice on how to improve your script.

You will receive feedback within 3 months of your submission.

Head of the Judging Panel

Luke Bond has been working as a playwright and as a director in New York City for thirteen years. His production company, “Logophile Productions”, has produced dozens of plays, multiple feature films, web series, and more. Luke has seen and participated in thousands of plays over the course of his time in New York City and has closely studied the rise of plays in their progress from the page to the rehearsal room, from the rehearsal room to stage, and, in some cases, the biggest stages. Luke is passionate about assisting young, emerging playwrights in their artistic journeys, not just regarding self-improvement, but regarding acquiring resources to produce theater in New York City, especially during times where resources for the arts are scarce.

Luke’s play “Initiation” was produced Off-Broadway at the Clurman Theater as part of Writopia Lab’s 2013 Season. Some other directing and playwrighting credits include “The Rare Upper Hand”, “The Relationship Type”, “Post Coitus”, (The Davenport Theater), “Folly”, “Scum” (The Hudson Guild Theater), “Outside the Door”, “Burying Davey”, “Iago Meets Hamlet” (Pearl Studios), “B*tch” (Central Arts Theater), “F*ck Alex” (The Greenpoint Gallery) and “Foggy Dew” at the Robert Moss Theater. Luke was also nominated for “Best Director” for “Asking a Human” as part of the New York Theater Festival in 2017.

Luke’s most recent feature film, “Fire With Fire” was distributed by Deskpop Entertainment in 2023, and is available to stream on Apple TV, Amazon Prime, Google Play, Tubi, Xumo, Vudu, and The Roku Channel. It won many awards throughout the film festival circuit, including multiple “Best Picture Awards” and multiple “Best Lead Actress” awards. Luke is also the director and editor for “Mangú Aquí”, which is available to stream on Amazon Prime. “Mangú Aquí” also won multiple awards throughout the film festival circuit, including “Best Indie Feature” “Best Actor”, “Best Comedy Feature”, and more. Luke’s 2019 feature film “Broke” is available to stream on Amazon Prime, and also won many awards throughout the film festival circuit, including multiple “Best Feature Film” and “Best Lead Actress” awards. Luke is also the writer, producer, director, and editor for the 2020 stop-motion animation web series “Paul Makes Everything Worse”, which was nominated for “Outstanding Animation” at the New Jersey Webfest, and was a finalist at the L.A. Animation Festival.

Suzanna Bowling is the co-owner and publisher of The Times Square Chronicles (T2Conline.com), a widely-read publication with a daily reach of approximately 73,000 readers worldwide. A well-known theater and musical critic, Suzanna reviews an impressive 250+ productions annually, covering Broadway, Off-Broadway, and Off-Off-Broadway shows.

In addition to her work as a critic, Suzanna is passionate about helping playwrights take their work to the next level. She works closely with emerging writers to secure publicity, introductions to theater companies, and other opportunities. She has successfully helped playwrights secure grants, agents, managers, and even deals with regional theaters. One of the plays she championed was signed to perform on a cruise line—an achievement for a first-time playwright.Suzanna is proud to serve as the Head of the Critic Panel for the International Theater Competition (ITC), where she is dedicated to discovering new voices in theater. A former actress, Suzanna has performed in a wide range of productions, including film, TV, cabaret, opera, and theater. Her performances include appearances at the New Orleans Jazz Festival, The United Nations, and Carnegie Hall.In addition to her work in theater, Suzanna is developing a screenplay and a TV show with her late mentor, Arthur Herzog. She also has a forthcoming book on child abuse, loss, and grief. A proud member of the Drama Desk and the Outer Critics Circle, Suzanna was also a nominator for the Drama Desk Awards.

Important Dates:

• Submission Deadline: December 25, 2025
• Winners Announcement: December 31, 2025

Participation Fee:

A $175 participation fee is required after you complete your submission.

Don’t miss this opportunity to have your play or musical professionally produced in New York City!

To submit your script and take part in this incredible competition, see the link below.