Plays we want

Geva Theatre Center accepts submissions for full-length plays, musicals, translations and adaptations. Unproduced plays are considered for possible inclusion in all our play development programs, as well as for production on our stages.

Read our full vision and mission for new play development here.

How to submit a play

Playwrights with professional representation may have their agents send full manuscripts at any time. Please note that lawyers and law firms do not qualify as "professional representation" in this venue.

Playwrights who are not working with agents may send a submission inquiry; for consideration please include a cover letter, resume or production history, synopsis, complete list of characters and ten-page dialogue sample. If you are submitting a musical, send a sample recording as well. Please include a stamped, self-addressed envelope if materials are to be returned. Direct your inquiry to:

Jean Ryon

New Plays Coordinator
Geva Theatre Center
75 Woodbury Blvd.
Rochester, NY 14607

Submissions are accepted on a rolling basis. After reviewing your query, we will let you know whether or not we wish to read the entire script.

Please note: We do not accept materials submitted electronically.

Regional writers only!

If you are a writer from the five-county area of Greater Rochester (Monroe, Wayne, Livingston, Ontario, and Genesee counties), you are encouraged to submit scripts for the following programs.

What's Next: Regional Writers Showcase

April 12 and 26, 2010
Submission WIndow: January 11 – 26, 2010

In collaboration with Writers & Books
Writers of all levels of writing experience are invited to submit plays for this event, featuring script-in-hand readings with professional actors and directors at Geva Theatre Center’s Nextstage. Check out the guidelines below.

Submit scripts (during the submission dates, TBA) to:

Regional Writers Showcase
Writers & Books
740 University Avenue
Rochester, NY 14607-1259

General guidelines are as follows:

• Submissions must include clear contact information: name, address, phone number and email (if available).
• Please include a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return of your manuscript.
• Musicals will not be accepted.
• Script must be submitted in its entirety.
• All plays should be typed with each page numbered.
• Writers may submit up to two plays for consideration.
• Plays that have been submitted for consideration in previous years may be submitted, if there has been significant work done on the script since the last submission.
• There are no restrictions on length or content.

For more information, please call Jean Gordon Ryon, Geva Theatre Center’s New Plays Coordinator (585) 232-1366 ext 3034.

What's Next: 2 Pages/2 Voices

Date TBA at Writers & Books
Submission Deadline: TBA

In collaboration with Writers & Books
Writers of all levels of writing experience are invited to submit a short play to this competition. Each play should be limited to no more than 2 pages, and involve no more than two characters. Writers may submit more than one play. Name, address, phone number and e-mail should be included for contact. Font size should be at least 11 points.
Submissions cannot be returned.

Check back soon for submission deadlines.

Learn more about our partner, Writers & Books here.

What's Next: Young Writers Showcase

May 1, 2010 at 2pm in the Nextstage
Submission Deadline: February 3, 2010

We want YOU to write a play for us!

Geva Theatre Center invites aspiring playwrights from the Greater Rochester area, ages 13-18, to submit short plays for consideration for the Young Writers Showcase. We recommend submitting plays of no more than 10 pages and having no more than eight characters.

Script-in-hand performances will take place Saturday, May 1 at 2pm in Geva’s Nextstage. Writers will be invited to the rehearsals of their work. The performance is free and open to the public.

Submission requirements:

Scripts may be submitted by mail or by hand delivery to Young Writers Showcase at Geva Theatre Center, 75 Woodbury Blvd., Rochester, NY 14607 or electronically to youngwriters@gevatheatre.org.

Please include clear contact information on the script, including name, address and phone number. Please include a stamped, self-addressed envelope for return of the script if submitted in hard copy.

For more information, contact Jean Gordon Ryon at youngwriters@gevatheatre.org or (585) 232-1366, ext. 3034.