Entries open for the Yale Drama Series Playwriting Competition

The 2025 Yale Drama Series Playwriting Competition is now accepting applications. The winning play will be chosen by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, the current judge of the series. The playwright who wins this annual competition will receive the prestigious David Charles Horn Prize, which includes a cash award of $10,000, publication of their manuscript by Yale University Press, and a special celebratory event. However, it is important to note that the prize and publication are subject to the playwright agreeing to the terms of the publishing agreement.

Participation Requirements for the Yale Drama Series Playwriting Competition

1. To participate in the competition, there are certain requirements that must be met.
2. Firstly, the contest is open only to plays written in the English language, and submissions from all around the world are welcome.
3. Secondly, the submitted plays must be original and unpublished full-length works, with a minimum of 65 pages.
4. Plays with fewer than 65 pages will not be considered.
5. It is also important to note that translations, adaptations, musicals, and children’s plays will not be accepted.

Eligibility for the Yale Drama Series Playwriting Competition

1. The Yale Drama Series aims to support emerging playwrights, and therefore, a playwright can only win the competition once.
2. Additionally, each playwright can submit only one manuscript per year, and the manuscript must be authored solely by the playwright.
3. Furthermore, plays that have been professionally produced or published are not eligible for the competition.
4. However, plays that have had a workshop, reading, or non-professional production, or have been published as an actor’s edition, will be considered.

Submission Criteria for the Yale Drama Series Playwriting Competition

1. At the time of submission, plays must be typed or word-processed, and each page must be numbered.
2. It is important to note that plays with images will not be accepted.
3. The Yale Drama Series reserves the right to reject any manuscript for any reason.
4. Additionally, the judge has the right to not choose a winner for a particular year of the competition, and the eligibility of a winner may be determined based on the author’s accomplishments and in accordance with the spirit of the competition.
5. Electronic submissions are highly recommended for the Yale Drama Series Competition.
6. By submitting your script electronically, you will promptly receive confirmation of your successful submission and have the ability to monitor the status of your entry.
7. If electronic submission is not feasible, hardcopy submissions will be accepted.
8. Submissions for the 2025 competition must be postmarked between June 15, 2024, and September 8, 2024.
9. For hard copy submissions, ensure that the manuscript starts with a title page displaying the play’s title, your name, address, telephone number, email address (if available), and page count.
10. Additionally, include a second title page with the play’s title, a brief 2-3 sentence description of the play, a list of characters, and acts and scenes.
11. Conclude the manuscript with a short biography on a separate page.
12. Avoid binding or stapling the manuscript and do not send the only copy of your work, as manuscripts will not be returned after the competition.
13. If you desire acknowledgment of receipt, include an email address on the title page or a stamped, self-addressed postcard.
14. Mail the manuscript to Yale Drama Series, P.O. Box 209040, New Haven, CT 06520-9040.

Entries for the Yale Drama Series Playwriting Competition

1. For  details visit the Official Webpage of the Yale Drama Series Playwriting Competition.
2. Deadline is September 8,2024