Saving Endangered Species (SES) International Playwriting Prize (California, $100 prize, no entry fee)

The Saving Endangered Species International Playwriting Competition is accepting submissions.

Entries must be received by midnight November 30, 2015.  Winners and Finalists will be announced by May 31, 2016  via e-mail and on the SES website. 

What to submit:  A ten-minute play about an endangered species.  In their words: 

“Go to the World Wildlife Fund worldwildlife.org/species  or CITES cites.org/eng/gallery/species/index.html and choose one or more species (Mammals, Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians, Fish, Flora & Fauna, or Invertebrates).  The species must be integral to the plot, not just mentioned.  Astonish the audience with the magnificence of the species – take us on an adventure – make us laugh, make us cry, make us weep if they’re gone – motivate the audience to save them!”

Additionally, your play must meet the following guidelines:

  • One submission per playwright.  Plays must be in English, or have been translated into English.  SES does not offer critiques.
  • Plays may be Comedic, Dramatic, or for Young Audiences (performed by adult actors).  No adaptations or musicals.  Maximum  4 actors – no elaborate props, swinging trapezes, or flaming torches, please. 
  • Playwrights must hold the copyright.  Legal clearance of materials not in public domain is the playwright’s responsibility.  Previously produced plays are accepted, published plays are not.  Playwrights are obligated to inform SES if their play becomes published after submission.  Plays with any contractual commitments, which restricts SES in any way, are not accepted. SES reserves the right to decide what is restrictive.
  • Include on the Title page: your Name, Address, Phone Number and e-mail – On the 2nd page: Cast List, Location/Time; Name of the Species; CITES Appendix I, II, or III; and any Playwright’s Notes/Glossaries.

How to apply:  Submit the full script as an e-mail attachment (Word Doc. or pdf format) to Nikki Harmon  sesprize@yahoo.com

Put your Name; Contact info; Name of the Endangered Species in the body of the e-mail.  In the subject line put “SCRIPT SUBMISSION” and the “Title of your Play”

If you have any problems sending your script, contact sesquestions@yahoo.com.

What you get:  8-10 plays will be selected for a Staged Reading at a California theatre, with an award of $100usd for each play.  Multiple playwrights/Translators on a single play will divide the award equally (unless they request a different division).  The audiences’ “ticket” will be a donation to a specified non-profit Wildlife Conservancy.  There is No Entry Fee.  All winning playwrights are invited to the Staged Reading.  Travel and accommodations are not included in the Prize.

(SES reserves the right to cancel the competition if not enough plays meet the mandate and artistic caliber required for presentation. If canceled, an announcement will be made via e-mail and on the website.)

Deadline:  30 November 2015*

(*yes, we know this date seems crazily early, but it’s correct!  We checked with the organisers, and it’s to allow writers adequate time to research the species.)

Source:  @Playwriting_UK

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