Spare Stage only accepts queries for full-length and one-act plays (20-40 mins). If interested we will reach out to request the full manuscript. We have two primary areas for which we accept submission queries:
- 2nd+ productions (plays that have had one or more productions)
- New Works for consideration in the Explorations reading series (un-produced plays)
Submission Guidelines – Submissions Temporarily Closed
Work that will have the best chance:
- Includes or centers on tense situations and complex relationships
- Is relevant to current events, or comments upon our current world using historical, futuristic, or fantastical parallels
- Reimagined, updated, and reinterpreted legends, myths, and allegory
- Compelling, surprising given-circumstances
- Interesting use of pace and action
- Whether the language is verbose and languid or stoic and succinct it has poetic sensibilities, imagery, rhythm, and purpose
- Is specific – place, time, action, person; avoids using vague character definition, place and location solely to create one-size-fits all production
- Is between 45 and 90 minutes, no more than 2 hours
- Has diverse and inclusive casting opportunities that does not rely on “white by default”
- Smaller cast sizes (5-7)
While budget plays a role in the cast requirements, our desire for smaller casts is focus and simplicity. - Can be staged successfully in a spare setting
We don’t generally build sets, but we do suggest settings with well placed furniture, accents, set dressing, minimal set pieces, and/or lighting effects and projections. We try to make all elements as bare minimum (but high quality) as necessary. Our mission is a spare stage in order to highlight the script and actors.
2nd+ productions
- The play has had one or more full productions
- Length is no more than 120 pages and is at least 20 minutes
- Includes all information requested in the query form
- Includes a 5-10 page sample (standard play format, title and name in header or footer of each page)
Explorations Reading Series (new works)
- The play has not been produced (readings and workshops are ok)
- Include all information requested in the query form
- Length is no more than 120 pages and is at least 20 minutes
- Includes all information requested in the query form
- Includes a 5-10 page sample (standard play format, title and name in header or footer of each page)
