NPW Submissions
The New Play Workshop series introduces Chautauqua audiences to important new voices in the theater and to the staged reading as a thrilling theatrical event in its own right. In a uniquely Chautauquan twist, CTC/NPW selects plays that correspond with the Institution's weekly morning lecture theme. All performances are followed by a discussion with the author, director and cast. Be a vital part of the process of developing great new American plays!
Because each summer’s lecture themes are different, CTC/NPW accepts submissions on a season-by-season basis, generally beginning in the late fall.
Submission Guidelines
The platform themes are broadly articulated and might easily accommodate a range of plays from the intimate and personal to the global and political. Submitted plays should be as yet un-realized in full production and unpublished, although plays already slated for production in the coming year or previously workshopped at other venues are perfectly acceptable.
- Along with the script, we ask that you submit a synopsis, a character or roles breakdown, and a brief bio or resume.
- CTC is accepting scripts from now until January 31, 2010. Programming decisions will be made by March 31.
- To submit by mail, please send materials to:
Chautauqua Theater Company
New Play Workshops
520 Eighth Avenue, suite 318
New York, NY 10018
To submit materials via e-mail: NPW@CTCompany.org
- Materials submitted without a self-addressed stamped envelope cannot be returned. We are unable to accept submissions of sample pages or incomplete scripts. We apologize in advance that staffing limitations may prevent us from responding to all inquiries and submissions.
For more information on CTC visit: www.CTCompany.org
2010 Themes
Week One - June 27 - July 3: “The Literary Arts – hosted by Roger Rosenblatt"
- Renowned American author, playwright and journalist Roger Rosenblatt returns to the Chautauqua Institution to lead a week-long conversation on the literary arts. Humor, pathos, new worlds are here to explore, with some of today’s most prominent authors, interviewed by a master at getting to the heart of the story. Featured speakers will include Alan Alda, Jim Leher, and Marsha Norman.
Week Five - July 25 - 32: “Picture This: Photography”
- Photography is a nexus of art, science, culture, biography, and history. This week, in conjunction with the George Eastman House, celebrates the history of the craft, its contribution to and relationship with surrounding culture, its place in the art world, and its reflection of technological innovations that have reshaped the industry. Featured guests will include the engineer who invented the digital camera and the photographer who shot the last role of Kodachrome.
Writers on NPW
“Coming to Chautauqua was a chance to work on my play with a group of truly world-class artists but without any of the usual stresses and pressures. The audiences were intelligent and receptive and the setting was an inspiration. I am going to hurry up and write another play so they’ll let me come back.”
Kate Fodor, Rx (NPW ’09) &100 Saints You Should Know (NPW ’06)
“My reading at CTC was more of a production than some productions I've had… the reading really let me see what lived inside of my play instead of having to imagine it and revise based on that imagined product. I can't say enough…about my Chautauqua experience.”
Anna Ziegler, Variations on a Theme (NPW ’08)
"At Chautauqua Theater Company, I was fortunate enough to find one of the only places in the country willing to do politically-engaged, potentially controversial work…I was impressed as well by the audiences: …there was always respect and a free exchange of ideas…. CTC was an amazing experience for me as a playwright."
David Zellnik, Ariel Sharon… (NPW ’05)
“I had plenty of time to spend with the director and the cast working through beats, finding the purpose of a scene, or getting a joke right—good old nuts-and-bolts dramaturgy. My week at Chautauqua was a productive and encouraging one. A lot of talented people worked very hard to give me the space in which I could learn more about my play.”
Alex Lewin, The Further Adventures of Suzanne and Monica (NPW ’09)
