“NNPN not only lives up to its mission of championing ‘the development, production, and continued life of new plays,’ but also champions the authors of those new plays in the long journey from page to stage.”

-John Biguenet, Rising Water, Shotgun

“[CLNPF] secures for the playwright not simply a 'product' (the premiere) – but a process (the ongoing series of productions)... The model – giving several theatres a crack at a new work, giving a writer several chances at their revisions – is a godsend."

-Steven Dietz, Yankee Tavern

“NNPN really acts as a new play grapevine. Because member theaters are in regular contact, they get to know each theater's mission and tastes and a recommendation from one member to another is much more meaningful. Those relationships have helped my work find a home. ”

-Allison Moore, Hazard County, Collapse

“I can't say enough about the impact the Continued Life Program had on my play. That elusive and desirable thing called 'buzz' that consecutive productions can create… very much became the case for Love Person. Three productions grew to six thanks to NNPN.”

-Aditi Brennan Kapil

“I was and remain deeply honored and encouraged by the Smith Prize… I love that the prize is awarded to a script and not a production… I love that NNPN is working against premiere-itis.”

-Y York, 2008 Smith Prizewinner, ...And LA is Burning

“In grad school I was writing politically, socially-derived works, not blockbusters. I saw very little future for my voice. Then NNPN invited me in... I am not only a better writer because of my association with them, but I am a better artist, and witnessing their generosity, a better person. ”

-Sean Christopher Lewis, Playwright-in-Residence 2008

"The generosity and vitality of this unique and much needed organization ultimately benefits playwrights, theatres, audiences and the culture."

-David Rambo, The Ice Breaker

“The Smith Prize was a great shot in the arm for me. It served as a valuable affirmation from my peers that my work is both of a high quality and exploring important issues. ”

-Seth Rozin, 2007 Smith Prizewinner, Black Gold

“In an industry as competitive, as unstable, and as personal as theater, the acknowledgment from a national body of professional theaters that the Emerging Playwright Residency gives a young writer is invaluable.”

-Jennifer Fawcett, Playwright-in-Residence 2009

“The National New Play Network is so vital and necessary - one of those really bright ideas - that one wonders why it took so long for theaters to get together and create it.”

-Yussef El Guindi, Jihad Jones and the Kalashnikov Babes

Information For Playwrights

HOW DO I SUBMIT A PLAY TO THE NATIONAL NEW PLAY NETWORK?

As a membership and advocacy organization, NNPN itself does not read or evaluate scripts. Instead, playwrights are encouraged to research the guidelines of each NNPN member company below to determine which will most welcome your submission. Once you've decided which NNPN company is the best match for your work, please send that company a brief, concise, letter of inquiry - or follow the specific submission guidelines set forth by the individual company.

NNPN's Literary Committee works on behalf of noteworthy plays found through this process. Made up of at least one literary representative from each NNPN member, the Literary Committee meets monthly online and annually in-person to pitch plays, discuss plays in development, and endorse promising playwrights. Additionally, Artistic Directors of member theatres meet twice annually to pitch plays of considerable interest and discuss issues critical to the New Play field.

I'VE GOT ONE PRODUCTION COMING UP: HOW DO I TURN IT INTO A ROLLING WORLD PREMIERE?

Congratulations! If you have a world premiere of your script coming up, talk with the producer about whether the theater would consider sharing world premiere credit. If so, you might have the makings of a Rolling World Premiere, either through NNPN or on your own. While NNPN Rolling World Premieres usually come with modest grants, Rolling World Premieres are now happening all over the country (without additional funds or NNPN involvement) as a way of attracting attention to a play, creating hype in multiple markets, and advancing the playwright's work and career.

If you have a connection to a Core Member of NNPN, and your premiere is coming up no sooner than six months in the future, give them a call! You can ask them to submit your play for inclusion in our Continued Life Alerts, which are quarterly member-only updates featuring upcoming world premieres available to roll. Alert listings require the support of an NNPN Core Member, and not all worthy projects can be listed in the alert.

HOW DO I APPLY FOR A PLAYWRIGHT RESIDENCY?

Playwrights cannot apply directly for Playwright Residencies, but they can start the process by contacting an NNPN Core Member.

NNPN"s Core Member companies are invited to apply each spring for Residencies that commence in the coming fall. If you are a playwright interested in the program, consult our listing of member theaters and determine which of them might be a good fit for you. Feel free to approach that theater, and let them know of your interest. You can also ask the NNPN staff to make an introduction for you.

To be eligible, playwrights must have graduated from a qualified MFA program within 18 months of the start of the Residency.

A NOTE ABOUT NNPN AND WOOLLY MAMMOTH THEATRE COMPANY

Although NNPN's national office is located at member theater Woolly Mammoth, we do not accept scripts or submissions on Woolly's behalf. You can see their submission guidelines here.

HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE ABOUT NNPN'S LITERARY AND NEW PLAY ACTIVITIES?

Please contact the NNPN staff, or the Chair of NNPN's Literary Managers Committee, Patrick Flick. Please remember: neither NNPN staff nor the Network's Literary Chair accept submissions of scripts, synopses, or sample dialogue.

Links to NNPN Member Submission Guidelines:

Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company