The Rep’s 2010 Ten Minute Play Competition

“An Evening to Hang Your Hat On”


Ten minute plays are being solicited by the Rochester Rep for performances scheduled in July 2010. 


A reading panel comprised of The Rep’s Board of Directors, Staff and Advisory Members (excluding the Board’s Artistic Liaison) will select eight plays to be produced from submissions received.


“An Evening to Hang Your Hat On” is a continuing project following "Glass Half Full" (2008),  “Reflections in a Mirror” (2006), “Treasures From The Trunk” (2003) and the first “An Evening to Hang Your Hat On” (2002).


These productions have had one central goal:  To support new and emerging playwrights as they experiment with an emerging and more accessible, but highly challenging, art form. We wish to showcase the considerable talents of new playwrights, provide a venue for their scripts, and provide director(s) and actors with the opportunity to work with a "work-in-progress."


It is The Rep's intent to sponsor an evening of ten minute plays as a summer production, opening July 16, 2010, and running Thursdays - Saturdays, July 16-17, 22-24, and July 29-31, 2010.  The Rep will arrange for directors, cast and technical crew for all plays chosen for production.


The theme for the evening of plays should incorporate The Rep’s coat rack.


Requirements:

1.The playwright should take for inspiration incorporation of the free-standing coat rack in the action of the play.  The playwright must also consider the space available on The Rep’s stage.  All other props and set pieces must be minimal in demand (benches, stools, tables, etc.  For example, four cubes might be arranged as a sofa).

2.All scripts must be at least 10 minutes in length, not to exceed 15 minutes.  Estimate that one page of dialogue equals approximately a minute of stage time.

3.Plays may be any genre from farce to tragedy, excluding musicals.

4.Scripts must be the original, previously non-produced work of the playwright, and not a translation or adaptation.

5.Number of characters in a script should not exceed four (as the same actors may well perform throughout the evening). 

6.The play should adapt well to a bare stage, with a minimum of props, set pieces, costume demands, and no special effects, lighting, or scenic demands.

7.Selected plays will be directed by director(s) chosen by the Rep's Artistic Liaison and all casting of actors will be managed by the Rep..

8.Because of the interest and enthusiasm shown in past competitions, a playwright may submit only one script for consideration.


Submission:

1.  The deadline for submission of scripts is Saturday, February 13, 2010.  Early submission is strongly suggested.

2.  The Title Page should include the play's title, playwright's name, e-mail, postal address and telephone number.  Please do not put your name elsewhere on the manuscript.  The Title Page should not be attached to the rest of the script.

3.  Scripts should be typed or printed in 12-point Times font on 8.5”x11” standard white paper, one side only and should be stapled or bound.  The title of the script should appear on each page of the script along with page numbering.

4.  Scripts will not be returned to the playwright.  If you wish acknowledgement of receipt of your script, please include a self-addressed stamped postcard with your script submission.

5.  Submission of scripts implies permission to produce said scripts royalty-free.

  1. 6. Submit scripts and questions to: 


     Ten Minute Play Competition

Rochester Repertory Theatre

103 7th St., NE

Rochester, MN 55906


Scripts may also be emailed to boxoffice@rochesterrep.org


The Rep Board readers will evaluate scripts on personal appeal, suitability to site, perspective on the theme, directorial and acting challenges, and audience appeal. 


Each script will receive at least three readings; readers will be encouraged to make written comments to each playwright.


Winning playwrights will be notified by April 30, 2010 at the opening of “1776”, as well as by letter/email.