2012 Ten Minute Competition

The Rep’s 2012 Ten Minute Play Competition

“Reflections In A Mirror”

Ten minute plays are being solicited by The Rep for performances scheduled in July 2012.

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.

“Reflections In A Mirror” is a continuing project following “An Evening to Hang Your Hat On” (2010), "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 13, 2012, and running Thursdays - Saturdays, July 13-14, 19-21, and 26-28, 2012. The Rep will arrange for directors, cast and technical crew for all plays chosen for production.

The theme for the evening of plays is drawn from Hamlet’s instructions to the actors of ‘Holding a Mirror up to Life.” Each play should have as its through line a mirror, showcasing some element of reflections of life, human relationships, and/or the masks that people wear.

Requirements:

1.The playwright should take for inspiration incorporation of a mirror(s), either physically or thematically. 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, three 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, March 10, 2012. Early submission is strongly suggested.

2. The Title Page must 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. A $10 script submission fee is required to offset The Rep’s printing, binding and distribution expenses, necessary to provide multiple copies of each submitted script to our reading panel members. The $10 fee may be paid via check or money order, payable to The Rochester Repertory Theatre.
5. 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.
6.Submission of scripts implies permission to produce said scripts royalty-free.

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 May 4, 2012 at the opening of The Rep’s production of “South Pacific”, as well as by letter/email.