Bonderman Guidelines and Deadlines

Contest Guidelines

Plays should be intended for young audiences first grade through high school (no play is expected to appeal to all ages simultaneously). Playwrights must suggest the appropriate age category on the official entry form.

1. Scripts designed for the youngest audience, grades 1-3, should be approximately 30 minutes in length. Plays designed for grades 3 and above should have a minimum performance length of approximately 45 minutes.
2. Scripts must not be committed to publication at the time of submission. Commissioned works that are not in development are eligible.
3. Scripts previously produced in an educational or vocational setting are eligible, if playwrights are eager to pursue development of the script.
4. Scripts previously produced professionally are NOT eligible. (i.e., productions in which the director and actors have been paid).
5. If the play is an adaptation or dramatization, written proof must be provided that the original work is in public domain or permission of the holder of the copyright has been granted.
6. Musicals are accepted, though regrettably, resources are not available this year for musicians or the development of music. Focus will be confined to the book and not the music.
7. Only ONE submission per playwright is accepted.
8. We regret that scripts cannot be returned.

Submission Guidelines

1. Manuscripts must be typed and securely bound with the title clearly visible.
2. Author's name MUST NOT APPEAR in any manner on the bound manuscript.
3. Submit three (3) copies of the manuscript and one (1) completed entry form. All three manuscripts MUST include a brief synopsis and a cast list The synopsis should be no more than one double-spaced page and should include:
   1. an estimate of the play's running time;
   2. list of unusual effects or technical requirements;
   3. list of characters noting age and sex, (and possible doublings).
4. Supporting materials (reviews, publicity, etc.) SHOULD NOT accompany the submission.
5. Enclose a self-addressed stamped postcard if you wish confirmation of receipt of your script.
6. Plays submitted to previous Bonderman National Youth Theatre Playwriting Workshops are ineligible.
7. Playwrights give permission for their work or portions of it to be read at the Symposium.
8. Playwrights whose work is being considered for full development (ie a potential finalist) will be asked to submit a brief history of the work and goals for the week of development. Subsequently, each playwright will be expected to confer with his/her director and dramaturg prior to casting.

Deadlines

1. Submissions must be received by August 15, 2008. We recommend using United Parcel Service or Federal Express for ease in tracking. Late submissions will NOT be accepted.
2. Winners will be contacted in December 2008.
3. Submissions not following the guidelines will be considered ineligible.
4. Any future production or publication of a finalist play must give the following credit:

_____________ was a winner of the 2009 National Waldo M. and Grace C. Bonderman Playwriting Workshop and was featured in a rehearsed reading at the Indiana Repertory Theatre, Indianapolis.