The Del Shores Foundation Writers Search aims to elevate and expose the unknown voices of LGBTQ+ writers in the Southern United States. Our goal is to celebrate specifically queer voices telling whatever stories they have to tell. This Writers Search is open to writers of stage plays, screenplays, short films and web series who currently live in the South and who identify as LGBTQ+.

The Del Shores Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit with a mission to find and facilitate the development of new southern queer artistic voices through bringing together artists and working professionals, amplifying new work and connecting artists to platforms for the creation of the work.

Del Shores is an openly gay and award-winning writer, director and producer originally from Texas. He has created successfully across studio and independent film, network and cable television and live theatre. His eight plays have led to five film adaptations and his southern, gay franchise Sordid Lives began as a play in 1996 and spawned a cult-hit film in 2000, a LOGO TV series in 2008 and a marriage equality-themed sequel in 2017.

**SUBMISSION FEE WAIVERS AVAILABLE**

Our Del Shores Foundation Writers Festival is presented annually with Winners and Finalists in all categories sponsored to attend. The weekend included private workshops for the writers with industry professionals, public panels and live stage readings of all three winning scripts featuring local actors. Our first festival was in Dallas, TX in 2022, followed by Atlanta in 2024at Out Front Theatre, and our 2025 festival was held in March at the Terrific New Theatre in Birmingham, Alabama.
See information on our most recent festival here: www.delshoresfoundation.org/writersfestival2025
See an overview video here:
https://youtu.be/nVayqy7PoeM?si=lw2QkPemSOcCpqOd

CASH AWARDS will be given to a single winner in each category:
Short Film/Web Series – $1,000 Award
Screenwriting – $3,000 Award
Playwriting – $3,000 Award
All category Finalists – $250
All category Semifinalists – $100

- If a Del Shores Foundation Writing Festival is presented in 2026, the winning script in each category may receive a staged, public reading at the festival.

ADDITIONAL GRANTS
- Grants will be made available associated with each category to promote the development of each winner.
- Short Film/Web Series – a grant of $2,000 to the production budget of the winner if produced within one year of winning the award.
- Screenwriting – travel and accommodations provided to the winner for a three-day trip to Los Angeles to meet with production companies.
- Playwriting – a $10,000 grant to the production budget of the first professional theatre company Del Shores Foundation partner to produce the world premiere of the winning play.
- See website Terms & Conditions for more information on these grants.
- Finalist Play Reading Series Grant - up to $1500 to one of our theatre partners to produce a one-night stage reading of a play finalist script.

ELIGIBILITY
- Must identify as a member of the LGBTQ+ community.
- Must be 18 years or older.
- Must be a current resident of one of 15 Southern States inclusive of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia.
- Playwrights and screenwriters who have had previous worked produced professionally or by non-independent means are ineligible.
THIS MEANS:
- Playwrights must not have had a full-length play produced by a community/college/professional theatre where actors or designers were paid.
- Screenwriters must not have had a full-length feature produced.
- Screenwriters who have had a short film produced may not compete in the short category, but may compete in the feature category.
- Scripts submitted must NOT have been previously optioned, purchased or produced at the time of entry. Previous workshops or readings of the scripts are acceptable.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
- All scripts must be in PDF format. The name of the PDF should be only the title of the script.
- All scripts must be written in English in 12-point font. Brief dialogue in another language is acceptable so long as an English translation is provided.
- All scripts should adhere to standard industry margins and format.
- All scripts must be submitted online through FilmFreeway.com.
- All submissions are final. No substitutions of pages, drafts or scripts will be considered.
- Waivers are available for financial hardship. To request a waiver please email info@delshoresfoundation.org

CATEGORY REQUIREMENTS
SCREENWRITING – 80-130 pages
PLAYWRITING – Must be full length, single or multiple acts, no musicals. 75+ minutes or 60-130 pages.
SHORT FILM/WEB SERIES – 8-25 pages. Web series may submit multiple episodes within the page count.

RULES & REGULATIONS
- All winners are subjectively determined by our readers and jurors selected at the sole discretion of the Del Shores Foundation.
- Scripts must be an original idea, free and clear of any copyright issues.
- Scripts submitted to the competition must not have received grand jury prize awards from other competitions or nationally recognized playwriting competition.
- Submitting your script with a cover page with your name, script name, and contact information is recommended but not required. This may include a title, author name, WGA registration number and/or Copyright information. A single cover page does not count toward your page count.
- It is not required, but we encourage writers to register their script with the US Copyright Office and/or Writers Guild of America.
- Multiple scripts may be entered across different categories but only one entry per category, and each script must pay separate registration fees.
- For a writing team, both writers must meet all eligibility requirements and both be named on the script as writers. Limited to two writers.
- All scripts submitted will remain the property of the writer(s). Neither the Del Shores Foundation nor any of its readers or jurors and/or their respective companies assume any attachment to your work.
- All submission fees are final. No refunds will be issued.
- By entering the Writers Search you agree to receive competition updates by email and periodic marketing emails from the Del Shores Foundation. You may unsubscribe at any time.
- Entering the competition constitutes permission to use the winners’ names and likenesses for publicity and promotions with no additional compensation. We reserve the right to publicize and promote any and all progress, development and success of entered projects.
- The Del Shores Foundation reserves the right, at our sole discretion, to change or modify these terms at any time without notice.
- By entering the Del Shores Foundation Writers Search you agree to its Complete Terms and Conditions. See the Complete Terms and Conditions for submitting an entry at https://www.delshoresfoundation.org/dsfwriterssearchtermsandconditions

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Justin Howerton

    It's safe to say that I had no idea what to expect going into the Del Shores Writers Festival, but I could not have had a better time. From the informative and practical panels, to the nights spent bonding with my fellow finalists and attendees over drinks at the local gay bar, I learned and celebrated in equal measure.

    There's a special thing (moxie? hospitality? a penchant for chaos?) that unites us Southern queer writers, and it was so affirming to make fast friends with such talented, passionate individuals. Special shout out to Emerson Collins and Del Shores for organizing a weekend I can genuinely describe as life-changing. And that is not hyperbole!

    April 2025
  • Victoria Sosa

    Attending the Del Shores Writers Festival was an unparalleled experience! It wasn't just another networking event; it was a unique opportunity to build a lasting support network of queer writers and industry professionals to learn from and lean on, especially at a time when LGBTQ+ stories are under attack. Finalists, winners, and panelists were brought together as a true community — we ate meals together, danced together, and celebrated the winning scripts together! The human aspect of our art and identities was brought to the forefront by the authentic attitude of Del, Emerson, Mat, Erica, and everyone involved in the Foundation.

    The weekend featured career workshops, panels with writers/producers in film, television, and theater, and social events that allowed us to bond as like-minded artists. As a finalist, my travel and accommodation expenses were fully covered, and all meals for the weekend were gratis. There was a distinct sense of Southern hospitality in the welcoming, joyous environment cultivated by the organizers and participants. I would recommend this contest to any LGBTQ+ writer from the South looking to connect with others who share pride in the history and future of queer southern storytelling.

    April 2025
  • Jef Blocker

    I would encourage any LGBTQ+ playwright or screenwriter to overcome any feelings of not being good enough, perfectionism, and procrastination and submit their work to the Del Shores Foundation Writers Festival. You owe it to your community to be seen and heard. Your stories matter.

    Overall, the attention, care, love, and support I felt not only as a writer but as a person while attending this festival changed how I see myself, my purpose, and my writing.

    The quality, care, and hospitality Del Shores and Emerson Collins dedicated to this festival surpassed my and the other attendees' expectations. This is a labor of love for them, and the attention to every detail showed.

    As a finalist, all expenses were paid for me to fly to Birmingham, Alabama, stay in a nice hotel, eat delicious meals, attend helpful panels with industry panelists, and network with other writers. I received so many insights and so much inspiration that I wrote during breaks between panels, meals, and events. The communication of all travel, hotel, meals, and festival details was excellent and allowed me to plan easily and be where I needed to be at all times. Emerson's thoughtfulness allowed me to focus on learning and networking.

    Del, Emerson, and the industry panelists made themselves available for questions and conversations throughout the festival, not only as professionals but also as people. I felt seen and heard and that I mattered and have stories that need to be shared. Spending so much time together over four days allowed me to bond with the other writers and cultivate a meaningful community.

    I highly recommend the Desl Shores Foundation Writers Search and Festival to any aspiring and/or emerging Southern LGBTQ+ playwright or screenwriter.

    April 2025
  • Drew Robinson

    The Del Shores Foundation Writer’s Festival was an unforgettable experience—thoughtfully curated, deeply inspiring, and genuinely welcoming. Designed to uplift and support queer Southern writers, the festival fills a vital and too-often overlooked space in today’s creative landscape. From intimate workshops with industry pros to public panels filled with insight and heart, the weekend was packed with opportunities to grow as a writer and connect with an incredible creative community. I left feeling both creatively recharged and personally supported.

    April 2025
  • Emma Schillage

    The Del Shores Foundation Writers’ Festival is a truly unique and transformative experience for Southern queer writers. This festival goes beyond traditional workshops and panels by fostering a deeply supportive and affirming space for writers to share their work, ask questions, and connect with one another on a personal level.

    I am incredibly grateful to Del, Emerson, and the entire team for creating such a safe, welcoming environment. It’s a rare gift to be in a room where your identity and voice are not just accepted but celebrated—where the complexities of being queer in the South are understood instinctively by everyone around you. This shared understanding breaks down barriers, making it easy to engage openly in discussions and seek meaningful feedback.

    The festival’s programming is thoughtfully curated, featuring panels and workshops led by accomplished writers and industry professionals. Each session offered valuable insights and practical advice, while also encouraging deep reflection on the unique stories we carry as Southern queer writers. The panelists were approachable, generous with their knowledge, and deeply invested in uplifting the voices of emerging writers.

    One of the festival’s greatest strengths is the sense of community it cultivates. I left feeling firmly rooted in a network of talented, passionate, and supportive writers—people I can turn to for advice, collaboration, and friendship. The connections I made and the conversations I had will stay with me for years to come.

    This experience was truly life-changing, and I can’t recommend it enough to anyone who has the chance to attend. Whether you’re an emerging writer or a seasoned professional, the Del Shores Foundation Writers’ Festival provides a rare and invaluable opportunity to grow as an artist and find a community that feels like home.

    April 2025