The Lab, in cooperation with the Butler Little Theatre, is now accepting submissions for the Readers Theatre Playwriting Contest. Previously unproduced plays are eligible, and there are no restrictions as to style or subject matter.

The Lab is a new addition to the Butler Little Theatre season with three shows being performed annually. The first two shows of each season will be traditional productions read by local actors. Plays are chosen for Readers Theatre for many reasons including but not limited to: sets mays be too large or complex, costuming too expensive, or content may not be appropriate for staged production in this venue.

The final show each season will be a new play by the winner of the playwriting contest.

Awards & Prizes

The winning play will be performed as Readers Theatre in the Butler Little Theatre (Butler PA) on May 19, 2018. The author will be invited to attend but the production will be directed, cast, and performed by members of The Lab.

Rules & Terms

Requirements:
• Plays must be original. If the work is an adaption and not in the public domain, permission of the original creator or rights holder must accompany the entry.
• Scripts may have had workshops, readings and/or other development, but cannot have been produced in any capacity or medium. (Production includes Fringe Festivals or other public events, such as regional or provincial theatre festivals.)
• All plays must be in English
• The play must be able to be performed in 45 minutes.
• Plays will be submitted electronically by 11:59 pm on March 15th.
• Each play must be accompanied by a $20 entry fee that will be collected online at the time of the submission.
• Each entry must have a title page including the author's name, address, phone number, and email address.
• The winner will be notified by April 15th, 2018.
• The contest is open to all playwrights; however, preference will be given to playwrights residing in Butler, Allegheny, Venango, Armstong, Beaver, and Lawrence Counties in Pennsylvania.

Failure to meet all rules & regulations will result in disqualification of entry.