Mission and Vision of the QUEER EXPRESSION WRITING CONTEST FOR STAGE AND SCREEN

Sponsored by Open Space Arts, the QUEER EXPRESSION WRITING CONTEST FOR STAGE AND SCREEN celebrates and champions the richness and diversity of the LGBTQ+ community through the transformative arts of screenwriting and playwriting. This contest uplifts unique voices and stories that reflect the complexities, joys, and challenges of queer life, offering a vital platform for underrepresented narratives.

The QUEER EXPRESSION WRITING CONTEST FOR STAGE AND SCREEN serves as a beacon of empowerment, empathy, and celebration, reaching audiences within and beyond the LGBTQ+ community. By showcasing outstanding scripts and fostering meaningful dialogue, the contest plays a crucial role in advancing a more inclusive and equitable world.

Beginning in January 2025, the contest will accept submissions in multiple categories, including short and feature-length screenplays, television and series scripts, one-act and full-length stage plays, and more.

Writers at all stages of their careers are invited to participate and help shape a future where diverse stories are celebrated and shared.

Selected works may have the opportunity for a reading or staged presentation as part of QUEER EXPRESSION events.

Winners and honorable mentions will be featured on the QUEER EXPRESSION website and social media channels.

1. Eligibility

Open to all individuals aged 16 and over, regardless of location.
Entries must align with the mission of QUEER EXPRESSION, celebrating LGBTQIA+ voices and stories.

2. Entry Categories

Stage Plays: Short plays (10-30 minutes) and full-length plays (over 60 minutes).
Screenplays: Short screenplays (up to 30 pages) and feature-length screenplays (60-120 pages).

3. Submission Requirements

All submissions must be in PDF format.
Scripts must include a cover page with the title, author’s name, and contact details.
Scripts should be formatted according to standard industry formats (e.g., for screenplays, use screenplay formatting, and for plays, use stage play formatting).
Authors may submit one entry per category.

4. Originality and Rights

All submissions must be original, unproduced works.
Scripts that have been produced are not eligible.
By submitting, authors confirm they hold the rights to the work.

5. Content Guidelines

Entries should explore themes relevant to LGBTQIA+ experiences, communities, or history.
Any genre is welcome.

6. Submission Period
Late submissions will not be considered.

7. Judging Criteria

Submissions will be evaluated based on originality, storytelling, character development, theme, and impact.
Judging will be conducted by a panel of industry professionals and LGBTQIA+ community members.

8. Awards and Recognition

Selected works may have the opportunity for a reading or staged presentation as part of QUEER EXPRESSION events.
Winners and honorable mentions will be featured on the QUEER EXPRESSION website and social media channels.

9. Notification of Winners

Public announcements will be made on the QUEER EXPRESSION website and social media channels shortly thereafter.

10. Terms and Conditions

By entering, participants agree to the rules and confirm that all information provided is accurate.
QUEER EXPRESSION reserves the right to disqualify any submission that does not adhere to these rules.
QUEER EXPRESSION reserves the right to use excerpts from submissions for promotional purposes.