The Gene Frankel Theatre
New York, NY
US

CONTACT NAME

Thomas Gordon

DESCRIPTION

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

Gene Frankel Theatre Festival – Summer 2026
The Gene Frankel Theatre
Festival Dates: July 27 – Aug. 16, 2026

Submission Deadline: April 3, 2026

The Gene Frankel Theatre Festival is accepting submissions for its summer edition running from July 27^th through August 16^th, 2026.

The applicants will need to produce the work - director, casting, and all production elements. The Gene Frankel Theatre will help with setting up your technical needs such as lighting, sound, and projections.

Eligible Work

· Short plays (maximum 15 minutes)

· One-act plays (up to 60 minutes)

All genres are considered, including drama, comedy, movement-based work, and experimental forms. Submitted work should be New York premieres. (Note: We are committed to showcasing works that have never been produced in New York before Aug. 16, 2026. Participation in festivals counts as a production. Staged readings, private workshops, and brief excerpt presentations do not count as productions.) All work MUST be unpublished.

Each play should have 1 - 5 actors. No more than 5 actors will be permitted. Cast and crew should be non-union and 18 and older.

Selection Criteria

Pieces will be selected based on artistic merit, originality, clarity of vision, and suitability for festival programming. The goal is to present a high-quality, varied lineup. Submission does not guarantee selection.

playwrights, whose play has been selected, will be contacted by April 10^th.

Submission Materials

· Full script in PDF format

· Brief synopsis

· Character breakdown (Each play should have a maximum of 5 actors)

· Indication of category: short play (up to 15 minutes) or one-act (up to 60 minutes)

· Production history, if applicable

· Please confirm this is a New York Premiere (Note: We are committed to showcasing works that have never been produced in New York before Aug. 16^th, 2026. Participation in festivals counts as a production. Staged readings, private workshops, and brief excerpt presentations do not count as productions.)

· Limit two submissions per applicant.

· Optional: Playwright bio, director, cast, brief tech/staging notes, prior production photos or media (if available), and social media or website links may also be included to support your submission.


Participation Details

No submission fee. All participants must be available for all festival dates from July 27^th through August 16^th.

A $100 participation fee for short plays and a $150 participation fee for one act plays for selected works will apply.

Awards

Selected productions will be eligible for awards, including Best Play, Best Script, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Director. Awards will be given in both short play and one-act categories.

Festival Format
Each selected play will be presented in one of several curated blocks. Each block will run approximately 90 minutes (including intermission) and receive three performances during the three-week performance schedule. The Festival will conclude with a Gala event, on Aug. 16^th, featuring guest performances and an awards ceremony.

How to Submit
Send all required materials to: [email protected]

Subject line: Gene Frankel Theatre Festival – Title of Play

Deadline: April 3^rd, 2026

Early submissions are encouraged.

www.genefrankeltheatrefestival.com

@genefrankeltehatrefestival

DURATION

Jul 27, 2026 - Aug 16, 2026

UNION

Non-Union / Special Appearance

APPLY BY EMAIL

genefrankeltheatreplayfestival…
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