Plarywrights Project, Readers Theater

Michigan Writers, in cooperation with the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts in Manistee and the
Old Town Playhouse in Traverse City, is sponsoring dramatic readings to showcase MichWriters
playwrights. Submissions will be selected by theater professionals. Here is the lowdown:

Readers Theater
Open Call for 10 Minute Plays!
(and one or two longer works)

Where: The Ramsdell Theatre (Manistee), July 11, 2026; and Old Town Playhouse, (Traverse
City), August 1-2, 2026. Readings/discussions will be from 1 pm to 4 pm.
o The submission period (for both venues) is open now to midnight, June 7, 2026.
o Readings are free and open to the public, though a donation to offset costs will be
accepted.
What: Up to five 10-minute scripts will be read by trained actors each event day. At OTP, longer
works of up to 45 minutes will be considered for the second day.
o Discussions of each play will follow the readings.
o Submissions must follow the guidelines below, or will not be considered.
o Two submissions per playwright are allowed.
MichWriters Play Submission Guidelines

• Play length: 10-12 pages, or roughly 1600 words.
• Scripts must include the following, which will not count toward the page limit:
• Title page (script title only; do not include your name or other identifying
  information, as scripts will be evaluated “blind.”)
• Character list; and on same page, a logline-like synopsis, two sentences max.
• Scripts cannot have been produced before, or published. If submitting to be read at the
  Ramsdell, the script cannot have had a reading there in 2025.
• Use standard playwrighting format (such as found at the Dramatist Guild).
• Submit files as a PDF to preserve your formatting, and the integrity of your work.
• Again, submit without your name on title page, and do not include any identifying information
  whatsoever in your script.
• Email your submissions to michiganplaywrightsproject@gmail.com
• In the subject line of your email, state Submission, the title of your play, and your last name.
  For example: Submission, Summer and Smoke – Williams
• Include your name and contact information in the body of your email, and your venue
  preference, should your script be selected. The playwright is expected to be present, and
  participate in any discussions of their work.
• Only Michigan Writers members are eligible to submit a script. For more information on
  membership, please go to https://www.michwriters.org/join/

Judging Criteria
(with thanks to Maripat Allen, Rick Plummer and Julie Zaffarano)

1. THEME
   a. Is there a strong, clear use of the theme in this play?
   b. Is the use of the theme original and interesting?
2. VOICE
   a. Does the author show a strong, interesting writing style?
   b. Does the author have a clear viewpoint that’s well integrated into the play?
3. CHARACTERIZATION
   a. Are the characters interesting and compelling as written? Are these people you want to hear more
   about at the end of ten minutes?
   b. Do the characters seem credible?
   d. Does the main character change or develop through the course of the play?
4. PLOT
   a. Does the plot seem fresh and intriguing?
   b. Does something happen?
   c. Is there sufficient conflict and tension?
   d. Will this plot seem active, vital and dramatic on stage?
5. DIALOGUE
   a. Does the dialogue fit the characters?
   b. Does the dialogue sound natural and credible for the plot and location?
   c. Does each character have his/her/their own unique voice?
   d. Does the dialogue seem fresh and compelling, not dull or boring or generic?
6. APPROPRIATENESS
   a. Is this play appropriate for our facilities and audience?
7. MECHANICS
   a. Is the play likely to be ten minutes long in performance?
8. OVERALL EFFECT
   a. Is the play satisfying and memorable by the end?