These submission requirements ensure a fair, transparent, and artist-friendly submission process for ONE SCENE. Please read carefully before submitting your work.

Eligibility

Open to emerging and early-career playwrights. Works must be original and not under exclusive contract elsewhere. The scene may not be part of a play that has been performed on stage in front of an audience. Co-authored pieces are welcome with consent from all authors. Playwrights may submit up to two scenes per submission cycle.

 

  • Original work only
  • One scene per submission
  • Maximum runtime: 10 minutes
  • Maximum of 3 actors
  • Minimal staging/props required
  • Scene must not have been previously publicly performed

Scenes may come from:

  • full-length plays
  • unfinished works
  • standalone scenes

Rights:

  • Playwrights retain all rights to their work
  • Playwrights are encouraged to copyright/protect material before submission
  • Selected playwrights provide their own actors

Scene specs:

  • No major ending reveals or twist-dependent scenes
  • Scenes should stand emotionally on their own without spoiling the larger work

Strong preference for emotionally resonant scenes:

  • tension
  • vulnerability
  • conflict
  • humor
  • emotional movement
  • memorable dialogue

 

What to Submit

Submit one self-contained scene (5–7 minutes when read aloud), plus a brief logline. Upload as a single PDF. If excerpted from a longer work, ensure the scene stands on its own.

Formatting

Standard play format is preferred: 12 pt font, readable typeface, character names in caps, stage directions in italics. Include title and author name on the first page.

Content Policy

We welcome bold material. However, works that promote hate or harassment will not be considered. Please flag sensitive content with a brief note where appropriate.

Selection

Selections are curated for balance of voice, theme, and impact. Due to volume, feedback on individual submissions may not be possible.

Rights & Permissions

Writers retain all rights. By submitting, you grant ONE SCENE a non-exclusive, one-time right to present the scene at a live reading/performance and to use short excerpts for event promotion and documentation.

Timeline

Submissions are reviewed on a rolling basis. If selected, you will be contacted within 4–6 weeks to coordinate casting and rehearsal details.

Questions

For clarifications, email hello@onescenelive.com. We look forward to reading your work.