The Pumphouse Playwrights program was created to give local playwrights an avenue to be able to hear how their work is interpreted by a director and actors in a staged reading. With staged readings, there is typically little to no set, blocking, costumes, etc., but it is a great opportunity to see how theatre is made from the ground up.
Each play reading is followed by a short intermission and then an optional talkback and Q&A session led by a moderator. The audience is able to ask questions and provide feedback in a constructive environment. We are thrilled to be a part of the development process for our local playwrights.
How local is “local?” We accept playwrights across the state. However, preference will be given to those in North Georgia, and the playwright must be in attendance at the reading. After all, the staged reading is for your benefit!
About how long should my play be? For this series, we like to highlight longer works (longer one-acts or full-length plays) that we can spend a whole evening on. A good rule of thumb is at least one hour of runtime, approximately 60 manuscript pages.
I have a completed play! Where can I submit that? This reading series is developmental in nature, so we don’t accept published plays or “complete” plays that are otherwise being fully produced. We want to help you by giving community theatre artists the opportunity to work with your piece so you can take that into future development. If your play is completed, we do accept submissions for our regular season! Check out our Season Selection Committee information here.
SUBMISSION DEADLINES
We accept rolling submissions all year long, with three major deadlines:
- April 30th
- August 31st
- December 31st
HOW IT WORKS
- The playwright submits their script to karen@pumphouseplayers.com.
- Reading committee chooses the plays for the series.
- PHP plans the date with the playwright.
- The playwright helps select a director from those available, and provides guidance on choosing the cast.
- The director makes the final decision on casting. Casting is usually done by personal invitation.
- The director holds 2-3 rehearsals, depending on the complexity of the show. The playwright does not necessarily attend.
- The playwright develops a short list of questions they would like to hear about from the audience.
- The staged reading is held at the historic Legion Theatre!
- The audience members give feedback and ask questions during the talkback with the aim of helping future development.