Aspiring young playwrights across the United States have a unique chance to shine: the Blank Theater’s 33rd Annual young Playwrights Festival (YPF) is now accepting submissions. This prestigious nationwide competition provides a platform for 12 talented writers under 19 to see their work brought to life on stage.
the winning plays will receive four fully staged professional productions in July 2025, directed by seasoned professionals and performed by accomplished actors. As its inception in 1993, the YPF has showcased the remarkable talent of 381 young playwrights from 39 states, fostering a vibrant community of emerging theatrical voices.
Submission Guidelines: Your Chance to Shine
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To be eligible, playwrights must be 19 years of age or younger as of March 15, 2025, and reside in or attend school within the United States or its territories. Original plays and musicals of any length and on any subject are welcome. submissions, limited to three plays per playwright, can be made online via TheBlank.Submittable.com (free account required) or mailed to YPF,c/o The Blank Theatre,PO Box 1094,Los Angeles,CA,90078 (postmarked by March 15,2025). Each submission must include a cover sheet with the play’s title, playwright’s name, date of birth, school and teacher’s name (if applicable), mailing address, phone number, and email address. Co-authored plays require this information for each author. Please note that scripts will not be returned, and there are no submission fees.
mentorship: shaping the Future of Theatre
Selected playwrights will receive invaluable mentorship from industry leaders. Past mentors include renowned figures such as Tony Award-winning playwright Terrence McNally, four-time YPF winner Kit Steinkellner, and Tony Award-nominated composer Michael John LaChiusa. Other notable mentors have included Jeff Greenstein (Will & Grace), producer Todd Milliner (Hot in Cleveland, Grimm), writer Irene Mecchi (the Lion King, Brave), Tony Award-winning director Michael Mayer (Dear Evan Hansen, Spring Awakening), Tony Award-winning playwright and three-time YPF winner Stephen Karam (The humans, Sons of the Prophet), playwright and two-time YPF winner Lauren Yee (King of the Yees, The Great Leap, Cambodian Rock Band), and the late Garry Marshall. This unparalleled support helps young playwrights refine their craft and prepare their work for the stage.
“Each Spring since 1992,The Blank awards the freshest,most original voices in American theatre,invites them to Los Angeles,and produces their scripts during a month-long summer festival,” says Bree Pavey,The Blank’s Executive Director. “This thought-provoking work, mentored, directed and performed by seasoned professionals, helps build confidence and begin building [a career in theatre].”
The YPF is more than a competition; it’s a transformative experience, offering young playwrights the chance to see their work professionally produced and gain invaluable experience in the theatrical world. Don’t miss this opportunity to launch your playwriting career.
Young Playwrights Festival: Forging the Future of American Theater
The Blank Theatre’s young Playwrights Festival (YPF) isn’t just a competition; it’s a crucible where the next generation of American playwrights hone their craft.For years, this program has nurtured burgeoning talent, providing teenagers from diverse backgrounds with a supportive environment to develop their skills and build professional relationships.”While these playwrights are as different as the states from which they come and the subjects with which they deal,they share something truly remarkable — they’re teenagers. They are the future of theatre!”
The YPF’s impact extends far beyond the festival itself. Winning plays have garnered significant recognition, earning nominations for prestigious Los Angeles theater awards, including an Ovation Award for Best Writing–World Premiere and an LA Weekly Award for Best One-Act Playwriting. The program’s alumni boast impressive achievements, making their mark on stages across the nation and beyond.
YPF winners have transitioned into accomplished careers on Broadway, filled regional theaters with their work, and even created network television shows. The program’s success stories are numerous and inspiring. Stephen Karam, a YPF alumnus, is a two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist and a 2016 Tony Award winner for Best Play for The Humans. Another notable alumna, Lauren Yee, a 2019 Doris Duke Artist, was named the second most-produced playwright of the 2019-2020 season by American theater Magazine, with productions of The Great Leap, King of the yees, and Cambodian Rock Band gracing stages nationwide.
The Blank Theatre’s commitment to fostering young talent is evident in the remarkable success of its alumni. The YPF continues to be a vital incubator for emerging playwrights, shaping the landscape of American theater one compelling story at a time. For more information about the Young Playwrights Festival and The Blank Theatre, visit www.TheBlank.com.
Cultivating Young Talent: Spotlight on The Blank Theater’s Young Playwrights Festival
The Blank Theatre’s Young Playwrights Festival (YPF) is actively seeking captivating new voices in the American theater landscape. This prestigious program, now accepting submissions for its 33rd year, offers a platform for talented playwrights under 19 to see their work professionally produced.
This exclusive interview with dr. Sarah Jones, a renowned theater professor and playwright mentor, sheds light on the impact and significance of this enriching program.
World-Today-News Senior Editor: Dr. Jones, what sets The Blank Theatre’s Young Playwrights festival apart from other competitions?
Dr. Sarah Jones: The YPF is truly unique in its commitment to nurturing young talent. It’s not just about competition; it’s a complete development program. Winning playwrights don’t just see their work produced – they receive invaluable guidance from industry professionals, including award-winning playwrights, directors, and actors. This mentorship is crucial for young writers honing their craft.
World-Today-News Senior Editor: What skillsets do young playwrights gain through this experience?
Dr. Sarah Jones: The YPF provides an immersive learning experience that extends far beyond the writing process. Young playwrights witness their work come to life on stage, collaborating with directors, actors, and designers. They learn about staging, pacing, character development, and the overall collaborative nature of theatre. This hands-on experience is invaluable for any aspiring playwright.
World-Today-News Senior Editor: What are some of the lasting impacts you’ve observed on young writers who have participated in the YPF?
Dr. Sarah jones:
I’ve seen participants blossom in this program. Many go on to successful careers in theatre,receiving prestigious awards and having their work produced on major stages. But even those who choose different paths carry the confidence and skills gained through the YPF. This program empowers them to express themselves creatively and to believe in the power of their voices.
World-Today-News Senior Editor: What advice would you give to young playwrights considering submitting their work to the YPF?
Dr. Sarah Jones: I encourage aspiring playwrights to embrace their unique perspectives and tell stories that matter to them. Don’t be afraid to experiment, to take risks, and to challenge yourself creatively. The YPF is a safe space to explore, to learn, and to grow.
World-Today-News Senior Editor: Thank you, Dr. Jones, for sharing your valuable insights.