Call for Submissions: Hardscrabble Theater
Fall 2026 One-Act Play Festival
Hardscrabble Theater is seeking original one act plays for our Fall 2026 One-Act Play Festival!
The festival will take place Friday, October 16th through Sunday, October 18th.
We invite playwrights from all backgrounds to submit their work for consideration. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or making your first submission to a festival, we want to hear your voice!
Submission Guidelines
Plays must meet the following criteria for consideration:
- Running time of no less than 5 minutes and no more than 15 minutes
- Single set with no special effects
- Simple lighting and sound/music cues only – all sound must be rights free.
- Maximum of five characters
- All scripts must be royalty-free
- Previously unpublished and unproduced in the NY tristate area
What We’re Looking For
Hardscrabble Theater celebrates stories that are raw, honest, and human. We welcome plays across all genres — drama, comedy, dark comedy, slice-of-life, and everything in between. We are especially drawn to work that is character-driven, emotionally resonant, and stageable within our production constraints.
How to Submit
Send your script as a PDF or Word document to Linda@hardscrabbletheater.com by April 15, 2026. Please include your name, contact information, and a brief synopsis of your play in the body of your email. Scripts should have a title page with name, address, phone, and email.
Deadline: April 15, 2026
Questions? Reach out to us at the submission email above.
Hardscrabble Theater is committed to inclusive storytelling and encourages submissions from writers of all backgrounds.