Asunción Playwrights Project

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Pregones Theater's Asunción Playwrights Project showcases the work of Latino and Latina playwrights exploring issues of difference and transformation at the limits of queer identity. The project fosters fun and genuine dialogue between playwrights, theatermakers, LGBTQ communities, and a general audience. We especially seek works that challenge normative straight/gay binaries. Submissions by women writers are encouraged. Both Spanish and English language manuscripts are welcome.

Finalists commit to a public reading and open discussion. A panel of peers, industry professionals, scholars, critics and previous winners makes the final selection of the year's winning play.

The winner recieves a $500 award and the play is given a professionally cast workshop production at Pregones Theater.

Download Application Form - see their web site for all online forms.

Selection Process
The selection process is made up of two preliminary rounds.

The first round is open to all. A completed application form must be submitted with a 10 page sample of the work.

The second round is by invitation only. Up to eight playwrights from the first round are invited to submit their work in its entirety for final review. The public readings are selected from this group of finalists.

All plays must be original, full length works for the stage that have never been produced and are not currently under option. Plays may be submitted in Spanish or English. Monologues and/or one-person shows will not be considered. Asunción will only consider works of superior artistic rigor that meet one or more of the project's criteria:

• explore issues of difference and transformation at the limits of queer identity;
• challenge normative assumptions of gender;
• present Latino spiritual and sensual explorations beyond the boundaries of gender and essentialist notions of sexual orientation;
• go beyond coming out stories;
• challenge normative notions of family;
• dwell in alterity and encounter;
• place queer expectations of love and sex in a Latino cultural/historical context;
• are significant to the lives of Latino lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, and queer people.

The Asunción Playwrights Project is recognized with a special merit recognition from HOLA Organization of Latin Actors and a feature in Ollantay Theater Magazine.


APPLICATION guidelines
1. Download and complete the Asunción Application Form or request a hard copy by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Jorge B. Merced, Associate Artistic Director, Pregones Theater, 571-575 Walton Avenue, Bronx NY 10451.
2. Include a brief description of the play and two copies of a ten-page sample. DO NOT INCLUDE A FULL COPY OF THE SCRIPT.
3. Samples must be typewritten or word-processed in typeface no smaller than 12 point, double-spaced and on 8½" X 11" white paper. You may submit works in either English or Spanish.
4. If you are submitting more than one script, you must complete an application for each work. No more than two entries per writer will be accepted each year.
5. Include a copy of your resume with the application.
6. Please include a self-addressed stamped postcard, or e-mail address to confirm receipt of your entry. COD Deliveries will not be accepted.
7. Please include a return package with sufficient postage if you would like your script returned.
8. All applications must be written, signed, and submitted by the playwright.


APPLICATION Deadline
The current application deadline is February 14, 2012 (postmarked).
Faxed, e-mailed, or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Don't forget to submit the Application Form.