Award-winning Redtwist Theatre is accepting a limited number of submissions for its inaugural Twisted Playfest from January 26th - February 16th. Twisted Playfest is to be held this summer and will currently include one fully produced script, three staged readings and six stand readings. During its inaugural year, plays will be chosen for every level of production by the Twisted PlayFest reading committee. Information on guidelines and submission details are available at RedtwistTheatre.org.
Twisted Playfest values diversity and representation, including diversity of race, gender, sexuality, age and ability. Redtwist intends to express these values at every level, from producers and readers, to playwrights and directors, as well as the performers on its stage. Twisted Playfest commits to nurturing Chicago voices’ growth through collaboration, the collective expression of the orchestra, over the singular effort of the soloist, and feedback with playwrights and artists. The ideal play should tell audiences about the current world, speaking to how one should live in it and do so in an entertaining and engaging way. The ideal play will focus on aspects of character, plot and language.
Twisted Playfest Submission Guidelines:
Submissions are encouraged from BIPOC or LGBTQIA+ playwrights
All submissions must be written by an artist who is based in the Chicago metropolitan area.
Each stage of development requires different lengths:
- for a MainStage production, scripts must be at least 75 minutes in length,
- for a Staged reading, scripts must be at least 60 minutes in length and
- for a Stand Reading, scripts must be at least 30 minutes in length.
Ideal scripts will require 10 or fewer performers.
No musicals or translations. Any submissions based on already existing intellectual properties must have secured adaptation rights from the original creators. Redtwist cannot currently provide funding for securing rights to adapt.
Plays can not have been previously produced and must have no standing rights or royalties agreements.
Playwrights must submit plays through Redtwist’s official submission channel and answer questions regarding cast size and breakdown, play synopsis and content, and other pertinent details.
One submission per playwright.
Playwrights must be available to attend the festival in person, including rehearsals. Redtwist can not provide housing at this time.
Anticipated festival dates are August 19 - 25, rehearsal commitments for playwrights vary depending on which level of production the script is selected for.
For plays to be considered, playwrights must complete this form and send it with the script to playfest@redtwist.org or provide a link to the NPX or other web address where the play is available. Contact Eileen Dixon at eileen@redtwist.org with any additional Twisted Playfest questions.
ABOUT REDTWIST THEATRE RENOVATIONS
As Chicago rebuilds after the pandemic, Redtwist is thrilled to partner with the City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development to build back better. Redtwist has been selected as a finalist for a 3-to-1 matching grant from the City of Chicago, which will provide up to $250,000 in funding to renovate its performance space, lobby and our street frontage.
These renovations will mean a fresh face for Redtwist’s corner of Bryn Mawr, drawing in audiences from across the city and bringing new life to a Historic District that has been devastated by COVID-19. On the Western side of the building, the lobby will be reimagined; increasing accessibility and installing a new cafe to provide concessions for all Redtwist shows. Finally, it will mean a revived performance space with added production capabilities, which will allow the Company to continue creating intimate performances in its tiny black box space.
REDTWIST THEATRE 2023 - 2024 SEASON
Following the theatre’s renovations, Redtwist will present the heart wrenching story of advocacy and a modern classic, The Normal Heart and a new play by Jacqueline Goldfinger, Bottle Fly, exploring queer survival in the Everglades and Redtwist’s new play festival, Twisted Playfest in the summer of 2024. Dates to be announced based on the theatre renovations.
ABOUT REDTWIST THEATRE
Redtwist is an award-winning theatre company that stages up close and personal contemporary dramas annually in its intimate black box theatre housed proudly within the heart of Edgewater’s Bryn Mawr Historic District.
Intimate performances at Redtwist are designed to place the theatre patron in the midst of the stories being told, making them accessible and riveting. Redtwist strives for excellence with every project and proactively endeavors to take risks while offering opportunities for up-and-coming actors, designers and directors to work with established talent. Redtwist provides the very best Chicago storefront theatre experience from excellence on stage, to warm hospitality in a clean, friendly environment.