Deadline: August 15, 2025
Are you an emerging playwright with a powerful story to tell? The prestigious Yale Drama Series International Playwriting Competition 2026 is now open for submissions! This is your chance to have your original, unpublished play recognized, published, and brought to life on stage—all while earning a significant cash prize.
About the Yale Drama Series International Playwriting Competition 2026
The Yale Drama Series International Playwriting Competition 2026 is an annual global competition hosted by Yale University Press, dedicated to identifying and celebrating new voices in playwriting. Open to playwrights from around the world, the competition offers unmatched exposure, a substantial prize, and a publication opportunity for one outstanding playwright.
This year’s competition will be judged by renowned playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, whose work continues to influence contemporary theatre.
What You Stand to Win
Winners of the Yale Drama Series International Playwriting Competition 2026 will receive:
- 💰 $10,000 USD prize (David Charles Horn Prize)
- 📘 Publication of the winning play by Yale University Press
- 🎭 A staged reading at the esteemed Yale Schwarzman Center
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the competition, submissions must meet the following requirements:
- 📄 Full-length plays only, with a minimum of 65 pages
- 🆕 Must be original, unpublished, and unproduced (no professional production)
- ❌ Not eligible: adaptations, musicals, children’s plays, or plays with extensive visual formatting
- ✍️ One submission per playwright, and only solo authorship is accepted
- 🌍 Open to playwrights worldwide
Submission Deadline
All entries must be submitted between:
🗓 June 1 – August 15, 2025 (Midnight EST)
Late entries will not be accepted, so early submission is highly recommended.
Submission Guidelines
Submissions can be made either electronically or via hard copy. However, electronic submission is strongly encouraged.
📤 Electronic Submission (Preferred)
- Manuscript must omit your name/contact details for blind review
- First page: Title, 2–3 sentence synopsis, character list, and scene breakdown
- Submit a separate form including your name, contact info, and brief bio
- Submit through the official portal below
📬 Hardcopy Submission
- First title page: Include title, your name, address, phone, email, and page count
- Second page: Title, synopsis, character list, and scene breakdown
- Include a short bio on a separate page
- No staples or binding; retain a copy for yourself
- Mail to:
Yale Drama Series
P.O. Box 209040
New Haven, CT 06520-9040 - A self-addressed, stamped envelope (SASE) is required for acknowledgment of receipt.
For complete details: Read more about the programme
Why You Should Apply
Participating in the Yale Drama Series International Playwriting Competition 2026 could be your breakthrough moment. It’s a globally respected platform that has elevated numerous talented playwrights and offers:
- 📢 International recognition
- 🖋 A prestigious publishing credit
- 🎟 The chance to present your work to influential theatre professionals
Whether you’re an emerging voice from Africa, Asia, Europe, or beyond, this opportunity invites you to share your creativity with the world.
Final Thoughts and Support
Remember, this is a blind submission competition, and the quality of your writing is the sole criterion. Start preparing your manuscript early, and be sure to double-check formatting requirements before submitting.
📌 For assistance with proposal drafting, refining, and review, contact grantsdatabase.org.
Quick Links
Let your voice be heard—submit your play and take the stage globally through the Yale Drama Series International Playwriting Competition !
