Rough Draft Festival 2026: Call for Submissions
Event Description
The Rough Draft Festival at LaGuardia Performing Arts Center (LPAC) invites playwrights and theater-makers to submit works-in-progress for development and presentation during the 2026 festival, running March 9–21, 2026. Now in its third decade, Rough Draft champions bold, original voices shaping the future of theater. Selected artists receive rehearsal and tech support, development stipends, and a public showing in LPAC’s professional performance spaces. All submissions are reviewed by a selection committee of theater industry professionals, ensuring a thoughtful, equitable review process grounded in artistic excellence.
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Rough Draft Festival – March 9–21, 2026
The Rough Draft Festival is a theater festival that provides innovative and boundary-pushing artists with space, resources, and support to further develop their works-in-progress.
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The festival showcases a series of in-progress performances and staged readings, offering artists the chance to put their work on its feet while giving audiences a rare, behind-the-scenes glimpse into the creative process.
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Each year, LPAC selects up to 5 compelling and impactful projects and provides the time, space and resources to advance their development. These presentations often reflect the strength and depth of fully realized productions.
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Presented by the LaGuardia Performing Arts Center, the Rough Draft Festival is committed to offering meaningful exposure and professional support to artists creating new work. Submissions are reviewed by a selection committee composed of theater industry professionals, ensuring that all applications are evaluated with artistic rigor, fairness, and an eye toward innovation.
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Selected Artists Receive:
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Up to 10 hours of rehearsal space prior to tech.
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Up to 7 hours of tech time with LPAC’s professional technical crew.
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A small development budget (determined in consultation with LPAC staff).
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One public showing in LPAC’s performance spaces.
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Full venue support, including front-of-house staff and box office management.
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Marketing, press, and outreach support provided by LPAC’s communications team.
Event Date:
Through Nov 20th at midnight
Location:
Online Submissions
Ticket Price:
FREE submission
HOW TO APPLY:
Applications are open through Nov. 20, 2025
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Please include the following materials:
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A one-page proposal describing the project and outlining its current development stage and goals.
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Headshot, resume, and brief bio of the playwright(s) or lead artist(s)
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A five-page excerpt from the proposed play
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A budget proposal (up to $3,000.00) covering stipends, props, and other non-technical expenses.
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LPAC will determine final budget allocations in collaboration with selected artists.
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Budgets should consider stipends, props, and other non-technical expenses
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After completing the interest form, email your full proposal package (including your script, budget, and any supporting materials) to lpacresident@lagcc.cuny.edu
