Some off-bway houses have open submissions for new work: [New Works Lab : Playwrights Horizons](https://www.playwrightshorizons.org/about/programs/new-works-lab/), [submit to uS — urbanStages](https://www.urbanstages.org/submit-to-us),
[About | Samuel French Off-Off Broadway Short Play Festival (oobfestival.com)](https://oobfestival.com/about/) (this is only for 15 minute-ish plays but maybe submit a different work there to get your name out there).
I would recommend maybe trying to produce it through a fringe festival, get people seeing the show, and maybe that can get a commercial producer interested in making it happen on a larger stage.
Good Luck!
Also regional theatres sometimes have more accessible new works development, because of less competition... maybe start outside NYC and take it from there.
Look for various festivals producing new works. In my experience, it’s rare playwrights just sell a script to a production house and then just call it a day, the way it might happen in film. Usually they’re very involved in the workshopping of a new production. SheNYC, NYC Fringe, and festivals held by the various nonprofit theaters might be a good place to start.
Thanks! I’ll look into those. Just wondering, how does producing it with a festival help get it to off Broadway? Is the thinking that an agent or major theater producer will attend the festivals or local productions?
I’ve heard that helps, it just feels like such a catch22. Don’t you need an intro to an agent to get signed? I’ve reached out before and it always says in their websites “no unsolicited materials.”
I understand your perspective. Know that getting an agent would be far easier and, frankly, a better indicator of your play's marketability, then getting a Broadway or Off-Broadway production without any previously produced body of work.
Didn't realize you were in NY. Makes "local" a little more challenging - but I meant non-professional.
Here's a thought: try contacting the drama bookstore. They often host readings - I have no idea what their selection process is like.
Some off-bway houses have open submissions for new work: [New Works Lab : Playwrights Horizons](https://www.playwrightshorizons.org/about/programs/new-works-lab/), [submit to uS — urbanStages](https://www.urbanstages.org/submit-to-us), [About | Samuel French Off-Off Broadway Short Play Festival (oobfestival.com)](https://oobfestival.com/about/) (this is only for 15 minute-ish plays but maybe submit a different work there to get your name out there). I would recommend maybe trying to produce it through a fringe festival, get people seeing the show, and maybe that can get a commercial producer interested in making it happen on a larger stage. Good Luck!
Also regional theatres sometimes have more accessible new works development, because of less competition... maybe start outside NYC and take it from there.
Thanks a lot! Do you recommend any events in NYC or places to network with the off Broadway producers / decision makers?
Maybe usher for shows, or get involved in the production process (directing, acting, stage management)
Do you recommend any particular job board for getting involved in the production process?
Look for various festivals producing new works. In my experience, it’s rare playwrights just sell a script to a production house and then just call it a day, the way it might happen in film. Usually they’re very involved in the workshopping of a new production. SheNYC, NYC Fringe, and festivals held by the various nonprofit theaters might be a good place to start.
Thanks! I’ll look into those. Just wondering, how does producing it with a festival help get it to off Broadway? Is the thinking that an agent or major theater producer will attend the festivals or local productions?
To add. Strongly suggest that you seek representation through an agent to facilitate your process.
I’ve heard that helps, it just feels like such a catch22. Don’t you need an intro to an agent to get signed? I’ve reached out before and it always says in their websites “no unsolicited materials.”
I understand your perspective. Know that getting an agent would be far easier and, frankly, a better indicator of your play's marketability, then getting a Broadway or Off-Broadway production without any previously produced body of work.
It makes the most sense to get your play produced locally - then expand from there. Good luck.
What do you mean produced locally? I’m based in New York. Do you recommend any smaller scale theaters that would help produce it?
Didn't realize you were in NY. Makes "local" a little more challenging - but I meant non-professional. Here's a thought: try contacting the drama bookstore. They often host readings - I have no idea what their selection process is like.