submission guidelines

SUBMISSIONS GUIDELINES FOR YOUNG WRITERS 2024!
  • Each playwright may submit only one play.
  • Plays must run approximately 10 minutes. Don't know how long your play is? If you are using Samuel French formatting (click here for example), 1 page will equal approximately 1 minute. Plays with different formatting, monologues, or lots of chunky text, however, will run longer. The BEST way for you to know how long your play runs is to read it out loud to yourself or with friends! :)
  • If you are selected for Young Writers, our expectation is that your play will continue to run approximately 10 minutes (plus or minus 2 minutes or so) throughout the revision process. If it starts to run too long or too short, we will work with you to figure out next steps but please be aware of this expectation.
  • All plays should include a cover sheet that includes play name, playwright's name, your teacher's name, and your high school's name; a list of characters; set and prop needs. 
  • For complete Young Writers Short Play Festival 24 play submission guidelines and for details on how to submit your play, click this link.
  • Any questions? E-mail MadLab Artistic Director, James Blackmon directly at JamesB@MadLab.net.

About

The Young Writers Program began in 2011, with the education program moving through the spring, and the first production in July of 2012.  Since our first year, we have worked with high school playwrights from all across central Ohio. From working with playwright mentors to stage readings to production, the students in Young Writers enter the program with a script and conclude the program as produced playwrights. This year will be our 12th year of the program and we look forward to working with our new group of students!​
Big thanks to our generous sponsor!

Past shows

Young Writers 2022
Young Writers 2021
Young Writers 2020
Young Writers 2019
Young Writers 2018
Young Writers 2017
Young Writers Short Play Festival 2016
Young Writers Short Play Festival 2015
Young Writers Short Play Festival 2014
Young Writers Short Play Festival 2013
Young Writers Short Play Festival 2012

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MADLAB
227 N. 3RD ST.
COLUMBUS, OH 43215