Playwright Criteria

To be considered for approval by the Foundation, script submissions must meet the following requirements:

1.      The script must be relevant to the state of Arizona.

2.      The works may be historical or purely fictional, so long as they deal with some relevant aspect of Arizona life.

3.      Playwrights must present the Foundation with a typed and bound copy of the script with standard formatting. No hand written or unbound scripts will be considered. If the playwright desires return of the script after review, they must provide a self addressed stamped envelope. Otherwise the script will not be returned.

If selected for development, the playwright must agree to the following requirements:

1.      The playwright must be an active participant in the staged reading and workshop process. If not in person, then by consistent correspondence with the director and the Foundation.

2.      If claimed by a Participating Company for a full staging of the piece, the playwright will make themselves accessible for a reasonable amount of consultation and rewrites.

3.      The playwright understands that this process is very likely to involve rewriting portions of the original submitted script based on input from the director, the experiences of the actors, feedback from the audience and observations of the playwright.

4.      The playwright retains full ownership of the final piece.

5.      The playwright’s share of royalties with the Foundation and the Participating Company from future productions of the work are subject to the formula set forth under future proceeds.

Participating Company Criteria

Participating theatre companies must meet the following eligibility requirements:

1.      Based within the state of Arizona.

2.      A minimum of five years in operation.

3.      Non-profit status

4.      Provide a qualified representative who will critically review submissions, vote on selection and attend regular meetings of the Selection Committee.

5.      If available, provide rehearsal space for staged readings and workshop productions.

Claiming a play for production

If Participating Companies claims a play for production it must agree to the following:

1.       The Participating Company must produce the piece on the agreed upon dates and times.

2.      The Participating Company must produce the piece at the agreed upon location.

3.      The Participating Company must produce the piece within the budget determined by the Foundation using the calculations set forth under Budget Determination.

4.      The Participating Company must agree to abide by the production rules set forth under Production Requirements.

5.      The Participating Company must divide the proceeds from the production with the Foundation and Playwright by the rules set forth under Financial Sharing.

Selection

A Selection Committee will review scripts and determine submissions for development. The committee’s responsibility is to read, discuss and select submissions for production. To be selected a play must receive a two thirds vote of approval from the committee. Approval by the Selection Committee moves the play into the initial step of development. The playwright receives a development stipend, and the work will receive a series of staged readings.      

            Upon completion of the readings and re-writes by the playwright, the work will receive a            second review by the Selection Committee. This is to determine if the play is worthy of   a workshop production. To receive a workshop production, the piece must receive a    unanimous vote of approval by the Selection Committee.

Budget Determination

            The production budget for the participating company is based on an average of   production budgets over the previous three years by that company. The budget will reflect all necessary elements for production, including, materials, artists, support staff          and facilities.  Once the budget is determined and an agreement has been reached with   the Foundation and producing company, the producing company will be solely      responsible for any budget over runs.

Production Requirements

            Production requirements called for within the playwright’s script are negotiable prior to             the full production. The playwright, director and producing company will negotiate          reasonable requirements. The Participating Company has final determination of the          necessary production requirements and it is their responsibility to approve all   production requirements prior to the budget determining process.

Financial Sharing

            The Foundation will receive all monies generated by staged readings and workshop         productions to help defray the costs of transportation, personnel and production elements.

            Proceeds from full productions will be divided in the following manner:

            The Foundation: 40%

            Participating Company: 50%

            Playwright: 10% plus initial award

SERVICES

The Foundation serves several groups of Arizonans, and ultimately populations beyond Arizona’s borders.

Arizona Audiences

The Foundation will reach audiences across the state by touring staged readings of these new Arizona themed works. These readings will aid in the development of a new script. The readings will be presented in conjunction with the Arizona Historical Society. The Society’s network of state wide museums will provide locations that are well known to the local community. These staged readings are the roots of what will become workshop productions and eventually fully staged productions. This development process will serve both the metropolitan and outlying populations of the state. The cost of touring a fully realized production would be prohibitive at this time, but a long term goal of the Foundation.

Theatre Companies

Participating companies will collaborate in play selection and staging workshop productions that will culminate in a fully staged version of the piece. This process  will create a healthy atmosphere of collaboration, in addition to the positive effect on the operating budgets of participating companies.

Playwrights

The Foundation provides opportunities for playwrights locally, nationally and internationally by soliciting new plays and musicals specifically relating to Arizona. When selected, playwrights will experience a nurturing environment and funding for the development of their work.

National and International Audiences

Once developed, these new works will be worthy and available for production by other theatre companies. They will become theatrical ambassadors for the state of Arizona with audiences around the country and around the world.