Submit That! Play
Imagine That recognizes how difficult it is for the new playwright to get that "first read" of a new draft. Imagine That sympathizes with the writer searching for that "first production." Imagine That makes no promises they can't keep, BUT promises to give your new script its undivided attention and consideration for development.
In order to keep this promise, we cannot ignore the parameters by which Imagine That operates. So we invite the new play that is primed to see the light of stage. If you feel you have a script that is ready to be explored further by actors, a director, a dramaturg, and a creative team of designers, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Just to be clear, we aren't in the business of offering "constructive criticism" or looking to serve the role of a "script doctor." Hopefully, you would have had enough of that by the time of sub-mission. So we will never try to "fix" your script, but we relish the opportunity to "solve" it through the collaboration of a truly cohesive, talented group of artists.
Factors to consider: venues are usually 70-150 seat houses, secured through rentals. Special effects, large casts, multi-million $$ budgets are (without a doubt) out of the question. In order for both our company and you as the playwright to gain the most from this situation, please consider the scope of your project when considering Imagine That as a match.
That being said, when it comes to genre, style, or length--the sky is the limit. We simply want to serve you--the writer, by getting your work out there--by getting your work heard, and hopefully getting your work seen. And how cool would it be for you to have an "Austin premiere"?
How That! works...
Submit your play...
After you've decided your new script's next step is clearly a production, send it to us. We don't ask for a reading fee, and we won't ask for a hard copy--enough trees have lost their lives for the sake of art, and boy! can't the cost of submissions get expensive. Once received, we will try our best to respond in a timely fashion, giving you a heads-up on the next time you will hear from us (depending upon our lives at the time with either a production or a large number of submissions).
Wait...
Allow us a reasonable amount of time to (1) get to your script and (2) to get through your script. Yes...the waiting game. But rest assured, the script will be read as soon as possible by either our director, assistant director, or dramaturg (or perhaps by all three).
Hear from us...
After your play has been given ample attention, you will be contacted by a member of our team--perhaps with questions (not criticism) or perhaps for permission. If it is a script to which we respond, we will ask for your permission to read it aloud in a closed setting with our talented pool of actors. We will give you a scheduled date of the read, and a report on how the evening goes.
Hear from us again...
By this point, Imagine That will have a better sense of (1) your play, (2) the possibility of production, and (3) where to go from there. If it is a project we feel for which we can offer you advancement in some way, we will ask for a time to speak in person (via phone or isn't video chat a possibility now?--we'll look into it).
Like Us...
If at that point both parties feel a creative comfort with one another, possibilities of production can be discussed. You might hate us by that point, at which time all production discussions should cease. (That's a highly unlikely scenario, but we remain open to the possiblity.)
Celebrate...
If all goes well (and we pride ourselves on our optimism), you could be getting on a plane soon to the Lone Star State for the Austin premiere of your latest play. We'll provide the champagne (and most likely the plane ... er ... ticket).
Sound good? We think so. So send us your script. Or if you need further information to feel safe about this venture, do not hesitate to contact us. We live on the internet; we will respond.
Feel free to include any supporting documents or information you feel is necessary for the better enjoyment of your work. We look forward to reading your play! (And no...we're not just saying that.)