"The Mission of Weathervane’s 10-Minute Play Competition and TheatreFest is to promote the art of playwriting, present new works, and introduce area audiences to the short play form." -- Eileen Moushey, Founder
FAQs
Q: Does my play have to take place in this exact beauty salon?
Yes. The set will remain consistent throughout the festival.
Q: Do I need to use all the furniture and equipment shown in the rendering?
No. Your play may use as much or as little of the available salon furniture and equipment as needed.
Q: Can furniture or equipment be moved?
Plays requiring significant rearrangement or removal of scenic elements may not be practical.
Q: Can I request additional props?
Yes. Small handheld props are generally possible. However, plays should not depend on large additional scenic elements or specialized equipment.
Q: Can characters enter and exit the salon?
Yes. Both doors stage left are practical and can be used for entrances and exits.
Q: Can my play take place outside the salon, such as on the sidewalk or in an adjoining business?
No. All performed action must take place within the beauty salon.
Q: Can my play involve actual hairstyling?
Salon activities may be incorporated into the action, but playwrights should consider what can be safely and realistically repeated during multiple performances.
Q: Can my play involve sound effects, music, or lighting changes?
Yes. You may incorporate theatrical lighting and sound effects. Highly specialized effects should not be essential to the story.
Q: Does my play have to be about hairstyling or the beauty industry?
No. The beauty salon must serve as the setting, but the story can explore any subject or genre. We encourage playwrights to use the setting creatively.
THE RULES
Each play must take place on the 2027 set, a beauty salon.
- Each play must run 7-12 minutes. The ideal run time is 10 minutes.
- Maximum cast size: 3 performers.
- No characters under the age of 16.
- Prop and costume requirements should be simple. Scenic elements provided.
- No one-person plays, musicals, or children’s plays.
- Playwrights must be at least 18 years old.
- The playwrights must be the sole creators of the play and are entitled to confer performance rights.
Finalists agree to grant Weathervane Playhouse performance rights without additional royalties for the 2027 8x10 festival run.
The playwrights retain sole ownership of their plays.
All entrants will receive:
Acknowledgment of receipt of submissions and administrative fee ($10).
Notification of the eight finalist plays.
Notification of winners on the website after TheatreFest concludes.
THE PRIZES
Eight finalist plays are selected for full production, with five performances during TheatreFest. Weathervane Playhouse covers all production expenses.
Audience members vote to determine the award recipients.
Cash prizes are awarded as follows:
First Place: $500
Second Place: $350
Third Place: $250
Five Featured Playwrights: $100 each
Finalist playwrights and their plays are featured in the festival program, promotional materials, and press releases distributed to local and national media outlets, including contacts provided by the playwrights. Finalists who attend TheatreFest also receive two complimentary tickets.
Through TheatreFest, Weathervane seeks to champion new voices, celebrate the craft of playwriting, and recognize the artists who bring their stories to life.
HOW TO ENTER
Submissions will be accepted through March 31, 2027.
A $10 submission fee is required.
The first page of your play document must be a title page, which should include:
Title of play
A short summary of the play
Brief descriptions of the characters in the play
Number of pages
Please include page numbers.
PLEASE, carefully read and review the rules and entry guidelines.
Questions? Contact Melanie YC Pepe HERE.