ShareFrequently Asked Questions about the GAP
Aurora Theatre Company is launching an annual new play development program to nurture and explore forward-looking visions of global import. GAP submissions will culminate in a two or three week festival of staged readings in the spring of 2010. Four scripts will be selected with the potential of a full production the following season.
Tell me about Aurora Theatre Company.
Aurora Theatre Company is a professional theatre founded in downtown Berkeley in 1992. Operating on an AEA Bay Area Theatre contract, this award-winning, critically-acclaimed theatre is considered one of the most prestigious mid-size theatres in the Bay Area. Located in a beautiful downtown historic building, the theatre’s newly renovated space houses an intimate thrust stage with a seating capacity at 150.
What is The Global Age Project’s objective?
The Global Age Project (The GAP) is an attempt to give playwrights and directors the opportunity to explore the current and future state of the global community and to create works that would inspire audiences to do the same.
Why was The GAP created?
The GAP is an inspiration of Aurora Theatre Company’s Artistic Director Tom Ross. “It seems to me that most of the work currently being written is reactionary in nature – its content is primarily reflective – memory plays, plays that deal with history, biographical plays, Freudian based narrative. The past is an excellent resource for material, but what about what’s happening in the absolute now? What about what’s going to happen in the future? I believe that for artists to have a stake in the future, they need to think about it, visualize it and ultimately reclaim it.”
What kind of material should I submit?
Aurora Theatre Company requests submissions that passionately challenge audiences to examine issues and concerns of the 21st century. Writers are encouraged to submit works that explore the current and future state of the global community and/or examine the changing state of human relationships in this new century. Works can be provocative, gentle, fierce or transformational, anything that addresses an evolving understanding of the world in all its complexities. The theatre also encourages submissions that think outside the traditional forms of theatre presentation.
What is the deadline for submission?
Aurora Theatre Company is accepting scripts between May 22, 2009, and August 1, 2009.
What are the preferred characteristics of submissions?
Scripts can be any length but must be unproduced. All styles are welcome. Subject matter is expected to pertain to an aspect of the future state of the global community.
How do I submit a script?
Who reviews my submission?
The Artistic Staff works in conjunction with the Director’s Council to select material for the staged readings. The Director’s Council is comprised of veteran career directors as well as innovative emerging directors in the Bay Area. These directors will ultimately stage the readings.
Is there an Application Fee?
There is a $20 submission fee, put toward the costs associated with the selection process. Previous festival participants and honorable mentions are exempt from the submission fee. If the submission fee poses a severe financial hardship, please email the contest to discuss.
When will I know if my script is selected?
Aurora Theatre Company’s artistic staff hopes to contact all playwrights regarding the status of their submissions by Spring 2010.
Is there an award or remuneration?
The six plays selected for inclusion into The GAP will receive staged readings at Aurora Theatre Company during a two to three week festival produced in the spring of 2010. Invited playwrights will receive a $1,000 award to be presented at the festival with an opportunity to be commissioned for production the following season. Playwrights from outside the Bay Area will receive complimentary travel to the Bay Area and housing while participating in the festival.
