fbpx BECOME PART OF THE ETC FAMILY - RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP OR JOIN NOW!

About the ETC/Kaplan playwright competition

we have our finalists!

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR SIX FINALISTS LISTED BELOW.

A final draft their plays is due by Aug 3rd. The final panel of judges will read and rank the submissions by mid-September and the winner will be announced. 

The winner will receive a $1000 cash prize. Second place prize will be $500, and third place $250. 

Questions can be directed to Christine Ernst, Kaplan Playwrights Competition Administrator, at [email protected].

The Jeremiah Kaplan Playwriting Competition was founded in 2006 by the Eventide Theatre Company, a Cape Cod non-profit theater organization, to encourage original works by local playwrights. The competition awards a $1000 first place, $500 second place and $250 third place cash prize.  The winning unproduced, full-length play, must have a specific focus on Cape Cod and the Islands, requiring a direct connection to the area for submissions. The process includes blind readings of submissions, selection of finalists, public table reads for feedback and revision, and a final judgment by theater professionals.  

Key Aspects

  • Purpose 

The competition aims to showcase and develop new, original, full-length plays written by playwrights connected to the Cape Cod and the Islands region. 

  • Founder 

The competition is a creation of the Eventide Theatre Company, a non-profit theater company based in Dennis, MA, that produces stimulating theater and supports local artists in collaboration with the Kaplan Foundation. 

  • Eligibility 

Submissions are open to full-length plays (including musicals with song recordings) that have not been previously produced. 

  • Cape Cod Connection 

Submissions must have a direct connection to Cape Cod and the Islands, which can include the author’s residency, a play set on the Cape, or major characters with such a connection. 

Process

  • Submission: Playwrights submit their original, full-length manuscripts. 
  • Adjudication: Submitted plays receive blind readings by professional theater personnel. 
  • Finalists: A limited number of finalists are selected. 
  • Table Reads: Finalists are invited to hold public table reads of their plays to get feedback from the community and make revisions. 
  • Winner: A winner is selected by judges, receiving a cash prize and recognition. 

The Blythe Spirit was so amazing! The acting was superb, and I just loved the comedy that each character contributed! to. I especially enjoyed the Medium who had me laughing uncontrollably! Although, the entire cast really made this a hit! It was a truly excellent performance that I highly recommend!

Carol W.

Supported By

Cape Cod 5
The Cape Cod Foundation

Eventide Theatre Company is a 501(c)3 independent theatre located in the heart of Dennis Village.  At Eventide Theatre Company, our mission is to inspire, engage, and enrich our community through the transformative power of live theater. We are dedicated to providing a welcoming and inclusive space where diverse voices and stories can be shared and celebrated. We believe in the power of the arts to connect people, ignite conversations, and build a vibrant, culturally rich community for all. Annually Eventide hosts the Kaplan Playwriting/New Plays competition.

Memberships

Dennis Chamber of Commerce
Yarmouth Chamber of Commerce
Cape Cod Young Professionals