You have a play. We have a stage.

Driftless Area playwrights are invited to share their works-in-progress for a staged reading and talkback at our intimate outdoor amphitheater Alley Stage. We’re looking forward to the third year of this series that provides playwrights and their works in development an opportunity to be performed with a cast, for an audience. For the performance, Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts provides a venue (with rain space) and post-performance reception.

Readings will take place June 24, July 29, and September 16.

Instructions to submit:
Playwrights who are current residents of the Driftless Area of Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin are invited to submit an original full-length play (60-page minimum, no musicals) that has not been produced. Scripts considered will be limited to four actors (playing as many characters as you wish!). If selected, playwrights will receive a stipend and a free one-night stay in our charming accommodations.

For priority consideration, submissions are due January 30, 2023. As one of the performance dates coincides with the celebration of Pride, we are interested in reading plays that celebrate LGBTQIA+ stories and voices for the June performance date, although that is not a requirement.

• Complete the online application here telling us about yourself, your play, and your preferred reading date(s).
• Email a PDF of the script in standard stage play format to submissions@shakeragalley.org
  • In the subject line, please note: 2023 Alley Stage Readings Submission. Hard copies of scripts will not be accepted.
  • Please label the PDF using your first and last name as well as the title, e.g., marysmithplaytitle.pdf

What to expect if your play is accepted:

• Plays will be selected and playwrights notified in March.
• One month before the reading date, playwrights will submit the working script.
• Within two weeks of the reading, a rehearsal will occur via Zoom or in person at a location in agreement with the author and cast.
• Readings will start at 4 pm with talkbacks following the readings; the afternoon will conclude with a public reception on the patio outside Shake Rag Alley’s Art Cafe.

For more information please contact Director of Education Christina Kubasta at ckubasta@shakeragalley.org or (608) 987-3292.