Yale Drama Series Playwriting Competition

The Yale Drama Series is now accepting submissions for its 2026 playwriting competition. This prestigious competition is an opportunity for emerging playwrights to showcase their talent and gain recognition.

📖 About the Yale Drama Series Playwriting Competition

The Yale Drama Series is an annual competition aimed at supporting emerging playwrights. The winning play will be selected by the series’ current judge, Branden Jacobs-Jenkins. The prize and publication are contingent on the playwright’s agreement to the terms of the publishing agreement.

Opportunity Details

• Date Published: July 4, 2025
• Application Deadline: August 15, 2025
• Category: Contest
• Location: United States

💰 Benefits of the Competition

Winners of the Yale Drama Series Playwriting Competition will receive:

• David Charles Horn Prize of $10,000.
• Publication of their manuscript by Yale University Press.
• A staged reading at the Schwarzman Center at Yale University.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To participate in the competition, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Submissions must be original, unpublished full-length plays (minimum of 65 pages). Plays with fewer than 65 pages will not be considered.
• Only English-language plays are accepted. Submissions are open worldwide.
• Translations, adaptations, musicals, and children’s plays are not eligible.
• Playwrights may submit only one manuscript per year, and only manuscripts authored by one playwright are eligible.
• Plays that have been professionally produced or published are not eligible. However, plays that have had a workshop, reading, or non-professional production, or that have been published as an actor’s edition, will be considered.
• Plays must not be under option, commissioned, or scheduled for professional production or publication at the time of submission.
• Manuscripts must be typed/word-processed and page-numbered. Plays with images are not accepted.
• The Yale Drama Series reserves the right to reject any manuscript or determine the ineligibility of a winner.

📝 Application Process

Hardcopy Submissions

While electronic submissions are strongly encouraged, hardcopy submissions are accepted under the following conditions:

• The manuscript must include:
  • A title page with the play’s title, your name, address, telephone number, email address, and page count.
  • A second title page listing only the play’s title, a 2-3 sentence keynote description, a list of characters, and a list of acts and scenes.
  • A brief biography at the end of the manuscript on a separate page.
• Do not bind or staple the manuscript.
• Important: Do not send the only copy of your work. Manuscripts cannot be returned. If you wish to receive acknowledgment of receipt, include an email address on the title page or a stamped, self-addressed postcard.

Send hardcopy submissions to:
Yale Drama Series
P.O. Box 209040, New Haven, CT 06520-9040.

Electronic Submissions

Electronic submissions are highly encouraged. Benefits include immediate confirmation of submission and the ability to check the status of your entry.

• Omit your name and contact information from the manuscript and submission file name.
• The manuscript must include:
  • A title page with the play’s title.
  • A 2-3 sentence keynote description of the play.
  • A list of characters.
  • A list of acts and scenes.
• Enter your name, contact information (address, phone number, and email), and a brief biography in the electronic submission form.

Submit your play electronically via the submission portal.

📅 Application Deadline

The deadline for submissions is August 15, 2025.

🌐 Additional Information

For detailed rules and submission guidelines, visit the Yale Drama Series Rules and Submission Guidelines.

Apply for the competition via the submission portal.

This is a fantastic opportunity for playwrights to gain recognition and support for their work. Don’t miss the chance to participate in this prestigious competition!

• The winner of this annual competition will be awarded the David Charles Horn Prize of $10,000
• Publication of their manuscript by Yale University Press
• A staged reading at the Schwarzman Center at Yale University.