WHY PARTICIPATE?
PERFORM OFF-BROADWAY
Present your work in the heart of NYC’s Theater District, in a professional venue with box office services, basic technical support, and festival-wide marketing.
OWN YOUR WORK
There’s no participation fee and no complicated contracts. You retain all rights to your material and share equally in box office receipts (50/50 split).
AUDIENCE FEEDBACK
Hear how your work lands with live audiences across three performances — a crucial step in the development process that’s often out of reach for many artists.
VISIBILITY & CREDIBILITY
Participation in a respected Off-Broadway venue adds meaningful weight to your show’s future prospects, whether for grants, residencies, or future productions.
HOW IT WORKS
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We will choose 5 shows to participate in our FALL INCUBATOR FESTIVAL. The shows chosen will be given three two-hour performance slots at the 199 seats Jerry Orbach Theater during the day on weekdays. The performances can be in any format that you choose.
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If the performers are members of Actor's Equity, only a 29-Hour Reading can be done in the venue as part of the FALL INCUBATOR FESTIVAL No admission may be charged and no donations may be solicited in connection to the readings. The readings may not use sets, props, wigs, make-up or costumes. The readings may not be advertised to the public or reviewed by critics. No recordings of any kind are allowed.
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If the performers are not AEA members, the performance slots can be utilized for a reading or workshop or semi-staged production.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
Who Can Apply
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Open to writers and creators of plays and musicals
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Must be able to produce your show in NYC (no travel or housing provided)
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Cast size: no more than 9
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Running time: 100 minutes max
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Plays and musicals not submitted in standard play format will not be considered
What’s Provided
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3 hours of tech time on stage
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Basic lighting and sound package
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Your show must supply its own stage manager and production team
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No rehearsal space provided
Marketing / PR
The Theater Center will promote the festival as a whole.
Productions are responsible for their own audience-building and marketing.
Submission Materials Required
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Full script
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At least 3 demo recordings (if musical)
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Synopsis
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Production history (if applicable)
Submission Process
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Submit via Google Form here
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Deadline to submit: August 15, 2025
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We will reach out on August 25, 2025 if your show has been selected
Selection Criteria
Submissions will be reviewed by The Theater Center team, with consideration given to:
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Originality and voice
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Commercial feasibility
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Cast size and length
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Stageability
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Diversity of voices and perspectives
Limit: 1 submission per artist/company.