The late August Wilson had been supportive of Congo Square Theatre Company since its inception as a donor, audience member and founding Advisory Board member. Prior to his passing on Sunday, October 2, 2005, August Wilson requested that anyone choosing to make a donation in his name give funds to one of four organizations. Congo Square Theatre Company is the only theater company chosen for this honor. Congo Square established The August Wilson New Play Initiative to continue to give talented new playwrights like Chadwick Boseman (Deep Azure), Javon Johnson (The House That Jack Built), and Lydia Diamond (Stick Fly) a production forum for their work. Through open readings, development workshops, commissions and full productions, Congo Square works to develop the next generation of great writers. Please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to The August Wilson New Play Initiative.
August Wilson New Play Initiative Congo Square Theatre Company Submission Guidelines
Congo Square Theatre Company is an ensemble dedicated to producing definitive and transformative theatre spawned from the African Diaspora, as well as from other world cultures. Congo Square Theatre Company seeks to establish itself as an institution of multicultural theatre.
We are interested in full-length plays, translations, adaptations, musicals and performance art. We will consider productions of previously produced plays.
We do not consider unsolicited scripts for consideration for our seasons. Plays maybe submitted through a literary agent or accompanied by a letter of recommendation from a theater professional (i.e. an artistic director or literary manager at a professional theater). If neither apply write a letter of inquiry including a brief synopsis, cast list, relevant production history and 10-15 pages of sample dialogue. The company may then request a complete script.
Send submissions to:
Congo Square Theatre Company / Attn: Daniel Bryant / 2936 N. Southport / Chicago, IL 60657
Please send all submissions June 1 – August 1.
No email or fax submissions accepted. Please include a SASE if you would like your materials returned. We accept submissions year-round.