The Prize
The winning play will receive a full-scale production for one weekend at the Elks Historic Theatre during the 2026 season.
Support includes:
• Marketing and publicity
• Ticketing Services
• Technical and front-of-house staff
• Production budget (amount TBD)
• 60% of door sales
By submitting, playwrights agree to grant the Elks Historic Theatre and affiliated producers permission to present excerpts and, if selected, stage the full play. All rights remain with the playwright beyond the contest and production. The organizers reserve the right to make changes to the schedule or rules as needed.
Rules & Guidelines
Overview
Submit your original play and showcase an 8-10 minute excerpt live on stage! The audience will score each play they see, and the winning play will receive a weekend production at the historic Elks Theatre.
Submission Guidelines
Eligibility
• Open to playwrights age 18 and older.
• Submissions must be original, unpublished, and unproduced full-length or one-act plays.
• Only one submission per playwright.
Play Requirements
• Play must be suitable for a full production
(60–120 minutes).
• Cast limit: No more than 8 characters.
• Simple staging preferred (minimal set changes, limited technical requirements).
• Content should be appropriate for a general audience (PG-13 max).
Excerpt Requirement
• Along with the full script, playwrights must designate and submit an 8-10 minute excerpt for the live presentation.
• The excerpt should stand on its own dramatically and introduce the story’s tone, characters, and stakes.
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Deadline
All submissions must be received by
February 1, 2026
Submit in person or mail:
Elks Theatre & Performing Arts Center
Attn: Playwrighting Contest
117 E. Gurley St.
Prescott, AZ 86305
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Selection & Presentation
Finalists Selection
• A panel will review submissions and select up to 12 finalist plays based on originality, theatricality, and viability for production.
• Finalists will be announced by February 28, 2026.
Excerpt Performances
• Finalists will present an 8-10-minute staged excerpt at the Elks Historic Theatre Showcase Night on either May 8 th or May 9 th in the Crystal Hall, Elks Performing Arts Center. Excerpts should stand alone with actors, no sets or specific lighting or sound requirements.
• Playwrights are responsible for casting, directing, and rehearsing their own excerpts.
Audience Voting
• Attendees will vote by scoring immediately following all performances.
• The play with the highest audience score
will be declared the winner.
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Questions? Contact:
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Lizabeth Rogers
Elks Performing Arts Center
(928) 756-2844
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