Uptown Players announces playwrighting contest to coincide with Pride Fest

Over its 15 years, Uptown Players has grown from producing a four-show season to as many as six shows, a popular fundraiser-revue, co-productions with the Turtle Creek Chorale, bonus productions in the Rose Room and even starting the Dallas Pride Performing Arts Festival around Dallas Pride in September. Well, they are expanding their mission once again — this time, into writing.
Co-founders Jeff Rane and Craig Lynch are seeking submissions for a one-act playwrighting contest, to coincide with the Pride Fest in the fall. Each submission needs to contain characters and/or issues that address LGBT issues, or contain a “gay sensibility.” But you don’t have to be gay to submit, or to win. There will be two winners, both of whom will have their plays produced and receive a cash prize.
Here are the deets: You must be at least 18 and be a resident of North Texas. The work must be original, unpublished and unproduced, although works that have had not-for-profit staged readings are permissible. It must run at least 30 minutes but no more than 75. Submissions must be made in PDF format in script form, and a 12-point type-face. A non-refundable fee of $20 must accompany the submission. The dates to submit are April 23 (Shakespeare’s birthday) through May 2, so there’s not much time! Finalists for the next round will be advised by July 1. You can get full rules at UptownPlayers.org. Email your submission to 2016PrideWrite@gmail.com.
The competition is in honor of the late Perry Thompson, a longtime supporter of UP and volunteer; and is made possible by the Greg Grosh Charitable Fund. Good luck!