(UNION, NJ) – Premiere Stages, the professional theatre at Kean University, is gearing up for its annual Premiere Play Festival. Starting September 1 and running until November 1, 2025, this competition invites playwrights from New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Delaware to share their unproduced scripts.
Past winners include notable playwrights like Dominique Morisseau and Tammy Ryan. “We can’t wait to see what new talent submits their plays this year,” said Nick Gandiello, managing director of Premiere Stages.
All submissions will be accepted electronically via Submittable, making it easier for writers to enter. No entry fee is required, and complete guidelines are available on the festival’s webpage.
Finalists will be chosen in Spring 2026, with winners announced in Fall 2026. The top playwright will earn a $4,000 advance and a full Equity production scheduled for July or September 2027. Another finalist will receive $1,500 for a staged reading, while the rest will get $1,000 each. Last year, Premiere received 805 submissions, highlighting the growing interest in the festival.
Beyond providing financial support, Premiere Stages creates a nurturing environment for playwrights. They have successfully developed over 90 plays since the festival began two decades ago, receiving recognition from the American Theatre Critics Association. Several finalists have gone on to produce their works across the country and internationally.
This year, a professional panel will review all entries alongside Premiere’s artistic staff. Notably, they now accept full manuscripts for unsolicited submissions, allowing more playwrights to showcase their talent. They are committed to inclusivity, reflecting diverse backgrounds and experiences in their programming.
Premiere Stages operates with backing from various organizations and individual supporters. Their partnership with Kean University enhances both educational and professional development opportunities in the arts. For more arts programming across New Jersey, check out JerseyArts.com.
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