PENUMBRA THEATRE is not accepting play submissions. We are, however, accepting applications to participate in our PLAY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM. To apply for this program, an artist must fill out a form and submit the required materials.

Before submitting the requisite items, please read this document fully and follow the instructions.

PENUMBRA THEATRE creates professional productions that are artistically excellent, thought provoking, relevant and illuminate the human condition through the prism of the African-American experience.

PENUMBRA’S goals are:

• To increase public awareness of the significant contributions of African-Americans in creating a diversified theatrical tradition.
• To encourage and facilitate a culturally diverse and all-inclusive America by using theatre to teach, criticize, comment and model.
• To use theatre to create an American mythology that includes African-Americans and other peoples of color in every thread of the fabric of our society.
• To continue to maintain and stabilize a black performing arts community.

With these goals in mind, we ask all playwrights to submit a letter of intent not to exceed 500 words, a ten-page sample from the play, and a resume. This letter should address how s/he views her/his work in a continuum of an African-American aesthetic. All of these items must be included in the application to be considered for the program.

For the year 2007-2008 development process, we would like the playwright to focus on the following: how the play (that s/he would like to submit) mirrors one of the following African-American Aesthetic Musical Models, and why?

• Freedom of the Spirit – Spirituals
• Freedom of the Body – Blues
• Freedom of the Mind and Creative Imagination – Jazz
• Deliverance of the Soul - Gospel
• Celebration of Kinship – Rhythm and Blues
• Celebration of Self – Rapping

The Letter of Intent should use this question as a jumping off point to reflect briefly on the submitted text and how it may further illuminate or contextualize the work.

How To Apply
Submit an application packet including:

1. Application cover page (download)
   
2. Letter of intent (no more than 500 words)
3. Resume
4. 10-page sample of the play. This sample need not be from the beginning of the play or all one scene.
5. Stamped, self-addressed post card if you want to receive acknowledgement of receipt

Your application should include ONLY the above materials and be mailed to:

Dominic Taylor, Associate Artistic Director
Penumbra Theatre Company
New Play Development
270 North Kent St.
St. Paul, MN 55102

Applicants may be contacted and asked to supply completed scripts of other plays they have written, references, or other materials or information.

Any Questions – Please email or call 651-288-6795.