PLAYS FOR THE PANDEMIC - SCRIPT ENTRIES

Script writing competition for 10 minute film and theatre scripts

Tell any story you want to tell, but let it be inspired by the current situation. The only rule - 10 minutes or less. The rest is up to your imagination.

We are looking for scripts that inspire, challenge, provoke, question or dream. Scripts that give us courage to face up to the reality of our new world or provide answers to the questions all of us are now asking. As Samuel Beckett once wrote: “You must go on. I can't go on. I'll go on.”

First name *

Surname *

E-Mail *

Backup email

State *

Country *

Telephone/mobile *

including country/area codes

Script title *

Play or Film *

Film

Play

One line synopsis of your script *

Terms and Conditions *

I have read the Terms and Conditions below and agree to them

Terms and Conditions *

1.	The competition is not open to employees of Short+Sweet or their family members.
2.	The writer retains all copyright of their submitted work, but gives permission to Short+Sweet to produce the work at their worldwide Theatre and Film Festivals.
3.	All scripts – film or theatre – must have a running time of ten minutes or less. Scripts that are over ten minutes in running time will not be considered.
4.	All scripts must be submitted BLIND – the writer’s name MUST NOT APPEAR ANYWHERE on the script, title pages or document filename. Scripts are assessed anonymously to ensure the highest standards of fairness and objectivity.
5.	Plays may be submitted in the any of the following languages: English, Spanish, Mandarin, Arabic, Tagalog, Hebrew, Bahasa, Tamil, Hindi.
6.	The competition is open to writers of all levels and all ages.
7.	There is no limit to cast size, genre, style or themes.
8.	Writers may enter as many scripts as they like and may enter both the film and theatre categories.
9.	Scripts can be written in any style or genre.
10.	There is an entry fee of AUD$15 (approx. US$10) per script which goes to the administration costs of running the competition, the budget for producing the winning scripts and funding the cash prize.
11.	If you are not the writer/creator (or sole writer/creator) of the idea, story, script, theatre work or any material used in the creation of the theatre work it is your responsibility to gain permission from all other contributors to present the work at Short+Sweet - and to fulfil all conditions set by those writers, originators or contributors to present the work at Short+Sweet.
12.	If my script is selected, I give Short+Sweet the right to film/record/photograph it for marketing and publicity purposes. This also includes archival, marketing or publicity purposes in an unpaid public forum such as YouTube.
13.	Although Short+Sweet aims to honour the writer/creator's intentions in staging their script, I understand that in order to have my script produced at Short+Sweet my script may need to be altered by the actors and director producing my script, due to staging restrictions or the work running over 10 minutes. Short+Sweet Directors are instructed that any additions, omissions, or alterations in the manuscript of the play must be made with the written consent of the writer. 
14.	PDF, doc and docx are the preferred file formats.
15.	Scripts do not have to be new scripts or written specifically for Plays for the Pandemic. They may be existing works by the writer that the writer feels are relevant to the competition’s aims and objectives or may be adaptations of the writers previous works. Scripts may also have been previously produced or filmed.
16. Scripts will be judged on the following criteria - story or situation, character, dialogue (if your script has dialogue), theatricality (play) or visual power (film) and finally how they respond to or address the global tragedy of Covid-19.

Privacy Statement
The personal information that you provided on your Plays for the Pandemic entry and your script will only be used by Short+Sweet. Your personal information may be used to communicate with you about Plays for the Pandemic and other Short+Sweet related activities. You can opt out of these communications at any time by responding to any emails received with "Unsubscribe" in the subject line or the body of an email.

Name and contact details *

My name or contact details are not included anywhere on the script

Confirm that your name and/or contact details are not present anywhere on your script. If you submit with your name and/or contact details, your submission will be disqualified and you will not receive a refund.

Language of script *

If you wish to enter a script in a language not mentioned above, first please email the Literary Manager of Short+Sweet International Alex Broun on alexbrouninla@gmail.com

Upload File *

Files must be less than 5 MB.
Allowed file types: rtf pdf doc docx.

Plays for the Pandemic

Script writing competition for 10 minute film and theatre scripts

Incredible prizes to be won

Tell any story you want to tell, but let it be inspired by the current situation. The only rule - 10 minutes or less. The rest is up to your imagination.

We are looking for scripts that inspire, challenge, provoke, question or dream. Scripts that give us courage to face up to the reality of our new world or provide answers to the questions all of us are now asking. As Samuel Beckett once wrote: “You must go on. I can't go on. I'll go on.”

The scripts will be judged on the elements we consider crucial at Short+Sweet - story or situation, character, dialogue (if your script has dialogue), theatricality or visual power and finally how they respond to or address the global tragedy of Covid-19.

BEST PLAY SCRIPT WINS US$500 PLUS Performances (guaranteed) at S+S Festivals around the world incl. Hollywood, Sydney, Dubai, Chennai and Manila.

BEST FILM SCRIPT WINS US$500 PLUS S+S will produce the winning script to premiere at the S+S Hollywood Film Festival.

Submissions accepted in English, Spanish, Mandarin, Arabic, Tagalog, Hebrew, Bahasa, Tamil and Hindi.

DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES: July 20, 2020

To ENTER your script click HERE

More info or questions please contact S+S Literary Manager: alex@shortandsweet.org

ABOUT PLAYS FOR THE PANDEMIC

+ Short+Sweet is the world’s biggest presenter of short form theatre, dance, music and film with annual festivals in over a dozen countries including USA, Australia, Malaysia, India and the UK since 2002.

+ Scripts will be assessed through our blind assessment process with the top ten scripts in both film and theatre being read by an international panel of leading figures in the film and theatre world to decide the winners.

+ Shortlists will be published for both theatre and film scripts before the final announcement of the overall winners.

Short+Sweet Theatre Dublin 2020

2020 Performance VIRTUAL Dates

Tuesday October 13th - Saturday October 17th

We are going ahead but in a new and innovative way. Be ready for a week of talks, interviews, panel sessions, workshops and live Q&As.

We are really looking forward to connecting (really really)

Keen to be involved?

We are still welcoming speakers to our week long series of virtual events.

If you would like to be involved please email us at karolineosullivan@shortandsweet.org

Short+Sweet Theatre Essex 2020

The biggest little play festival in the world is now coming to the UK and the first ever Short+Sweet theatre festival will be held in Essex in October 2020. Short+Sweet will showcase a variety of 10-minute plays to delight your tastebuds, with talented actors, writers and directors showcasing their skills and bringing you a wonderful season of short theatre.

Our vision is simple – a more creative world 10 minutes at a time!

GET INVOLVED

We are inviting all writers to create a 10-minute script, all directors to direct a 10-minute play and of course, all actors to perform in our 10-minute play festival. Independent theatre companies are also invited to enter. Short+Sweet is a global festival brand, presenting highly successful theatre and film festivals around the world at no cost to the participants. It is a unique opportunity for emerging, developing and established artists to increase their skills of creation and performance.

To register, please click on the following:

Directors : https://form.jotform.com/201024196042038

Actors : https://form.jotform.com/201023826535044

ITC’s: https://form.jotform.com/201024759807052

Writers: https://form.jotform.com/200942788958069

The Short+Sweet festival is a wonderful tool for writers, directors and actors who want to share their voice and talent in a professional environment and venue. Its goal is to become a powerful tool for diversity in the entertainment industry, as well as providing a way to discover new or established local talent by engaging more people in the live theatre experience. 

We are now inviting all writers to submit a script, whether you are established or first-time, it is open to anyone who wants to have a go. There are no limits to the creativity or content of your scripts, only that it can be performed in 10 minutes or under.

If you have a passion for the theatre and would like to be a part of a great team we have roles waiting for you behind the scenes in production, props,  front of house, sponsorship and more! We also have some amazing opportunities for partnership and sponsorship. So, if you and your organisation would like to get involved then please let us know - we'd love to hear from you!

Director Registration for Short+Sweet Hollywood 2020

Thank you for your interest in directing for Short+Sweet Hollywood 2020!

We welcome directors from all walks of life, from professional directors to enthusiastic first timers. Everyone will be given consideration. You'll be asked to submit a cv or any relevant information to us and your choice of program - Open English Language Theatre, LatinX Theatre or LGBTQ+ Theatre.

Name *

Surname *

Phone *

please provide your mobile number

E-Mail *

Are you under 18? *

Yes

No

We need to know this to ensure compliance with the Working With Vulnerable People (background checking) Act 2011.

Have you directed for stage or screen in the past? *

Yes

No

Have you directed for Short+Sweet festivals in the past? *

Yes

No

Have you participated in Short+Sweet festivals in other ways in the past? *

Yes

No

Experience

This field is not compulsory: you may either add a description of your acting experience and interests, or upload your curriculum vitae below.

Curriculum Vitae

You may either upload your curriculum vitae, or add a description of your acting experience above.
Files must be less than 2 MB.
Allowed file types: txt rtf pdf doc docx.

Are you interested in directing a play in our Open English Language Program?

Yes

Are you interested in directing a play in our LGTBQ+ Program?

Yes

Are you interested in directing a play in our LatinX Program

Yes

LATINX SCRIPT ENTRIES - SHORT+SWEET THEATRE 2020

Script entries received from now will be considered for the following upcoming Short+Sweet festivals:

Hollywood 2020

If you would like to join the mailing list for Short+Sweet writers, please email alexbrouninla@gmail.com with "Writer subscribe" in the subject line.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

First name *

Surname *

E-Mail *

Backup email

Postal Address *

Suburb *

State *

Postcode *

Country *

Telephone/mobile *

including country/area codes

Is this the first time that you have submitted a play for Short+Sweet? *

YES

NO

Has the play you're submitting been performed? If so, in which cities? *

Play title *

Cast size *

Please list number of male and female actors required for your script as well as any roles that can be played by either male or female e.g: Cast 5 (m2, f1, e2)

One line synopsis for your play *

Terms and Conditions *

I have read the Terms and Conditions below and agree to them

Terms and Conditions *

Scripts and ITC Submissions
By entering your script to Short+Sweet you are agreeing to the following:

NB: "Script" referred to here covers all classifications of submitted work; be it musical composition, choreographic dance work, play script or otherwise devised piece submitted for the purpose of performance within Short+Sweet. 

1.     The running time of my script is 10 minutes or less. (Scripts clearly longer than 10 minutes will not be considered and any entry fees paid are forfeited.)
2.     As the writer/creator of the script I hereby give permission for the organisers to present the work at any of the Short+Sweet festivals it is eligible for. If I am not the writer/creator (or sole writer/creator) of the idea, story, script, theatre work or any material used in the creation of the theatre work it is my responsibility to gain permission from all other contributors to present the work at Short+Sweet - and to fulfil all conditions set by those writers, originators or contributors to present the work at Short+Sweet.
3.     Should my script be selected for Short+Sweet I understand I will receive no royalties for those performances but will be eligible for prizes and professional development opportunities.
4.     If my script is selected, I give Short+Sweet the right to film/record/photograph it for marketing and publicity purposes. This also includes archival, marketing or publicity purposes in an unpaid public forum such as YouTube.
5.     Although Short+Sweet aims to honour the writer/creator's intentions in staging their script, I understand that in order to have my script produced at Short+Sweet my script may need to be altered by the actors and director producing my script, due to staging restrictions or the work running over 10 minutes. Short+Sweet Directors are instructed that any additions, omissions, or alterations in the manuscript of the play must be made with the written consent of the writer.
6.     Scripts are assessed anonymously to ensure the highest standards of fairness and objectivity. In order for writers to remain anonymous to assessors they must NOT put their name anywhere on the script(s) they are submitting, including in the document's filename. 
7.     PDF, doc and docx are the preferred file formats.
8.     Scripts which have been performed in the host city of any of our festivals are not eligible for production in that city. For example, if your play has been performed in Sydney and Sydney only, it cannot be performed in Short+Sweet Sydney but is still eligible for all of our other festivals.
9.     If Short+Sweet, for any reason, believes the above criteria has not been met then my play will be withdrawn from Short+Sweet and the entry fee forfeited.

Privacy Statement
The personal information that you provided on your Short+Sweet entry and your script will only be used by Short+Sweet. Your personal information may be used to communicate with you about Short+Sweet and other Short+Sweet related activities. You can opt out of these communications at any time by responding to any emails received with "Unsubscribe" in the subject line or the body of an email.

Name and contact details *

My name or contact details are not included anywhere on the script

Confirm that your name and/or contact details are not present anywhere on your script. If you submit with your name and/or contact details, your submission will be disqualified and you will not receive a refund.

Language of script *

If you wish to enter a script in a language not mentioned above, first please email the Literary Manager of Short+Sweet International Alex Broun on alexbrouninla@gmail.com

Upload File *

Files must be less than 5 MB.
Allowed file types: rtf pdf doc docx.

Short+Sweet Theatre Hollywood 2020 - CANCELLED

*In response to current bans on public gatherings due to the recent spike in COVID19 cases in Los Angeles County:

Short+Sweet is the 'biggest little festival in the world'. Showcasing short form theatre, film, dance and more, versions of the festival are presented in 35 cities in 10 countries around the world.

Short+Sweet Hollywood celebrated its most successful festival in its 4 years in Los Angeles in 2019, showcasing open English language entries from as far as Dubai and Australia; Latinx entries from across the U.S, Mexico, Spain, Venezuela and Colombia; and the addition of an LGBTQ+ program, as well as Dance and Film.

2020 was set to deliver an even more diverse and exciting program. Unfortunately, that won't be the case as Festival Director Nick Hardcastle announced the cancellation of the Festival.

"It is with great regret that we have had to cancel Short+Sweet 2020. While we have vigorously tried to innovate over the last 4 months to ensure that we could welcome you all back to the festival this year, recent spikes in Covid-19 cases in California and the responsive measures taken have forced us to concede that bringing our community of artists and audiences into the theatre simply won't be possible this year. However, we will be bringing you some special online events to keep you all connected with our partners at NBC, Argentum studios and our literary team here at Short+Sweet."

Jandiz Estrada Cordoso, Senior Director of Talent Development Inclusion and Grace Moss, Director of Talent Development & Inclusion for NBC Entertainment will be sharing a 'fireside chat' with Hardcastle on September 10; and Short+Sweet International Literary Manager Alex Broun, also the most performed short play writer in the world, will be giving a free lab in writing your ten minute play - A perfect opportunity to take advantage of the extra time you now have to submit for next year. All plays submitted for 2020 will still be considered for the next festival and all future festivals around the world as programs go into production again in various places that are safe to do so. Short+Sweet Sydney resumes on September 14.

Short+Sweet Film Festival will also not go ahead as planned, but all films submitted will be eligible for consideration when the festival returns next year. Open auditions for actors were to take place this weekend, July 25 and 26 at the Lee Strasberg Institute for the open English language, Latinx and LGBTQ+ programs. These are also cancelled.

"I want to personally thank everyone on our Diversity and Inclusion programming team, our writers, actors and directors as well as our partners at NBC, Argentum Studios, Global Talent Immigration and Final Draft. The West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and the team at the Lee Strasberg Institute have been incredibly accommodating as we have tried to navigate this unprecedented time and we are certainly looking forward to delivering an incredible festival from the Institute when we return in 2021. We appreciate this has been a very difficult time for so many of us and we look forward to welcoming our community and new friends to our online experiences in September."

To keep updated on the online program for Short+Sweet and for the latest news on the 2021 festival, visit shortandsweet.org/festivals/shortsweet-theatre-hollywood-2020.

Welcome to Short+Sweet Hollywood 2020!

Short+Sweet - the biggest little festival in the world, returns to the Marilyn Monroe Theatre at the Lee Strasberg Institute in West Hollywood, from September 3 - October 19, 2020!

This year's categories are Open English language Theatre, LatinX Theatre, LGBTQ+ Dance and Film! Please join us for regular events in the Actor's lounge, like and follow us on social media and stay tuned to this page for more announcements. In the meantime, submissions are open for English Language plays here, for our LatinX program here and you can submit your script or proposal for your LGBTQ+ short work here. You can find out more about the Short+Sweet Film Festival by visiting our film festival page here!

SUBMISSIONS FOR PLAYS / LIVE THEATRICAL WORKS CLOSE ON JUNE 30 *please note that all dates are subject to change

ATTENTION DIRECTORS!
Registrations for Short+Sweet festivals are open every year to returning, established and first-time directors. Short+Sweet is the perfect opportunity for actors, writers or anyone to try directing for the first time. Directors are able to choose from all shortlisted scripts for their local festival, and are encouraged to communicate with their Writers throughout the process.

To apply to direct a play for Short+Sweet Hollywood, please register here. Successful directors will be notified by July 1 and will be sent plays from our shortlist. They must then return to us with their top three preferences by no later than July 24. The highest preference will be allocated wherever possible.

Directors cannot act in their own play unless they enter the production as an ITC (Independent Theatre Company) which is where the play, Director and cast are all already attached and submit directly to the Festival Director. Places for ITC's are limited in the festival. Directors are allowed to direct a maximum of one play in Short+Sweet, unless otherwise granted permission by the Festival Director.

ATTENTION ACTORS

Actors wishing to audition can prepare a 2 minute monologue and attend our open auditions at the Lee Strasburg Institute Saturday July 25 for Spanish speaking actors and Sunday July 26 for English speaking actors from 10am to 6pm. You can register here - and more information is in the news tab below.

On behalf of my artistic team, we look forward to welcoming writers, directors and performers to share their talents with us, as well as our audience, to experience these stories and a festival like no other!

Hooray for Hollywood!

Nick Hardcastle.

Festival Director

Short+Sweet Hollywood

nick.hardcastle@shortandsweet.org

Short+Sweet Theatre Sharjah 2020

The first ever SHORT+SWEET SHARJAH was held at the Masrah Theatre - Al Qasba from Jan 17 to Feb 1, 2020 as part of the inaugural Sharjah Fringe.

Congratulations to the winners of the first ever Gala Final of SHORT+SWEET SHARJAH and thanks to Mr Brian Wilkie MBE for presenting the awards. Here are the winners:

BEST INDEPENDENT THEATRE COMPANY: Art Box Group

BEST NEWCOMER: Yahya Abou Zeid

BEST ACTOR: Sunil Jasuja (Dedh Inch Upar)

BEST ACTOR RUNNER-UP: Ahmed Abdul Hadi (I want to sleep & Spirits)

BEST ACTRESS: Sherry Dang Briet (Between us Mother & Daughter)

BEST ACTRESS RUNNER-UP: Mona Al Mohamady (I want to sleep)

BEST DIRECTOR: Tareq Abou Zeid (Spirits)

BEST WRITER: Purva Grover (Between us Mother & Daughter)

PEOPLE’S CHOICE WINNER: Dedh Inch Upar presented by Theatrewallas UAE

BEST OVERALL PRODUCTION: Between us Mother & Daughter

Thanks to the Sharjah Fringe for hosting the Festival and all our wonderful writers, directors, actors and Independent Theatre Companies who made the first ever Short+Sweet Sharjah such a wonderful event. We’ll see you again in 2021!!!

The full line up for SHORT+SWEET SHARJAH 2020 was as follows:

Friday 17 Jan @ 16:30

A Doll's House (Presented by Art Box Group)

Cry for Me

Kite

To Be or Not To Be

Friday 17 Jan @ 22:00

Kite

Sprirts (Presented by Art Box Group)

The Basket-Cases

Zahra (Presented by Art Box Group)

Saturday 18 Jan @ 16:30

Charming Carmen (Presented by Art Box Group)

Chidi ki Dukki (Presented by Theatrewallas)

I conquer therefore I am

Superposition (Presented by StudioRepublik)

The most important words of my life

Kite

Saturday 18 Jan @ 22:00

Chidi ki Dukki (Presented by Theatrewallas)

I conquer therefore I am

I want to Sleep (Presented by Art Box Group)

Kite

The Basket-Cases

Fri 24 Jan @ 20:00

Once in a school day (Presented by Art Box Group)

Dedh Inch Upar (Presented by Theatrewallas)

Never Give Up (Presented by StudioRepublik)

Television Man

Charming Carmen (Presented by Art Box Group)

Sat 25 Jan @20:00

Dedh Inch Upar (Presented by Theatrewallas)

The Flowers

The Hold Up (Presented by StudioRepublik)

Never Give Up (Presented by StudioRepublik)

A Doll's House (Presented by Art Box Group)

Friday 31 Jan @ 20:00

Between us mother and daughter

Bhediya (Presented by Theatrewallas)

Never Give Up (Presented by StudioRepublik)

Shhh Don't Open That Box

Saturday 1 Feb @ 20:00 - Gala Final

The best plays from the Festival as chosen by our judges and audience:

I want to Sleep (Presented by Art Box Group) JUDGE'S CHOICE WEEK 1

Sprits (Presented by Art Box Group) JUDGE'S CHOICE WEEK 1

Dedh Inch Upar (Presented by Theatrewallas) JUDGE'S CHOICE WEEK 2

Between us mother and daughter JUDGE'S CHOICE WEEK 3

To be or not to be PEOPLE'S CHOICE

Audition Registration Short+Sweet Sydney 2020

Thank you for your interest in performing in the Short+Sweet Theatre Festival Sydney 2020!

We welcome professional and enthusiastic amateurs actors alike. Everyone will be given consideration.

If you are selected as an actor, you will be contacted by the director of one of the plays you have been selected for.

Before registering, please check the key festival dates and make sure you’ll be available. This festival is a commitment and you need to make sure you have the time and passion to participate.

Name *

Surname *

Phone *

please provide your mobile number

Email *

Are you under 18? *

Yes

No

We need to know this to ensure compliance with the Working With Vulnerable People (background checking) Act 2011.

About You (Brief Bio)

Tell us about your acting experience, training and other performance skills.

Have you acted in Short+Sweet festivals in the past? *

Yes

No

Have you participated in Short+Sweet festivals in other ways in the past? *

Yes

No

Headshot *

Please upload a recent headshot. JPG or PNG formats only with a maximum filesize of 2MB.
Files must be less than 2 MB.
Allowed file types: gif jpg jpeg png.

Curriculum Vitae *

Please upload your CV in Docx or PDF format. 2MB file size limit.
Files must be less than 2 MB.
Allowed file types: txt rtf pdf doc docx ppt pptx.

Link to Online CV

Are you interested in being considered for our Women's Focus Week

Yes

Are you interested in being considered for our LGTBQ Focus Week?

Yes

Short+Sweet Theatre Sydney 2020

The biggest little play festival in the world is now entering its 19th year in its hometown of Sydney and will be returning to the Tom Mann Theatre in Surry Hills from Feb 14 to April 19 2020.
We will be returning once again with a smorgasbord of 10-minute plays to delight your tastebuds, with hundreds of talented actors, writers and directors showcasing their skills and bringing you a wonderful season of short theatre.

The Short+Sweet festival is a wonderful tool for writers, directors and actors who want to share their voice and talent in a professional environment and venue. Its goal is to become a powerful tool for diversity in the entertainment industry, as well as providing a way to discover new or established local talent by engaging more people in the live theatre experience. The festival multiplies participants' raw and creative energy, with different ensembles, directors and writers exchanging ideas, learning from each other and providing creative inspiration.

VOLUNTEERS

If you have a passion for the theatre and would like to be a part of a great team then send an email to sarah.purdue@shortandsweet.org. We have roles waiting for you behind the scenes in production, props, front of house, sponsorship and more!!! We’d love to hear from you!

We also have some amazing opportunities for partnership and sponsorship. So, if you and your organisation would like to get involved then please let us know - we'd love to hear from you!

We look forward to welcoming writers, directors and performers to share the 2020 Short+Sweet Sydney Festival seasons at the Tom Mann Theatre, 136 Chalmers Street Surrey Hills.

PLAYS FOR THE PANDEMIC - SCRIPT ENTRIES

Plays for the Pandemic

Short+Sweet Theatre Dublin 2020

Short+Sweet Theatre Essex 2020

Director Registration for Short+Sweet Hollywood 2020

LATINX SCRIPT ENTRIES - SHORT+SWEET THEATRE 2020

Short+Sweet Theatre Hollywood 2020 - CANCELLED

Short+Sweet Theatre Sharjah 2020

Audition Registration Short+Sweet Sydney 2020

Short+Sweet Theatre Sydney 2020

VOLUNTEERS

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VOLUNTEERS

Pages

Now On!

Coming Soon

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