Powerstories Accepts Submissions For Voices of Women Theatre Festival

TAMPA FL — Powerstories Theatre invites submissions from female-identifying playwrights for its fourth annual hybrid live-in-theatre and digital Voices of Women Theatre Festival through Oct. 23. All plays or musicals must reflect the theme of Powerstories' 24th season, "Critical Social Issues Take Center Stage."

This year, Powerstories is expanding its call for submissions to encompass a variety of formats, showcasing its commitment to diversity in storytelling. Playwrights are encouraged to submit 60-minute self-produced plays and musicals for live stage performances at USF College of the Arts and 60-minute plays and musicals for pre-recorded digital submissions.

As an addition to the 2024 festival, Powerstories Theatre will select up to three 60-minute plays for production as staged readings by the theatre. This offers an exceptional opportunity for playwrights to have their work brought to life on stage and judged by industry professionals.

In response to the growing interest in shorter works, Powerstories is introducing a new category for 10-minute plays. Playwrights can now submit concise yet powerful pieces for live self-production on stage.

The Voices of Women Festival will be March 7-16, with the first week of live in-theatre plays and musicals and the second week of pre-recorded productions to include recordings of the first week's performances.

"The Voices of Women Theatre Festival is about amplifying women's voices in theatre while tackling critical social issues head-on," said theater founder Fran Powers. "Over the past four years, it's been a fantastic journey, celebrating the creativity, talent, and stories that matter.

We're proud to be an inclusive platform, welcoming all ages and experience levels," Powers said. "Whether you're a seasoned playwright or a newcomer, your voice matters. We're also dedicated to showcasing historically marginalized BIPOC populations, providing a stage for stories that deserve to be heard."

The Voices of Women Theatre Festival has been a hallmark of Powerstories Theatre's commitment to promoting women's voices in the performing arts. Over the past three years, it has celebrated the creativity and talent of women playwrights, directors, and performers while addressing vital social issues that resonate with global audiences.

Submissions are now open, and Powerstories Theatre welcomes playwrights from diverse backgrounds and experiences to share their unique perspectives on critical social issues.

"The Voices of Women Theatre Festival aims to spark meaningful conversations, inspire change, and, as we’ve done from the very beginning, elevate women's voices in theater," said Powers. "We can't wait to read your submissions."

The deadline to submit is Oct. 23. Selected playwrights will be notified by Dec. 15, 2023, if not sooner. There is no entry fee. Visit https://powerstories.com/2024-voices-of-women-theatre-festival-submissions for submission guidelines and to submit your play or musical. Powerstories is proudly supported by the Hillsborough County Board of Commissioners.