The Yale Drama Series is a prestigious playwriting competition that has been recognizing and rewarding outstanding new plays by emerging and established playwrights since 2007. The series is administered by the Yale University Press and Yale Repertory Theatre, with the aim of fostering a community of playwrights and providing a platform for innovative and daring new works. The competition is open to playwrights from around the world, and submissions are accepted annually from June to August.
History and Mission
The Yale Drama Series was established to identify and promote new plays that showcase innovative storytelling, language, and form. The series is guided by a mission to support playwrights in the development of their craft and to bring new and exciting works to the attention of the theatrical community. The competition is judged by a distinguished panel of playwrights, directors, and theatre scholars, who select the winning play based on its literary merit, originality, and potential for production.
Selection Process and Judging Criteria
The selection process for the Yale Drama Series involves a rigorous evaluation of all submitted plays, with a focus on identifying works that demonstrate exceptional craftsmanship, creativity, and emotional resonance. The judging criteria include the play’s originality, character development, plot structure, language, and overall impact. The judges also consider the play’s potential for production, including its feasibility for staging and its appeal to a diverse audience.
| Year | Winning Play | Playwright |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | "The Conservatory" | Emily Schwend |
| 2008 | "Octopus" | Julia Jarcho |
| 2009 | "Atlanta" | Janine Nabers |
| 2010 | "The Cloud" | Samuel D. Hunter |
| 2011 | "The New York Idea" | David Auburn |
Impact and Legacy
The Yale Drama Series has had a profound impact on the theatre industry, providing a platform for new and innovative plays to be recognized and produced. The series has also played a significant role in shaping the careers of emerging playwrights, many of whom have gone on to achieve great success and acclaim. The winning plays are published by Yale University Press, making them available to a wider audience and providing a valuable resource for theatre scholars and practitioners.
Notable Winners and Productions
Many of the winning plays have gone on to be produced at major theatres around the world, including the Yale Repertory Theatre, the Public Theater, and the Royal Court Theatre. Some notable winners include Samuel D. Hunter, whose play “The Cloud” won the competition in 2010, and Julia Jarcho, whose play “Octopus” won in 2008. These productions have not only showcased the talents of the winning playwrights but have also provided a platform for innovative and daring new works to be shared with a wider audience.
The Yale Drama Series has also had a significant impact on the theatre industry as a whole, helping to shape the landscape of contemporary playwriting and providing a model for other playwriting competitions and initiatives. The series has demonstrated the importance of supporting emerging playwrights and providing a platform for new and innovative works to be recognized and produced.
What is the submission process for the Yale Drama Series?
+The submission process for the Yale Drama Series typically opens in June and closes in August. Playwrights can submit their plays online through the Yale University Press website. The submission guidelines and requirements can be found on the website, and playwrights are encouraged to carefully review the guidelines before submitting their work.
Who is eligible to submit to the Yale Drama Series?
+The Yale Drama Series is open to playwrights from around the world. There are no restrictions on age, nationality, or experience, and playwrights at all stages of their careers are encouraged to submit their work.
What are the benefits of winning the Yale Drama Series?
+The winner of the Yale Drama Series receives a cash prize of $10,000, as well as publication of their play by Yale University Press. The winning play is also considered for production at the Yale Repertory Theatre, and the playwright is invited to attend a reading of their play at the theatre.
