Ready to Publish Award

Each year, SETC partners with one of the nation’s leading theatrical publishers to present the Ready to Publish Award.

Small Jokes About Monsters by Steven Strafford was the winning play and playwright for the 2022 Ready to Publish Award. Strafford attended the 2022 SETC Annual Convention where a panel reading of the play was held.

The Selected Play/Playwright Receive:

• Publication in the Stage Rights catalog of plays and musicals
• A panel reading of the play at the SETC Convention, hosted by the SETC Playwriting Committee
• Prominent display of the final published play at the SETC Convention
• $400 to support travel expenses to attend SETC Convention
• SETC Convention Registration and One-Year Membership
• Playwright retains all copyright ownership

Relevant Dates for 2023

• N/A: Window for open submission
• N/A: Notification of finalists
• N/A: Announcement of selected play
• Mar. 1-5, 2023: 74th Annual SETC Convention, Lexington, KY

Submission Requirements

• There is no charge for submission and the competition is open to all
• Playwrights may submit up to two plays (separate applications, please)
• Play must be suitable for professional, amateur, community, and/or educational theatre venues
• Play must be full-length (no musicals, short plays, or short play compilations)
• Play must be unpublished and produced one or more times
• Playwrights already published by Stage Rights are not eligible
• Previous winners of Ready to Publish are not eligible
• All submissions must be complete for entry
• Once your materials are submitted no changes may be made
• Playwright must attend the SETC Convention
• Entries must be submitted online as outlined in the application:

Information & Materials Required for Application (ALL PDF Format)

• Contact information for the Playwright
• Biographical details, resume, headshot, and social media handles
• Title of the play
• Genre of the play defined as a comedy, drama, history or other
• Recommended rating (i.e. G, PG, PG-13 or R)
• One paragraph description of the piece
• A longer, more detailed synopsis of the piece (2-3 pages)
• A complete copy of the script in PDF format
• Details about cast numbers (male, female, other, ensemble, etc.)
• Character breakdown/descriptions
• Description of setting
• Description of scenic/technical requirements
• Production history details
• Marketing materials of previous production