SORRY Y'ALL, 2021 Submissions are closed and will reopen Jan. 2, 2022.

The Atlanta Black Theatre Festival is a world-class, self-producing platform where authors, playwrights, musicians and artists from all over the globe showcase their work in Atlanta. The festival is professionally managed by Micah 6-8 Media, LLC.

We aim to create and expand opportunities for seasoned and emerging artists to affordably produce and present their work to thousands of theatre and art lovers. We will happily consider all types of submissions; however, we especially seek cutting edge, original productions from people of color and marginalized ethnic backgrounds. We do NOT exclude anyone based on race or ethnic origin.

Acceptance to the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival is highly competitive. Our audiences consist of producers, directors, artists and patrons from all over the world seeking unique yet quality artistic experiences.  Please present your best possible, completed submission package for consideration. 

It is also important to note that in this digital age, your success has nothing to do with where you are located. Our most successful producers tour from outside of Atlanta. They do however, plan their work and work their plan while taking full advantage of the resources offered by the Festival to reap the benefits. We'll be happy to share the best practices that have garnered the most successful producers a full house.

Check out these testimonials from past ABTF produceres! >>

All submissions are automatically considered for all categories. We'll  contact you, if we feel you'd be better suited elsewhere for programming purposes.  We receive an overwhelming number of submissions. Please read carefully. This point system is our criteria and can help you assess your chances of being accepted. Submissions are judged by a jury of patrons, volunteers and festival staff; and scored based on the following:

Artistic Quality (50 points)

• Innovative and creative.
• Well developed plot and characters as submitted. 
• Demonstrated ability to present quality artistic work with a bonafide commitment to diversity.
• Captivating title, intriguing synopsis and theme with high public appeal.
• Does the story, writing, actors' performance, stage management, set, props, direction, costumes, lighting and sound come together to make a great theatrical experience.
  

Production Value (20 points)

• Low impact minimum set (ie, ease of load-in/strike/load-out).
• Total run time (w/o intermission) is compliant and within established parameters.

Administrative Capability (30 points)

• Capacity to meet Festival objectives  within the established structure and framework. 
• The ability to exercise patience, flexibility and  professionalism in a highly stressful environment. 
• Evidence of the capacity to execute a production, meet deadlines and render an effective marketing plan for ticket sales and/or promotion.

READ BELOW CAREFULLY.  IF YOU HAVE ADDITIONALLY QUESTIONS...

Full Performances (FPs) are Atlanta Black Theatre Festival  highlights. We are a self-producing festival. This means there is a participation fee for each performance and each producer has the opportunity to earn revenue based on individual marketing efforts and relative to ticket and merchandise sales.

We are seeking seasoned producers to present high quality performances with low impact set requirements. All FP submissions are placed on the festival schedule based on the suitability of the performance for that date, time and setting and the availability of space. 

Submissions from the Diaspora: If you are located outside of the United States, you are required to have a U. S. based Producer (individual or entity) with a U.S. bank account as your legal agent.  (Applies to submissions for this category ONLY.)

Full Performances take place on one of two stages: 

Main Stage - Additional Criteria: 

• Max. Running Time: 90 mins. (no intermission)
• The submission must have been fully mounted with a history of at least two (2) performances in front of a live audience. 
• Must submit a video of the full production including the curtain call. (Does not have to be professionally taped. Smart phone recordings are acceptable.)
• The play submitted must NOT have any performances scheduled in the state of Georgia in the same year of the festival.
• A high profile or celebrity headline is not required but strongly recommended.
• Festival Participation Fee: $TBD (includes two performance slots: one matinee and one prime time)
• Max Seating Capacity: 500
• Basic Ticket Price Cap: $TBD matinee / $TBD evening (higher cap may be approved with a celebrity headliner)
• Total Ticket Revenue Earning Potential @ 400 seats/show: $TBD matinee / $TBD prime time 

Black Box - Additional Criteria:

• Max. Running Time: 80 mins. (no intermission)
• Must meet minimum set requirements. (Black Box performances are more about the actors' words, movement and artistry than sets, lights, excessive props and costumes.)
• Must submit a video of the full production including the curtain call. If submission is a premiere performance, a video recorded table reading is permitted . (Does not have to be professionally taped. Smart phone recordings are acceptable.)
• Festival Fee for Each Performance: $TBD matinee / $TBD prime time
• Max. Seating Capacity: 140
• Basic Ticket Price Cap: $TBD matinee / $TBD prime time
• Ticket Revenue Earning Potential @ 100 seats: $TBD matinee / $TBD prime time.

IMPORTANT NOTES: Fees are considered fully earned when due. Payment plans are available. All fees are subject to change with notice. 

Producers receive 100% of the base ticket proceeds; however processing fees and surcharges are added to the base ticket price of each ticket and passed on to the patron to cover administrative costs. 

Participation is 100% at risk. Revenue potential is strictly based on marketing efforts and opportunities for sales created by you, the Producer.  All submissions with a running time of less than 50 minutes may be paired as a co-production and presented as a double feature with fees and proceeds split.  

Festival Fees include:

• Venue Space Rental 
• Cleaning Fees
• General Liability Insurance*
• Light/Sound Equipment Use Fees
• Overall Festival Marketing
• Box Office Management
• Security*
• One Hour Technical Needs Consultation
• A Lighting/Sound Technician.
• Cue to Cue Tech Check*
• 2 hrs of Studio Rehearsal Space (First come, based on availability. A small reservation fee may apply.)
• Front House Management

Bonus Perks:

• Getting Butts in Seats - A Marketing Webinar ($99 value)
• Your Success at the Fest - Welcome Webinar
• Discounted and/or Comp Tickets for Cast/Crew (based on availability) 
• Two Complimentary Producer Multi-access Red Passes ($TBD value) 
• Admission for Two (2) to Closing Gala (Awards Ceremony, Performance, and Afterglow: $TBD value)

*Required by the Venue

Completed Application Checklist: 

• Completed Online Google Application 
• YouTube or Vimeo Video link of Performance
• Script in standard industry format (at min. include the first 10 pages of dialogue in pdf).  
• DEADLINE: MARCH 15, 2022

We are seeking a selection of original scripts for stage, television, web series and screen in various stages of development. Work that has been produced can also be considered for this category. Actors are permitted to read from scripts while seated or standing. A writer's "talk back" is required.

This is a very popular event at the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival and a excellent opportunity to assist writers with works in development. Upon request, our staff of distinguish university professors, industry experts and award winning writers on always on hand to give valuable feedback to assist you. We are here to help you, however we can, tell your story.

Criteria for Staged Readings: 

• Festival Participation Fees: Black Box $185 or Main Stage $TBD
• Total Running Time:  <75 mins. (no intermission)
• Max. Seating Capacity: Black Box: 140 or Main Stage: 500

IMPORTANT NOTE: Spaces are assigned according to programming needs until all slots are filled. 

SR Producers give artists the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of participation without the associated financial risks. Therefore, all proceeds, if any, are considered fully earned upon receipt and retained by the Festival. The Festival also covers the marketing and promotion for ALL Staged Readings.

Revenue can be generated via products (ie. CDs, DVDs, shirts, books, etc) placed for sale in the ABTF Festival Store. It also includes 10 comp tickets to your performance. Tickets can be bartered or sold at face value. All fees are subject to change with notice. 

Staged Reading submissions with a running time of less than 40 minutes may be paired by the Festival and presented as a double feature. 

Festival Fees include:

• Venue Space Rental 
• Cleaning Fees*
• General Liability Insurance*
• Light/Sound Equipment Use Fees*
• Overall Festival Marketing
• Security*
• 2 hrs of Studio Rehearsal Space (First come, based on availability. A small reservation fee may apply.)
• Front House Management

Bonus Perks:

• Getting Butts in Seats - A Marketing Webinar ($99 value)
• Your Success at the Fest - Welcome Webinar
• Discounted and Comp Tickets for Cast/Crew (based on availability) 
• Two (2) Complimentary Producer Multi-access Red Passes ($350 value) 
• Admission for Two (2) to Closing Gala (Awards Ceremony, Performance, and Afterglow)
• 10 Comp Tickets to Your Performance (Can be bartered or sold at face value.)

Completed Application Checklist: 

• Completed Online Google Application  
• Video recorded LINK of your performance or presentation and password, if needed. (OPTIONAL, not required for consideration for Stages Readings)
• Script in standard industry format (at min. include the first 10 pages of dialogue in pdf).  
• DEADLINE: MARCH 15, 2022

Independent artists are welcomed to audition to perform at the Festival. Participants will be notified of their acceptance by March 13th and each act is assigned according to programming needs until all slots are filled. 

Special Event artists are granted the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of participation without the associated financial risks. Therefore, all proceeds, if any, are considered fully earned and retained by the Festival. 

Open to All Emerging Artists:

• Acoustic Performers: Singer/Musicians or Bands
• Poets and Monologue Performances
• Comedians (Sketch, Improv, Stand-up)
• Impersonators
• Art Exhibitors or Demonstrations
• Dance or Physical Theatre Troupes
• Short Plays (less than 20 mins)
• Magicians
• Unique Cutting Edge Performers

Criteria for Special Events: 

• Running Time: 5 - 20 mins. (no intermission)
• Festival Participation Fee, if selected: $40 per act*

IMPORTANT NOTE: The Festival sets admission prices, if any, and retains all admission revenues. We also handle marketing and promotion for ALL Special Events. Revenue can be generated via merchandise sales (ie. CDs, DVDs, shirts, books, etc.) via the Festival Store (*subject to 15% festival commission on items sold). 

Producers will also receive 10 comp tickets that can be sold or bartered at face value to offset participation costs. 

Festival Participation Fee Covers:

• Venue Space Rental 
• Limited Technical Support
• Cleaning Fees*
• General Liability Insurance*
• Overall Festival Marketing
• Security*
• Studio Rehearsal Space (2 hrs - 1st come, based on avail. A small reservation fee may apply.)
• Front House Management

*Required by the Venue 

Bonus Perks:

• Getting Butts in Seats - A Marketing Webinar ($99 value)
• Your Success at the Fest - Welcome Webinar
• Discounted and Comp Tickets for Cast/Crew (based on availability) 
• Two (2) Complimentary Presenter Multi-access Gold Passes ($198 value) 
• Admission for Two (2) to Closing Gala (Awards Ceremony, Performance, and Afterglow
• 10 Comp Tickets to Your Performance (Tickets can be bartered or sold at face value. )
  

Completed Audition Checklist: 

• Completed Online Google Application 
• YouTube or Vimeo Video link of Performance
• Non-refundable Application Fee: $TBD
• DEADLINE: ARPIL 30, 2022

This is a varied selection of workshops, panels, master classes and talks presented by independent teaching artists and professional experts. Once approved, these submissions are presented as a part of the Festival schedule. Spaces are assigned on a first come basis and according to programming needs until all slots are filled.

We are seeking the following industry-related events:

• Workshops that offer opportunities for participants to collaborate and engage with other professionals in the entertainment field.
• Master classes that present innovative, cutting-edge or best practices in the industry. 
• Host or present a panel that focuses on professional development and skill building. 
• Presentations ("Ted Like" Talks) that are highly engaging and informative. 

Additional Requirements:

Max. Running Time: 50 mins. (no intermission)

Festival Participation Fee: $TBD

IMPORTANT NOTE: Revenue can be generated via merchandise (ie. CDs, DVDs, shirts, books, etc.subject to 15% festival commission) for sale in the Festival Store  or invitation for continuing courses, classes or services. 

The Festival sets admission prices, if any, and retains all admission revenues. We also handle marketing and promotion for ALL Creative Connections events.  

Festival Participation Fee Covers:

• Venue Space Rental 
• Cleaning Fees*
• General Liability Insurance*
• Overall Festival Marketing
• Security*
• Front House Management

*Required by the Venue  

Perks for Facilitators:

• Revenue can be generated service offers or via merchandise (ie. CDs, DVDs, shirts, books, etc.) for sale in the Festival Store subject to 15% festival commission on items sold. 
• Great branding opportunity. Includes the marketing and the promotion of your Creative Connections event.
• Up to two (2) Complimentary Presenter Multi-access Gold Passes ($198 value)
• Admission for up to two (2) to Closing Gala: Awards Ceremony, Performance and Afterglow

Completed Submission Checklist:

• Completed Application
• Demo Video Link and/or Speaker's One Sheet
• Photo Images
• Non-refundable Application Fee: $TBD
• DEADLINE:  TBD