Testimonials
Sardia Robinson, Playwright/Actor
"The Atlanta Black Theatre Festival was the first Festival where I performed my show, and it was the best experience I ever had. Since performing there I've learned so much, Toni, the staff and crew was wonderful and was there when I needed or when I had any questions. I was there by myself and never felt that I was alone. I went on to perform a world tour! Telling stories is what I am about especially stories that need to be told. ABTF provides that platform and I am so grateful for that."
Kevvin Taylor, Producer/Director
"We're so grateful and honored to have our play recognized by such a prominent theatre festival. We made history by telling herstory! The Atlanta Black Theatre Festival is a powerhouse; a class-act! From moving main stage performances to magnetic master classes; from stimulating stage readings to splendid special events. The Atlanta Black Theatre Festival gives the next generation of theatre professionals a platform to share, connect and build.
The Atlanta Black Theatre Festival weaves a unique fabric of hope in Black Theatre! Bravo!"
Winsphere Jones, Producer/Director
"I truly see this festival becoming the ultimate place to see black theatre. The tightly bound doors when our stories were not told, now have a place to open the eyes of all ages. We are not monolithic, but we have shared the same struggle on stage and off. I have been privileged to produce, direct and act in this festival since 2013 and each year it gets better. The staff is truly committed to not only the preservation Black theatre, but raising the standards of excellence. This week of performers have truly given their hearts to theatre and the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival has led the way. "
2020 Submission information
Overview
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.
Criteria for Acceptance
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.
- Unique and well developed 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.
Submission Categories
1. FULL PERFORMANCES (FP)
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: $2,500 (includes one matinee and one prime time performance)
- Max Seating Capacity: 500
- Basic Ticket Price Cap: $15 matinee / $20 evening (higher cap may be approved with a celebrity headliner)
- Total Ticket Revenue Earning Potential @ 400 seats: $14,000 ($6,000 matinee / $8,000 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: $575 matinee / $750 prime time
- Max. Seating Capacity: 140
- Basic Ticket Price Cap: $12.50 matinee / $17.50 prime time
- Ticket Revenue Earning Potential @ 100 seats: $1,250 matinee / $1,750 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 ($350 value)
- Admission for Two (2) to Closing Gala (Awards Ceremony, Performance, and Afterglow: $120 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).
- Non-refundable Application Fee: $35
- DEADLINE: March 1st @ 11:59pm
2. STAGED READINGS OF ORIGINAL WORKS (SR)
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 $195
- 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
- Box Office Management
- Security*
- One Hour Technical Needs Consultation*
- One 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 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: $120 value)
- 10 Comp Tickets to Your Performance (To be bartered or sold at face value.)
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).
- Non-refundable Application Fee: $25
- DEADLINE: March 1st @ 11:59pm
3. SPECIAL EVENT PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES (SE)
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
- Box Office Management
- 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 ($99 value)
- Admission for Two (2) to Closing Gala (Awards Ceremony, Performance, and Afterglow: $120 value)
- 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: $10
- DEADLINE: March 1st @ 11:59pm or until all slots are filled
4. CREATIVE CONNECTIONS (CC)
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:
- 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 panels that focus 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)
IMPORTANT NOTE: Revenue can be generated via merchandise (ie. CDs, DVDs, shirts, books, etc.) for sale in the Festival Store subject to 15% festival commission on items sold. The Festival sets admission prices, if any, and retains all admission revenues. We also handle marketing and promotion for ALL Creative Connections events.
Perks for Facilitators:
- Revenue can be generated via merchandise (ie. CDs, DVDs, shirts, books, etc.) for sale in the Festival Store subject to 15% festival commission on items sold.
- We also handle marketing you and the promotion of your Creative Connections event.
- Two (2) Complimentary Presenter Multi-access Gold Passes ($198 value)
- Admission for Two (2) to Closing Gala: Awards Ceremony, Performance and Afterglow ($120 value)
Completed Submission Checklist:
- Completed Application
- Demo Video and/or One Sheet
- Photo Images
- Non-refundable Application Fee: $10
- DEADLINE: March 1st @ 11:59pm or until all slots are filled.
are you ready?
OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU...
Special Perks and Benefits: As a festival participant, we work hard to make sure you and your cast get the most out of this experience. The ABTF has opened doors to number opportunities. Many shows have gone on to perform in New York (Off Broadway and Harlem), in other prestigious festivals, and colleges and universities. Playwrights have also received thousands grant awards and writing residencies as a result of their recognition at the ABTF. Your acceptance affords you to the opportunity to:
- acquire perpetual worldwide prestige and recognition as a participant in the ABTF;
- showcase your best work to other producers and industry representatives in attendance for possible bookings and tours;
- enjoy industry networking and professional development with the foremost game changers in theatre and digital art producing;
- gain tremendous exposure and grow your audience;
- be recognized, acknowledged, and celebrated during the festival and the Celebrity Gala/Awards Ceremony;
- and as a bonus, you can enjoy complimentary access to many Festival events with your Producer's Red or Presenter's Gold Pass.
Included at modest cost:
- Sound/Light Board Operators
- Projector and Screen
- Lighting design more than basic wash
YOUR COMMITMENT TO YOURSELF...
We'd love to get you started and we know you'll have a blast! First, we want to be sure you have realistic expectations and fully understand what it takes to participate in the ABTF.
We receive an overwhelming number of submissions. Please read everything carefully. Festival producing is not for everyone. Moreover, every festival is different in pace, format, culture and temperament.
This can be a wonderful experience and a phenomenal opportunity to grow and expand. Consider this an investment in yourself; although, it is possible to cover related expenses and/or earn a modest profit with good old fashioned hard work and community support. But it's all up to you. Start planning now. Participation takes time, hard work money and dedication. Be sure to be realistic about your budget and time commitments.
It's never too early to begin planning. We suggest you consider attending the ABTF and/or submitting to categories other than the Full Performance category to familiarize yourself with the process, producers and patrons. This will give you a 360 degree view of what to expect. It's also a great way to get plugged-in and network with other artists.
Although we are happy to share all the tools and best practices needed for a successful run, we have to caution you. Festival producing is not for everyone. It is very stressful and fast paced. Additionally, every festival is different in format and temperament. Just because you've attended and/or participated in one festival doesn't mean it will be the same. Besides, no one knows your management style, work ethic, or stress tolerance better than you. The same thing applies to your team. Be HONEST with YOURSELF, ask QUESTIONS and do your HOMEWORK!
Hope to see you in October!
WOULD YOU LIKE TO LEARN MORE?
Testimonials
Sandra Seaton, Playwright
"I was thrilled and honored to have my work chosen for the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival. The materials, communication, and excellent website information were all testimonials to your extraordinary organizational skills. The reports of our cast, as well as other Festival attendees, all mentioned how beautifully coordinated everything was. Your amazing vision as Producer and Artistic Director of the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival is truly impressive. Warm best wishes and thanks for all you do." - Sandra Seaton, Nationally acclaimed playwright and winner of the distinguished Mark Twain Award
Roz Ayers-Williams, Playwright (In-Memoriam)
"I’d like to once again thank you and the festival committee for the opportunity to be onstage as part of your awesome festival. I have had other works read or produced in past events, but none as prestigious or professionally conducted as yours. It pushed me to new heights, pulling in a top director and cast worthy of a full production. And I enjoyed the experience immensely. ...All questions were answered, all problems were resolved cheerfully and efficiently. I enjoyed working with such pros." -Roz Ayers-Williams, Acclaimed playwright and winner of Black Women in Jazz Award for Playwriting; Former Senior Editor for Black Enterprise Magazine.
Alia Jones-Harvey, Broadway Producer
"I continue to reflect on the amazing weekend of theater you visioned and manifested in Atlanta! It is indeed a testament to your skills as a producer that such a magnificent event came into existence. Thank you for including me in it and reaching out to Spelman to be included. It was an excellent opportunity to share and learn." -Alia Jones-Harvey, Olivier Award winner, Tony Nominee and Acclaimed Broadway Producer (Broadway Producing Credits: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof starring James Earl Jones, Trip to Bountiful starring Cicely Tyson, Eclipsed starring Lupita Nyong'o)