submission information for 2023
Overview
The Atlanta Black Theatre Festival is a world-class, self-producing platform where creative artists from all over the globe showcase their work in Atlanta. The festival is supported by Friends of the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival, a 501(c)3 organization.
The 2023 Atlanta Black Theatre Festival is "Macon the Stage" at the historic Douglass Theatre, the oldest, Black-established theatre in the nation!
Location:
Douglass Theatre
355 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
Macon, GA 31201
(just one hour from ATL Airport)
Date:
Thu. 8/31/23 - Sat. 9/2/23
(Labor day weekend)
There are two submission categories:
- Theatre Festival - Main Stage
- Creative Arts Conference
We aim to create and expand opportunities for artists of color to affordably produce and present their work to thousands of theatre and art lovers in person and digitally. We will happily consider all types of submissions; however, we especially seek cutting edge, original Afro-centric productions. We do NOT, however, 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.
Acceptance Criteria for Play Submissions
theatre festival category
I. FULL PERFORMANCES (FP) - MAIN STAGE
Submissions are being accepted to present high quality performances with minimal 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 space availability.
Submissions from Outside the U.S.: 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 to act as your legal agent.
Criteria:
- Max. Running Time: 90 mins. (no intermission, no exceptions)
- 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. (The submission does NOT have to be professionally videotaped. Smart phone recordings are acceptable.)
- The play submitted must NOT have any performances scheduled in the state of Georgia within 18 month prior to the festival.
- A high profile or celebrity headliner is not required but strongly recommended.
- Festival Slot Reservation Fee $100 (due upon acceptance)
Perks:
- Producers will be reimbursed for pre-approved related travel of more than 50 miles if accepted in this category up to $300, subject to funding availability.
- Up to 100 tickets ($2500 value) to your event will also be allotted to Producers for sale with a special promo code. These tickets can also be bartered or used for sponsorships.
- Revenue can also be generated with your branded merchandise (ie. CDs, DVDs, shirts, books, etc.) via the Festival Store. (Strongly recommended.)
- The Festival sets admission prices and retains all proceeds with the exception of the producer's ticket allotment.
Submission Checklist:
- COMPLETED APPLICATION
- YouTube or Vimeo Video link of Performance (Required)
- Sample: Script in standard industry format (at least the first 15 pages of dialogue in pdf).
- A $25 non-refundable submission application fee.
- DEADLINE: FEB. 28 @ 11:59PM (EST)
II. SPECIAL EVENT SHOWCASE - MAIN STAGE
Submissions are being accepted to present high-quality performances with minimal set requirements. All submissions are placed on the festival schedule based on the suitability of the performance for that date, time and setting, and space availability. These submissions fall under the following Special Event category:
- Poetry or Spoken Word
- Band or Musical Performance
- Short Play or Skit
- Comedy (Stand up, Improv, etc)
- Dance Performance or Physical Movement
Submissions from Outside the U.S.: 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 to act as your legal agent.
Criteria:
- Max. Running Time: Up to 30 mins. (no intermission, no exceptions)
- Festival Slot Reservation Fee: $50
- This is an adjudicated review. (UPDATE: Submissions are NOT accepted by lottery drawing. This was added in error. Our sincerest apologies for any confusion.)
Perks:
- Up to 50 tickets ($750 value) to your event will also be allotted to you with a special promo code. These tickets can be bartered, sold, or used for sponsorships.
- Revenue can also be generated with your branded merchandise (ie. CDs, DVDs, shirts, books, etc.) via the Festival Store.
- The Festival sets admission prices and retains all proceeds with the exception of the producers tickets allotted.
- Reimbursement for related travel may be offered based on the availability of funding.
Submission Checklist:
- COMPLETED APPLICATION
- YouTube or Vimeo Video link of Performance (if available).
- Sample: Script in standard industry format (at least the first 15 pages of dialogue in pdf) or detailed description of the performance.
- A $25 non-refundable application fee.
- DEADLINE: FEB. 28 @ 11:59PM (EST)
creative arts conference
I. 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 required to present while standing and a hosted "talk back" is required.
This is a very popular event at the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival and an excellent opportunity to present your work in development for future production. Upon request, our staff of distinguish university professors, industry experts and award winning writers are always on hand to give valuable feedback and assistance. We are here to help!
Criteria for Staged Readings:
- Total Running Time: 15 mins (short) - 75 mins (one act, no intermission)
- Maximum Cast/Crew Size: 10 (including the producer/writer)
- Festival Slot Reservation Fee: $50
Perks:
- Producers will receive one complimentary pass to the Creative Arts Conference.
- Revenue can be generated with your branded merchandise (ie. CDs, DVDs, shirts, books, etc.) via the Festival Store.
- Reimbursement for related travel may be offered based on the availability of funding.
Submission Checklist:
- COMPLETED APPLICATION
- Sample: Script in standard industry format (at min. include the first 10 pages of dialogue in pdf).
- A non-refundable $25 application fee.
- DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 28 @ 11:59pm (EST)
II. FILM SCREENING
We are seeking a selection of original works, television, web series and screen.
Criteria for Film Screening
- Total Running Time: up to 90 mins
Perks:
- Producers will receive one complimentary pass to the Creative Arts Conference.
- Revenue can be generated with your branded merchandise (ie. CDs, DVDs, shirts, books, etc.) via the Festival Store.
- Reimbursement for related travel may be offered based on the availability of funding.
Submission Checklist:
- COMPLETED APPLICATION
- YouTube or Vimeo Video link of the entire film is required.
- A non-refundable $25 application fee.
- DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 28 @ 11:59pm (EST)
III. CALL FOR WORKSHOPS, MASTER CLASSES, PANELS, & TALKS
Open to All Teaching Artists and Facilitators for the following:
- Acting
- Auditioning
- Stage Managing
- Directing
- Playwriting
- Screenwriting
- Musical Theatre and Dance
- Self-producing
- Community Theatre
- Cultural Diversity
- Design/Technology
- Faith & Theatre
- Applied Theatre
- Voice & Speech
Submission Checklist:
- Running Time: 50 mins. (no intermission)
- Sample: Synopsis or White Paper
- COMPLETED APPLICATION
- $25 Submission Application Fee
- DEADLINE: MARCH 31st @ 11:59 PM
Perks
- One complimentary pass to Creative Arts Conference
- Opportunity to sell merchandise in the festival store (ie, books, workshops, consulting, professional development courses, coaching, masterclasses, etc)
- Reimbursement for related travel may be offered based on the availability of funding.
perks and benefits
WE ARE COMMITTED TO YOUR SUCCESS...
As a festival participant, we work hard to make sure you (and your cast) get the most out of this experience, The Festival sets admission prices, if any, and retains all admission revenue with the exception of comp tickets allotted in certain specified categories.
Festival Participation Fees includes:
- Venue Space Rental
- General Liability Insurance (required by venue)
- Overall Festival Marketing
- Front House Management
- Complimentary Passes or Tickets
- Travel Stipend (based on funding availability)
The ABTF has: opened doors to many opportunities:
- Many shows have gone on to perform in New York (Off-Broadway), in other prestigious theatre houses, festivals, colleges, and universities.
- ABTF artists have received thousands of dollars in grant awards and writing residencies as a result of their recognition at the ABTF.
- Artists have acquired perpetual worldwide prestige and recognition as a participant in the ABTF;
- The opportunity showcase your work to other producers and industry representatives in attendance for bookings and tours.
- Enjoy industry networking and professional development with the foremost game-changers in theatre and digital art producing.
- Gain tremendous exposure and grown your audience on a larger scale.
- Received recognition and acknowledgment for authentic work.
YOUR COMMITMENT TO YOURSELF...
We'd love to get you started and know you better as an artist! 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. The ABTF is fast-paced and can be very stressful.
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 profit with good old fashioned hard work and community support. It is 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.
Be HONEST with YOURSELF, ask QUESTIONS and do your resarch!
Hope to see you at the ABTF!
Updated 1/24/23 - All of the above is subject to changes due to unforseen circumstances.
Adjudication Guidelines for Plays, Staged Readings, and Films
Please read carefully. The point system outlined below is our scoring rubric and will help you assess your chances of being accepted.
Artistic Quality (60 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.
- Do the elements (ie., story, writing, actors' performance, stage management, set, props, direction, costumes, lighting and sound) work together to create a great theatrical or cinematic experience?
Production Value (20 points)
- For Plays: Low impact, minimalist set (ie, ease of load-in/strike/load-out).
- For Films: Quality of set design, special effects, and costumes.
- For Readings: Quality direction, good actors, well rehearsed.
- Total run time (w/o intermission) is compliant and within established guidelines and parameters.
Administrative Capability (20 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.
NOTE: GMAIL SIGN-UP MAY BE REQUIRED TO ACCESS APPLICATION FORMS
Testimonials
Sardia Robinson, Playwright/Actor
Winsphere Jones, Producer/Director
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
"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
Winsphere Jones, Producer/Director
Sardia Robinson, Playwright/Actor
"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 Bl
"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
Winsphere Jones, Producer/Director
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
"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. "
more Testimonials
Sandra Seaton, Playwright
Roz Ayers-Williams, Playwright (In-Memoriam)
Roz Ayers-Williams, Playwright (In-Memoriam)
"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
"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)
Roz Ayers-Williams, Playwright (In-Memoriam)
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
"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
Roz Ayers-Williams, Playwright (In-Memoriam)
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." -Al
"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)