Submissions are accepted: January 1, 2023 - Feb. 28, 2023

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 supported by a 501(c)3 organization and is professionally operated and managed by Micah 6-8 Media, LLC.

The 2023 Atlanta Black Theatre Festival runs from Thu. 8/31/22 - Sat. 9/2/22 and will be held at the following locations:

• TO BE DETERMINED

Submission can be placed in any one of these four categories:

1. Full Perfomrance - Main Stage
2. Staged Readings of Original Works  
3. Film Screening
4. Master Classes & Workshops

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.  

TESTIMONIALS >>

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. 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 experience?
  

Production Value (20 points)

• Low impact, minimalist set (ie, ease of load-in/strike/load-out).
• 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

Festival Participation Fees: Covered by grants for 2022!

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 the availability of space. 

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.

Compensation/Consideration: 

• Artists will be reimbursed for pre-approved related travel if accepted in this category up to $500. 
• Revenue can be generated with your branded merchandise (ie. CDs, DVDs, shirts, books, etc.) via the Festival Store.
• Complimentary tickets to your event will also be provided and can be bartered or sold at face value or used for sponsorships (up to $1800 value), 
• The Festival sets admission prices and retains all proceeds with the exception of the comp tickets allotted. 

Completed Application Checklist: 

• Completed APPLICATION 
• YouTube or Vimeo Video link of Performance (Required) 
• Script in standard industry format (at least the first 15 pages of dialogue in pdf).  
• A $25 non-refundable application fee.
• DEADLINE: FEB. 28 @ 11:59PM (EST)

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: 

• Festival Participation Fees: N/A
• Total Running Time: <75 mins. (no intermission)
• Staged Reading submissions with a running time of less than 35 minutes may be paired by the Festival and presented as a double feature. 
• Maximum Cast/Crew Size: 10 (including the producer/writer)

Compensation: 

• The Festival sets admission prices, if any, and retains all admission revenues. 
• 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. 

Completed Application Checklist: 

• Completed Online 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).  
• A non-refundable $25 application fee. 
• DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 28 @ 11:59 (EST)

Open to All Artists and Facilitators:

• Creative Masterclass and Workshop Faciliators
• Acoustic Performers: Singer/Musicians or Bands
• Poets and Monologue Performances
• Comedians, Impersonators
• Dance or Physical Theatre Troupes
• Short Plays and Films

Criteria for Special Events: 

• Running Time: 15 - 50 mins. (no intermission)
• Festival Participation Fee: TBD

Compensation: 

• The Festival sets admission prices, if any, and retains all admission revenues.  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. 

Completed Audition Checklist: 

• Completed Online Application 
• YouTube or Vimeo Video link of Performance
• A non-refundable application fee is: $20
• DEADLINE: MARCH 31st @ 11:59 PM

The ABTF is offering an online course to help develop writers outside of traditional academia. This online course traces a writer's journey from concept to the written words to its realization on the theatrical stage, and finally, to its cinematic interpretation.  

This is a basic course for aspiring writers and a unique opportunity to receive coaching by people who understand the Black aesthetic of writing. The course includes fifteen lecture hours and one (one-on-one) lab/office hour on five consecutive Saturdays. The objective is for each participant to either:

1. Complete one short script or

2. Further develop an existing script

3. Present that script as a reading during the ABTF Creative Arts Conference

Upon successful completion, the participant is awarded a certificate and priority consideration for placement in the ABTF!  Due to the personalized structure of this course, we can only accept eight (8) participants for each class. 

• The Next Online Coure Starts: Saturdays, June 4 - July 9, 2022 (no class July 2nd)
• Time: 10am -1pm (ET)
• Tuition: $250 (Partial hardship scholarships are available based on the availability of funding.)

The lead instructors are award-winning and/or seasoned writers.  

Rolling Acceptance until or when the course is full.  Please submit this application with a writing sample.