submissions welcome! jan. 1st - mar. 1st

The ABTF is a world class self-producing platform where authors, playwrights, musicians and artists from all over the world can 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 for thousands of 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 ABTF 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 out of state. They do however, plan their work and work their plan to reap the benefits. We'll be happy to share the best practices that have garnered the most successful producers a full house

All submissions are automatically considered for all categories. We'll  contact you, if we feel you'd be better suited elsewhere for programming purposes.  Submissions are judged by a jury of patrons, volunteers and festival staff and accepted based on the following:

Artistic Quality (40 points): As determined by an evaluation of script (or outline) and video submission.

• Innovation and creativity
  
• Uniqueness and development of the work as submitted.
  
• Demonstrated ability of artistic presentation with a bonafide commitment to diversity.
• Captivating title, intriguing synopsis and theme with a high-quality public appeal.
  

Production Value (30 points): As determined by submission application.

• Low impact minimum set requirements (ie, ease of load-in/strike/load-out)
• Total run time w/o intermission is compliant with agreed upon terms.
• Capable and adequate production staff.
  

Administrative Capability (30 points): A  telephone interview may be requested.

• Capacity to meet Festival objectives  within the established structure and framework.
  
• Evidence of the capacity to execute an effective marketing plan for ticket sales and/or promotion.
  
• Capacity to work cooperatively and professionally with all Festival staff and volunteers in a high pressured stressful environment.

Full Performances (FP) are festival highlights. There is a participation Fee for each performance. We seek self-produced 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.  100% of the base ticket* proceeds belong to you, the producer. Full Performances take place on one of two stages: 

  Main Stage - Additional Criteria: 

• Participation Fee for Each Performance: $TBA
• Max. Running Time: <90 mins. (no intermission)
• Seasoned production with a history of at least two (2) performances in front of a live audience. 
• Must NOT have any performances scheduled in the state of Georgia in 2019.
• Max Seating Capacity: 500
• Basic Ticket Price Cap: $22.50
• Earning Potential @ 450 Seats: $10,125

  Black Box - Additional Criteria:

• Participation Fee for Each Performance: $660 (reg. times) - $750 (peak times)
• Running Time: 40* - 80 mins. (no intermission)
• Seasoned production with a history of at least two (2) performances in front of a live audience. 
• Minimum set requirements.
• Max. Seating Capacity: 140
• Base Ticket Price Cap: $16.75 
• Earning Potential @ 120 Seats: $2,010  

IMPORTANT NOTES: Fees are earned when due. Payment plans are available. All fees are subject to change with notice. THE PRODUCER RECEIVES 100% OF THE BASE TICKET PRICE.  Festival fees and surcharges are added to the base ticket price 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 60 minutes may be paired, co-produced (fees split) and presented as a double feature.  

Applications MUST include ALL of the following items before being considered for acceptance:

• Completed Application (see link below)
• YouTube or Vimeo Video link of Performance (does NOT need to be professionally taped or edited)
• First 15 pages of script (standard industry format)
• Application Fee: $35

This is a selection of original television scripts, stage or screen plays in various stages of development.  Scripts that have been fully mounted on stage and/or produced can also be considered for this category.  Actors will read from an original script and may be seated or standing.  A writer's "talk back" following the presentation is required. 

Additional Requirements for Staged Readings: 

• Participation and Venue Usage Fees: Black Box $165/ Main Stage $195
• Total Running Time: <75 mins. (no intermission)
• Max. Seating Capacity: Black Box (140)/Main Stage (500)
• Base Ticket Price Cap: TBD by Festival

IMPORTANT NOTES: Revenue can be generated via products or services (ie. CDs, DVDs, shirts, books, professional services, etc.) for sale in the Festival Store.   The Festival sets ticket prices, if any and retains all admission revenues. We also cover marketing and promotion for ALL Special Events.  

Each applications MUST include the following items before being considered for acceptance:

• The first 15 pages of script (standard industry format).
• Non-refundable Application Fee: $25
• Optional: YouTube or Vimeo Video Link (does NOT have to be professionally taped or edited)

This is a varied selection of events presented by independent 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. SEs give artists 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. 

We are seeking the following:

• Acoustic Performers: Singer/Musicians or Bands
• Poets and Monologue Performances
• Comedians (Sketch, Improv, Stand-up)
• Impersonators
• Art Exhibitors or Demonstrations
• Dance Troupes
• Short Plays (20 mins. max.)

Additional Requirements for Special Events:

• Participation and Venue Usage Fees: $0*
• Running Time: 5 - 60 mins. (no intermission)
• Seating Capacity: 50 - 150

IMPORTANT NOTES: Revenue can be generated via merchandise (ie. CDs, DVDs, shirts, books, etc.) for sale in the Festival Store (*subject to 20% 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 Special Events.  

Each applications MUST include the following items before being considered for acceptance:

• Non-refundable Application Fee: $15
• YouTube or Vimeo Video Link (does NOT have to be professionally taped or edited)

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. SEs give artists 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. 

We are seeking the following:

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

 Additional Requirements for Special Events:

• Participation and Venue Usage Fees: $0*
• Running Time: 5 - 60 mins. (no intermission)
• Seating Capacity: 50 - 150

IMPORTANT NOTES: Revenue can be generated via merchandise (ie. CDs, DVDs, shirts, books, etc.) for sale in the Festival Store (*subject to 20% 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 Special Events.  

 Each applications MUST include the following items before being considered for acceptance:

• Non-refundable Application Fee: $15
• YouTube or Vimeo Video Link (does NOT have to be professionally taped or edited)

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. Many of the shows have gone on to perform Off Broadway, Harlem (NYC), other prestigious festivals, colleges and universities. 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.

Festival Participation 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 Consultation
• Cue to Cue Tech Check (for Full Performance participants)
• Studio Rehearsal Space (2 hrs - first come, based on availability)
• Front House Management
• Getting Butts in Seats - Marketing Webinar ($149 value)
• Your Success at the Fest - Welcome Webinar
• Discount tickets to selected events for cast/crew members. 
• SRs & FPs receive a Complimentary Producer's Red Pass ($175 value); two for Main Stage Producers-( $350 value)
• SEs receive a Complimentary Presenter's Gold Pass ($99 value) for SEs

*as required by the venue
Not included:

• Sound/Light Board Operators
• Projector and Screen

We'd love to get you started and we know you'll have a blast! Be sure you have realistic expectations when submitting to participate. This can be a wonderful experience, but the ABTF will not make you rich. However, it is possible to cover related expenses and 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, money and dedication. Be sure to include travel and marketing expenses in your budget. 

It's never too early to begin planning. Perhaps you should consider attending the ABTF and/or submitting to categories other than the FP 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. But we have to warn you, festival producing is not for everyone.  Additionally, all festivals are different in format and temperament. Just because you've attended and/or participated in one festival doesn't make you successful in another.  No one knows your business, work ethic, or stress tolerance better than you. The same principles will apply to your team. So be HONEST with YOURSELF and do your HOMEWORK!

Hope to see you in October!