SPONSORED BY:
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:
SPONSORED BY:
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:
DEADLINE: AUGUST 1st, 2025
STAGE-WORTHY
EMERGING VOICES
FIRST LIGHT is a new initiative supporting emerging playwrights from the Dartmouth community. One script will be selected for publication and a staged table read in Fall 2025.
What the winner receives:
A registered ISBN (author retains full rights)
50 printed copies of a professionally typeset acting edition
A live table read and audience discussion at Sawtooth Kitchen (Hanover, NH)
Short List Recognition
Each cycle, we name a small number of submissions to our Short List—plays that deeply impressed our readers but were not selected for publication. These works won’t be published in full, but we believe they deserve recognition. Short List selections will be acknowledged online and eligible for invites to future opportunities (such as readings, showcases, or publication in other formats).
If your play makes the Short List, we’ll notify you directly after the selection period closes.
Who’s eligible:
Any current Dartmouth student, alumni or faculty member with an unpublished one-act or full-length play is encouraged to apply.
Is there a fee to submit?
No—submission is completely free. First Light is sponsored through the generosity of the Davin Polk Fund for the Arts. There is, however, a limit of one script per playwright.
Formatting Requirements:
-
PDF only
-
12 pt font, standard margins
-
Page numbers required
-
Cover page with title and playwright name
-
Include a cast list and estimated run time
Ready to Submit?
Use the form below to upload your play and submission requirements. For more information on what plays we’re looking for, please visit our Submission Guidelines.
 Questions? Email [email protected]
DEADLINE: August 1st, 2026
STAGE-WORTHY
EMERGING VOICES
FIRST LIGHT is a new initiative supporting emerging playwrights from the Dartmouth community. One script will be selected for publication and a staged table read in Fall 2025.
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What the winner receives:
50 printed copies of a professionally typeset acting edition
A registered ISBN (author retains full rights)
A live table read and audience discussion at Sawtooth Kitchen (Hanover, NH)
Short List Recognition
Each cycle, we name a small number of submissions to our Short List—plays that deeply impressed our readers but were not selected for publication. These works won’t be published in full, but we believe they deserve recognition. Short List selections will be acknowledged online and eligible for invites to future opportunities (such as readings, showcases, or publication in other formats).
If your play makes the Short List, we’ll notify you directly after the selection period closes.
Any current Dartmouth student, alumni or faculty member with an unpublished one-act or full-length play is encouraged to apply.
Formatting Requirements:
-
PDF only
-
12 pt font, standard margins
-
Page numbers required
-
Cover page with title and playwright name
-
Include a cast list and estimated run time
Ready to Submit?
Use the form below to upload your play and submission requirements. For more information on what plays we’re looking for, please visit our Submission Guidelines.