OnyxFest 2025
We’re thrilled you’ve chosen to share your work with us in our Playwrighting Competition!
Submission Requirements:
- Scripts must be submitted by new playwrights. The Africana Repertory Theatre of IU-Indianapolis defines a new playwright as: someone that has not had more than 1 full-length play professionally produced (i.e. by a professional theatre company with paid actors and crew; readings and workshops do not constitute as a professional production); someone that has not been published professionally by a recognized play publisher; someone who has not received high-level awards or recognition in the playwright field.
- Playwright may submit multiple scripts but only one script per playwright will be selected.
- Playwrights must have production rights for this play.
- Playwrights must self-identify as Black. The Africana Repertory Theatre of IU-Indianapolis defines a Black person as someone who is a descendant of and/or identifies with the specific community within the African diaspora.
- Scripts submissions should be relevant to experiences, themes, stories, perspectives, issues, challenges, and celebrations that relate to Black life, history, social and/or cultural impact. However, we support and encourage representation from all ethnicities and allow for some of that to be incorporated in submitted material.
- Playwright agrees and understands that if their script is selected for production, then the show will be produced in Indianapolis, Indiana. Playwrights are highly encouraged to hire Indiana based cast and crew. (*Note: Whereas Black artists worldwide are welcome, any travel expenses and arrangements will be solely the responsibility of the playwright’s party and not be covered by the festival in any form of grant or reimbursement.)
- The deadline for submissions is April 27th at 11:59 PM via this Google Form.
Judging and Selection Process:
- All scripts will be read and rated by a minimum of two readers.
- Positively rated scripts will be passed on to the board for final decision.
- Judges will make final decisions based on readers’ reviews criteria/areas here.
- Your scripts will be housed via google documents, and we will change the sharing/permissions to be view only so readers nor anyone with the link is unable to download, copy, or print your script.
Event Timeline
- March 20-April 27: Submissions open on March 20th and soft close on April 27th.
- April 27-May 4th: The first round of received submission readings will begin with a hard close on incoming submissions on May 4th.
- May 19th: The second round of received submissions will be completed.
- June 19th: Winners of the stage play competition are announced.
- November 7-16th: OnyxFest Performances will take place.
Finalist Details:
- Selected playwrights will receive a production stipend to bring their vision to life.
- Playwrights will have the opportunity to engage with audiences and industry professionals through post-show discussions.
- Each selected play will be performed twice per weekend.
Let us know your questions at africanarepertorytheatre@gmail.com.