​​Eligibility
To be eligible, each play:
1) MUST be an original work written by someone who currently resides in or has
previously resided in Louisiana (not merely visited).
2) MUST be previously unpublished and unproduced. It is fine if the play has had an
informal reading. In fact, we urge writers to participate in a reading to hear their play
read aloud before submission. We will hold two readings early in 2025.
3) MUST include some reference to or a clear interpretation of the theme, "What Had
Happened Was…". The phrase "what had happened was" need not be said by any
character in the play.  
4) MUST run approximately ten minutes (about 1,800 words). Minimum running time
should be 6 minutes. Any play longer than 2,400 words is disqualified automatically. Any
play running more than 12.5 minutes when read aloud also is disqualified.
5) MUST have at least two (2) and no more than f ive (5) characters. Characters must be
playable by adults—no children or animals. Try to avoid characters who have fewer than
ten lines, such as a waiter, unless they are absolutely required to tell your story.
Consider your casting requirements as actors come generally from the central Louisiana
community. Diversity is encouraged.
6) MUST not require any technical aspects that are expensive or difficult to procure or
produce. “Special” lighting or sound effects are well within our capability. Costuming
must not be too demanding; for example, we probably can’t provide costumes for a
wedding set in 1700.
7) The play cannot be a musical (though a character could sing an original song a
cappella).

8) The play cannot require full nudity.
Further Guidance: The play may be a drama or comedy (we love comedies!) but should
not be a skit. We love work that is socially relevant.
​
What to Submit
Submissions should include two separate files: 1) the Title Page, and 2) the Body
of the play. 
1) The Title Page of your script should include:
• the title
• a “logline” that describes your play in a sentence or two
• the byline (playwright’s name or pen name)
• the playwright’s email address, mailing address, and phone number.
The logline should be located approximately midway between the byline and
contact information. An example layout is included with this document.
2) The first page of the Body of the play should start with a centered title,
followed by a list of characters with their brief descriptions. NOTE: The
playwright’s name appears only on the Title Page and must not appear
anywhere in the Body of the play, including in the header or footer.
A brief description of any minor modifications of the set or any required set
dressing should precede the first lines of dialogue, which should start on the
same page, after a blank line. (See attached example.)
3) Plays should be typed and submitted in Microsoft Word format (.doc or .docx),
12 pt. type, and emailed as an attachment to admin@spectralsisters.com. One
entry per person.
4) There is a $20 submission fee for each entry, submitted to Spectral Sisters via
PayPal. Entries submitted without the submission fee cannot be considered.
5) FINAL SUBMISSIONS must be made no later than 11:59 p.m., March 15,
2025. All fees must be received by the submission deadline.

 

Additional Requirements
• All playwrights whose plays are selected for staging must agree to and sign our
guidelines for production.
• Only one entry will be accepted from each playwright.

How to Submit
Submissions should be emailed as an attachment to admin@spectralsisters.com.

Submission fees are paid to Spectral Sisters at PayPal.com

Adjudication
All qualified plays are judged and scored anonymously by a panel of professional
and independent judges to ensure fairness and impartiality. Up to eight plays can
be staged, or fewer in productions including one-act plays.

Prizes and Staging
Cash prizes are awarded to the three top-scoring plays:
• First place - $100
• Second place - $75
• Third place - $50
All winning entries will be staged (if possible) and recorded for Spectral Sisters
archives.

Pre-submission Readings
Two pre-submission reading sessions will offer each participating playwright an
opportunity to hear their play read aloud, gauge its running time, and receive
valuable feedback for changes, cuts, or other improvements before submission.
The sessions are usually held from 10:00 a.m.- 12:00 noon, on a Saturday at the
Rapides Foundation Building in downtown Alexandria. Exact dates and times and
location will be publicized in advance.

Optional Critique
Any play submitted by February 15 may receive a free critique by March 1. The
playwright may submit a revised play by the March 15 deadline or stick with their
original. NOTE: Individualized critiques are optional and not required, however,
we highly recommend a critique for any playwright who has not had multiple

plays produced before. If you are submitting by February 15, and desire a
critique, please indicate this in your submission email to us.

Thank You for your interest in submitting a 10 Minute Play. Submissions can be
emailed to admin@spectralsisters.com. To pay the $20 fee use the link