Black and Latino Playwrights Conference : Center for Multicultural and Gender Studies : Texas State University

A workshop and showcase of the work of student and professional Black and Latino playwrights, conducted by professional guest directors / artists.

The Department of Theatre and Dance annually sponsors a Black and Latino Playwrights Conference that includes professional guest directors and actors, auditions, 3-5 days of open rehearsals, and in-class presentations by professional guests artists, culminating with staged reading performances open to the campus and community.

The mission of Texas State University’s Black and Latino Playwrights Conference is to study the craft, to nurture the artist, and to celebrate multicultural theatre.

Events
Objectives
Guidelines For Submission Of Script
Call For Workshop and/or Conference Paper Proposals
Deadlines For The Submission Of Scripts
Guest Artists
Conference Staff
Quotes From Previous Artists
Previous Plays and Playwrights Showcased

Black & Latino Playwrights Conference 2011

Click on this flyer to get more information from the Department of Theatre and Dance's Website!

EVENTS

Staged Readings - Admission Cost for Readings: $3.00

Friday 7:00 PM
Saturday 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM
Sunday 2:00 PM

2. Talk back sessions with guest playwrights and artists

3. Panel Discussions and conference paper presentations

4. Open Rehearsals: Monday - Friday 6 - 10 PM

OBJECTIVES

To provide Texas State University students majoring in theatre with the opportunity to work with professionals for a hands-on week-long lab that includes the collaborative process of “finding a play” in rehearsals, culminating with a public staged reading.
To showcase the work of Black and Latino playwrights from across the country.
To annually lend an ear to new voices and help writers, in collaboration with directors, actors, and dramaturgs, shape their stories and hone their craft in an environment that allows the writer to explore and grow and learn fearlessly.
To share the play with the campus and community in a staged reading for audiences followed by discussion and/or questions and answers.

GUIDELINES FOR SUBMISSION OF SCRIPTS

Only unproduced and unpublished scripts are eligible for consideration.
The scripts should be written by a Black or Latino playwright.
The scripts should include a synopsis and character list.
The playwrights are expected to attend the rehearsals and at least one of the performances.
Only scripts submitted prior to the deadline will be considered.
Playwrights from across the country may submit scripts.
Manuscripts should be typed in the standard play format and must include contact information.
Include a stamped self-addressed envelope if you wish your manuscript returned.

CALL FOR WORKSHOP AND/OR CONFERENCE
PAPER PROPOSALS

Send workshop proposals addressing playwriting, producing, and publishing.
Send conference papers (20 minutes) on Black and Latino playwrights and their work--historical and/or critical.

DEADLINE FOR THE SUBMISSION OF SCRIPTS

The deadline for submission of scripts is on April 15th. A script postmarked by the deadline date is acceptable. Play scripts may be delivered by regular mail, in person, or e-mail. By June 15th, notification is sent to the author of the selected work and to all who submitted scripts. Deadlines are the same for workshop and conference paper proposals. Click HERE for submission address.

GUEST ARTISTS

1. Housing: The university provides for all guest artists and directors from out of town.
2. Stipends: The selected playwrights receive a $1000 stipend.
3. Travel Expenses: Airfare or mileage is covered by the university.

CONFERENCE STAFF
Artistic Director...........................................Eugene Lee
Asst. Artistic Director..................................Joe Luis Cedillo
Producers...................................................Dr. John Fleming
Chair, Department of Theatre & Dance......Dr. Sandra Mayo Director, Center for Multicultural and Gender Studies

Send Manuscripts To:

Department of Theatre & Dance
Texas State University-San Marcos
601 University Drive
San Marcos, TX 78666
Attn: Black & Latino Playwrights
or e-mail to: el18@txstate.edu

Quotes From Previous Artists:

“The creative imagination and beauty of new work are in play in Texas as the professional world collaborates
with the academic in a unique and promising way. ”

~Kenny Leon
Director,True Colors Theatre Company
Atlanta, GA

“The week in San Marcos working with an astute director and open actors made for a fulfilling and clarifying experience. I came away with a better understanding of where I was headed with this script.”

~Robert Alexander
Playwright, Washington, D.C.

"The Black and Latino Playwrights Conference provided me with one of the best writing experiences of my life."

~Antoinette Winstead, Playwright, San Antonio,TX

"The artists that artistic directors Eugene Lee and Joe Cedillo brought together for my project made me wish I could make an annual retreat to San Marcos, Texas to rework my words. What a huge benefit it would be to have such a delicious opportunity every summer."

~Elaine Romero, Playwright, Tucson, AZ

"The conference was a great opportunity to not only perform but to teach the students. It is nice to give back to the community by sharing one's experience with those who are just getting ready to leave the nest and who will be off into the world of the arts."

~Ruben Gonzales
Professional Actor, Los Angeles, CA

"The excitement of the week is bolstered by professional directors/actors, theatre majors, and community artists working diligently to breathe energy into a new creative life. It's fun; it's hard work; it's very rewarding. It's a hellava great week!"

~Stephen Gerald
Professor / Director University of Texas at Austin