Submissions open for Spotlight New Works Fest 2026 at Chain Theatre

Submissions are now open for the Spotlight New Works Fest 2026, a festival of staged readings showcasing new plays and musicals for educational and community theatres. The festival will take place June 29–July 5 at the Chain Theatre, 312 West 36th Street, 4th Floor.

Organized by CPA Theatricals and Gitelman & Good Publishers, the festival invites writers of all backgrounds to submit original works that demonstrate strong storytelling, character development, and production potential for secondary theatre markets. Selected plays and musicals will be presented as staged readings in the 65-seat theater for industry professionals, educators, and artistic directors.

“The Spotlight New Works Fest provides a crucial platform for emerging and established playwrights to connect with theatre companies seeking fresh material,” said a spokesperson for CPA Theatricals. “We are committed to celebrating bold, innovative voices that resonate with diverse audiences.”

Submissions are due by Feb. 3, 2026, through the festival’s official portal at spotlightnewworksfest.com. Writers must submit a completed script, a one-page synopsis, a brief biography, and contact information. Participating companies produce and stage their own readings, while the festival provides the venue, staff, and professional exposure.

CPA Theatricals, a nonprofit organization, supports innovative theatre and access for educational and community stages across North America. Gitelman & Good Publishers licenses new works for these stages and seeks to expand its catalog with original plays and musicals suitable for diverse audiences.

For more information, visit spotlightnewworksfest.com.

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