BACKSTAGE@SANTA PAULA THEATER CENTER IS NOW ACCEPTING OPEN SUBMISSIONS FOR THE 2026 PRODUCTION OF PLAYZAPALOOZA!

Deadline: February 20, 2026
We are seeking original one-act plays for our upcoming theater festival at The Santa Paula Theater Center, Backstage. This is an exciting opportunity for playwrights to see their work brought to life on stage in an intimate black box theater setting.
Performance Dates: Opens May 22, 2026 and runs for three weekends

• Fridays at 8:00 PM
• Saturdays at 4:00 PM
• Sundays at 2:30 PM

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTSPlay Specifications:

• Length: Approximately 8-10 minutes
• Cast: Maximum of four actors (additional characters permitted if they can be portrayed by the same four performers through doubling)
• Setting: Minimal set requirements suitable for black box theater presentation
• Technical: No projections, complex set designs, or special effects

Format Requirements:

• Submit as PDF or DOCX file
• Anonymous submission required: Remove all identifying information including playwright name, contact details, location, or any references that could reveal identity
• Include character breakdown and brief synopsis on a separate title page (also without identifying information)

Eligibility:

• Open to playwrights residing in Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties in California
• Previously produced works are acceptable
• Limit of two submissions per playwright

Rights & Fees:

• Playwrights retain all rights to their work
• This is a non-paying opportunity; no performance fees or stipends are provided

IMPORTANT CASTING CONSIDERATIONSSelected plays are subject to casting availability. While we make every effort to produce all selected works, please be aware that if our director is unable to cast required roles due to:

• Age requirements
• Gender specifications
• Physical demands or limitations
• Other casting constraints

The playwright will be notified, and the play will be withdrawn from the lineup. The next available approved play will take its place. We encourage playwrights to consider flexible casting options when appropriate.
Please note: All artistic decisions including casting, set design, and directing are at the sole discretion of the production team. Playwrights will not have input on these elements.
SELECTION PROCESSEach submission will be read and scored by two independent judges/readers selected from the local theater community. All judges/readers remain anonymous to ensure impartial evaluation.
SUBMISSION DEADLINEAll submissions must be received by February 20, 2026.
How to Submit: Email your submission to [email protected] or click on this link - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxYvYpZxU11jnSs7LWK-1Sbt0dT2xENMjmOEtOuBNGktL8rg/viewform?usp=publish-editor​
Questions? Contact the Playzapalooza Production Team at [email protected]
Performance Venue: The Santa Paula Theater Center, Backstage | Santa Paula, California
We look forward to discovering fresh, compelling voices for our stage!