TheatreRats’ Annual Chester Horn Short Play Festival
The Annual Chester Horn Short Play Festival was created in 2004 as a means for TheatreRats to collaborate with as many playwrights, performers, directors and technicians as possible – and to empower these artists with a platform to create their art and celebrate the power and joy of theater.
The Festival features short plays no more than 15 minutes in length of all styles and genres. Drama or comedy, straight play or musical, experimental or traditional – it doesn’t matter, so long as it’s entertaining and engaging.Since its inaugural presentation, the Festival has grown exponentially. In its first year, TheatreRats received 150 submissions...then more than 400...now more than 600 annually. In turn, scores of actors and dozens of directors have had the opportunity to collaborate with us.
Ultimately, our goal is to become one of the preeminent, recognized platforms for the short play. More importantly, to become one of the best...in terms of artistic merit and entertainment value.More often than not, playwrights who submit their short plays to festivals find the results a crapshoot. Quality is inconsistent...the overall experience, often worse. We believe our commitment to the short play art form and to the artists themselves attracts people to our Festival – and inspires them to return. Part and parcel of our commitment is our collaboration with top-notch directors and top-tier performers. That’s why the Festival is presented under Equity Showcase Guidelines – so our artistic team is free to cast the very best performers possible, AEA or non-union.
Most important of all, The Annual Chester Horn Short Play Festival was founded as a gift from beloved patron Chester Horn. In kind, TheatreRats hopes it can be a gift that “keeps on giving” for the theatrical community, encouraging and fostering collaboration long after each Festival’s curtain falls.
Submission Guidelines
Short play submissions may be made by email only in the form PDF or Microsoft Word documents. Plays may be no more than 15 pages in length. Limit: 2 submissions per playwright per year. Playwrights of shortlisted/selected pieces will be notified - please do not inquire after your submission. Email all submissions to scripts@theatrerats.com.