LAST BEST PLAYS
Serving the needs of the small contemporary American theatre.

Last Best Plays

About Us

Catalogue

Application - PDF File

Submission Guidelines

Format

Specifics

Submission Process

Format

Manuscripts must be typewritten, 12-point type, on clean, white paper in standard play manuscript form, bound in three-tab document folder (stage directions in italic, please!). No loose pages, staples or clips; no handwritten manuscripts. Page One includes playwright’s name, address, phone number, email address (upper left) and title of play (centered). Page Two includes cast list with physical descriptions. A listing of musical numbers appears on Page Three, if applicable. Property list, set sketch and special considerations should be noted on a separate sheet at the end of the play.
·Include a one-page cover letter with brief synopsis (@100 wds.), production credits and resume.
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Specifics

*Comedies: Cast size greater than 10 or intricate settings/costuming/props must be justified within the context of the play; indicate doubling. Strong roles for women a plus. Controversial material must be handled cleverly; no gratuitous sex, violence or bashing of groups or causes.

*Musical plays: Instrumentation must be noted; prefer piano or piano/combo. Note vocal ranges of performers in cast list. Include a cassette tape or CD of all musical numbers.

*Children’s scripts: Must be innovative (we’ve seen fairy tales in the same old context) and not patronizing. Education through a strong moral is a plus, but nothing preachy. Prefer musicals. Cast size can be as large as 75 and must include good roles for all ages of children, grades K – 12. No adults performing for children, though cast may include one or two adults.

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Submission Process

*All correspondence must be accompanied by a SASE. LBP is not responsible for the return of material. Query with brief synopsis or send complete ms. Allow up to three months for response
.
*Scripts should be mailed in sturdy envelope or package and will not be returned without sufficient postage. Send no cash, money orders, checks or stamps. Mail material to: The Last Best Plays, Box 1152, Polson MT 59860,
attn.: Submissions. We do not accept e submissions.

*For confirmation of receipt, include SASP.
*Scripts are not read April through August.

*Scripts accepted for consideration will be offered a standard contract, which includes, but is not limited to, the opportunity of development through production, rewriting consultation and inclusion in The Last Best Plays&Mac226; catalogue. Other arrangements negotiated thereafter on a per-case basis. No advance commitment implied.

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The Last Best Plays, on the shores of beautiful Flathead Lake, publishes primarily Montana playwrights. For current listings, send a SASE #10 envelope