The Spring 2021 submissions period is currently over. Please check back at the end of the semester to apply for the Fall 2021 season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply?
Anyone! As long as you have a play (fully-written, partially-written, or even just a fleshed-out idea), we'd love to read your work. We think all writing is valuable, and we encourage you to take a chance on yourself... you got this!
What is the Mainstage show?
The Mainstage show is NOMADS' fully developed and produced show. We will work with the team to realize this show within a virtual setting. Drawing from other virtual productions, we’ll work together to think about what it means to develop a play or musical virtually and what technical and design elements we can use such as camera angles, a green screen, etc. Ultimately, we aim to provide this production with a weekend (three or four show) run.
What is the Wordplay festival?
WordPlay is a process-oriented festival where writers work with a mentor (usually from the Columbia Graduate school) to develop a play. We support writers by finding them a mentor, helping them set up readings, and by giving feedback. At the end of this process, we host a weekend festival to read segments of the plays. We typically select three to six writers each semester. If you're still confused/curious, here's more information about WordPlay.
Can i Submit for both the mainstage show and wordplay?
Yes, you can absolutely submit to both! If you select "both" on the google form, we will assume that the Mainstage slot is your first choice.
My script isn't finished yet, can i still submit?
We welcome scripts in all stages of the process. If you submit an incomplete script, we only ask that you provide some sort of outline or plan for the remainder of your script (particularly for the ending). We rarely consider incomplete scripts for our main stage slot, as that process involves more people, is geared towards a complete and fully realized production, and tends to move at a faster pace.
if accepted, can i still change my script?
Absolutely! For our WordPlay scripts, we encourage revision and change! For our Mainstage production, we'll figure out a "freeze date" (i.e. day for the final, frozen draft) to allow actors to memorize lines and the director and designers to really cement their work. But otherwise, you're free to edit, add, or remove whatever you like!
If i'm submitting a musical, do i have to submit sheet music?
Not at all! We'd love some audio clips to just get a sense of your style. This can be a recording of you singing/playing an instrument or a generated audio file from a music writing program; whatever is easiest for you! You're also welcome to submit sheet music if you'd like!
Help! i have a question that hasn't been answered!
Oh no! You can contact the board by emailing submit2nomads@gmail.com or messaging us on facebook! We'll respond ASAP!