The 7th Annual Yale Young Native Playwright’s Contest is sponsored by the Yale Indigenous Performing Arts Program (YIPAP) to support the next generation of Native writers. We invite Indigenous writers aged twenty-five years and younger to submit written versions of their plays for consideration by January 31st, 2022. The winner will receive a developmental workshop of their play at Yale and $500 prize. We are currently waiting to confirm whether this year’s Annual YIPAP Festival will be held virtually or in person (April/May 2022). If in person, we will also provide transportation to and housing at Yale for the duration of the festival.
Each year the YIPAP Festival consists of a workshop and staged reading of the winning youth play(s), alongside new plays by professional Native playwrights, and the annual Misty Upham Award for Young Native Actors. Contest Winners will also have the opportunity to be mentored by a professional Native playwright.
Below, you can find all information for applicants to apply. If you have any further questions, please send us an email at madeline.sayet@yale.edu
For those seeking more guidance YIPAP will also be offering a free online playwriting workshop for Native writers in early January. Dates and times will be announced shortly. Do not hesitate to reach out with any questions.
Once you review the necessary information, please email your submission to madeline.sayet@yale.edu
Thank you for your creativity and passion! We look forward to reading and seeing your work!
For All Applicants:
Applications are due: January 31st 2020
All submissions must be emailed to madeline.sayet@yale.edu
The playwright must be between the ages of 15 and 25 and identify as indigenous.
Plays must be original scripts (no more than 120 pages and no less than 50 pages (this can vary due to structure, so feel free to email to double check eligibility) and written in standard play-script format with one-inch margins, 12 point Times or Courier font, all pages numbered, a title page, and character list. Plays must be in either word or PDF format.
Front page of script must list:
- Title of play
- Full Name
- Tribal Affiliation
- Date of Birth
- Home Address
- Phone Number
*Note: Putting on a play is a collective effort and, as such, the winning playwright will be partnered with a professional Native playwright and/or director to workshop their piece before its staged reading in April.
We look forward to reading your submissions!