OK, so now we know that the applicant pool is going to be both broad and deep. With the response being so large, and coming from so many corners, it is going to challenge our plans for the Selection Process, both in terms of the anticipated schedule and the proposed process. But we're unphased.
To stay on target, we're actively recruiting twice the number of Readers, Screeners, and Panelists we'd planned to involve-- which means a bit of a scramble, but ultimately means this first round of the NPDP will involve hundreds of individuals from the new play sector of the American theater. It's slightly daunting, but very exciting to think of the selection process being this democratic.
It's also going to require y'all to step up and participate. If you are interested in serving as a Reader or Screener, send Vijay a note at npdpinfo@arenastage.org Include your email, postal address, and telephone number.
Here are the roles we are looking to fill:
Readers will be participating in the selection process for the Outstanding New American Play. You will each be given 7 - 10 scripts to read, without the names of the playwrights, and will be asked to complete a short script report and provide a numerical score. The reading will take place over a two-week period in the middle of August, so don't raise your hand for this one if that's a bad time for you. To apply for this role, let Vijay know a bit about your experience reading new plays.
Screeners will be participating in the selection process for the Distinguished New Play Development Projects. You will each be given the statements of the playwright, organization, and proposed development path for 10 - 15 applications to read, report, and score. The reading will take place over a two-week period in the middle of August, as well, so don't take it on if you can't get it done. To apply for this role, let Vijay know a bit about your experience developing new plays.
In both categories there will be an initial culling of the applications to arrive at a manageable pool for the two panels to evaluate. We expect to put 30 - 40 full applications in front of the panel in each category. We're intending that every submitted Outstanding New Play script will have at least two Readers and expect each Distinguished New Play Development Project to have at least three screeners. (If there are enough qualified Readers in the mix, we'd love to get the scripts three reads prior to panel.) The panelists will receive the complete applications for the highest scoring proposals in each, and a full list of the writer, organization and project description for the remaining proposals. They will be given the opportunity to review and advance any proposals they feel have been eliminated too early in the deliberations.
So, if it looks like your August has some reading time in it and you can hold off on that hot new beach read for a couple of weeks, come get involved in the first round of the NEA New Play Development Program. That is, if you don't already have a horse of your own in the race...
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