Theatre Lab FAQ

1. Do you accept international submissions?
2. What are the dates of the Lab?
3. Do I have to be at the Lab for the entire time?
4. What is your mailing address?
5. I submitted last year, but have done major rewrites and the play is much different. Can I submit again?
6. Can I receive feedback on my submission?
7. Is it a problem that I don't have a director?
8. What if my director is attached to more than one project?
9. Can I submit multiple projects?
10. Do you prefer if I send in a hardcopy of my play, instead of submitting it electronically?
11. Can you waive the application fee?
12. Can I take my children to the Lab?
13. Can I take my dog to the Lab?
14. Must I have the rights to the song or book that my play or musical is based on?
15. How do I submit music, or other additional materials?
16. What if my play is commissioned by another theatre?
17. Can I select my own dramaturg?
18. What if my submitted project has already been produced?
19. Can I submit a play that is not completed?
20. There's already a scheduled production of the project I want to submit, is this okay?
21. Does Sundance pay for my travel to Utah?
22. How are projects selected?
23. What does Sundance look for?

1. Do you accept international submissions?
Yes, we do accept international submissions.

2. What are the dates of the Lab?
The dates for the 2013 Theatre Lab are July 8-28, 2013.

3. Do I have to be at the Lab for the entire time?
If your project is selected, you are expected to be at the Lab for the entire three weeks. If you have a scheduling conflict, we suggest that you do not submit this year, and submit in a future season.

4. What is your mailing address?
Our mailing address is:
Sundance Institute Theatre Program
180 Varick St, Suite 1330
New York, NY 10014
Please make sure that your log number (received after applying online) is clearly marked on the outside of your envelope and on all materials submitted.

5. I submitted last year, but have done major rewrites and the play is much different. Can I submit again?
We do not accept plays that have been previously submitted, and we do not make exceptions to that rule.

6. Can I receive feedback on my submission?
Sundance Institute does not provide feedback on submitted projects.

7. Is it a problem that I don't have a director?
No, it is not a problem if you do not have a director. We will try our best to find a director that would best complement your project.

8. What if my director is attached to more than one project?
A director can be attached to more than one project. If both projects are accepted into this year's Lab, the director will have to select only one project to work on. The director cannot work on more than one project at the Lab.

9. Can I submit multiple projects?
You can only submit one project per year.

10. Do you prefer if I send in a hardcopy of my play, instead of submitting it electronically?
We encourage everyone to submit their projects electronically if at all possible. We understand that some international applicants may not have reliable access to the internet. If this is the case, please call Ignacia Delgado at 646-822-9564 so that we can determine the best way for you to submit.

11. Can you waive the application fee?
No. Unfortunately, we cannot waive the application fee.

12. Can I take my children to the Lab?
Sundance Institute strives to provide a family-friendly environment. However, it is our experience that the responsibilities of parenting can be counter-productive to the work that this unique opportunity offers. We strongly encourage families with children to make other childcare arrangements at home during the Lab. An alternative is to consider a three-day visit during the Lab. Please contact the Theatre Program if you have questions about families or guests.

13. Can I take my dog to the Lab?
No. Animals are not permitted on property during the Lab.

14. Must I have the rights to the song or book that my play or musical is based on?
Yes. If you are including any materials for which you are not the writer/creator, you must obtain the rights prior to submitting. If you do not have the rights, we cannot accept your project.

15. How do I submit music, or other additional materials?
Please submit music and additional materials by mail. Please see the mailing address above.

16. What if my play is commissioned by another theatre?
We do accept plays that are commissioned by other theatres or producers, however, you must obtain written permission from the commissioning organization stating that they support your application.

17. Can I select my own dramaturg?
It is to your advantage to use one of the dramaturgs who is part of the Theatre Lab team. The Lab's dramaturgical team is highly skilled in new play development and is specifically attuned to the needs and rhythms of the Lab process. In the case of work that is commissioned or committed to production, we have done well with a process whereby the Lab dramaturg "passes the baton" to the dramaturg at the producing institution.

18. What if my submitted project has already been produced?
We can only accept projects that have NOT been produced. A produced project is defined as a project that has been reviewed by critics. We do accept plays that have had a previous workshop, or developmental opportunities.

19. Can I submit a play that is not completed?
We do accept plays in various stages. We do recommend that you not submit just an outline of the project, but an actual draft, regardless if it’s incomplete.

20. There’s already a scheduled production of the project I want to submit, is this okay?
We do accept projects that are already scheduled for a production, but due to our agreement with Actors Equity Association, the production cannot start rehearsals for at least 90 days after the final day of the Lab (October 28, 2013).

21. Does Sundance pay for my travel to Utah?
Sundance does provide lodging, meals and a plane ticket for you and the rest of the creative team attached to your project.

22. How are projects selected?
All submissions - generally between 600 and 800 annually - are read in their entirety and evaluated by qualified play readers from around the country. Roughly a third of the plays are read a second time, and some receive further readings. The artistic staff then narrows the field to the top 25-30 submissions, which are then evaluated by an Advisory Committee comprised of established playwrights, dramaturgs, and directors. The Artistic Director makes the final selections and extends personal invitations to join the Theatre Lab.

23. What does Sundance look for?
First and foremost, we look for projects that reflect an originality and "independent spirit.” We're interested in provocative new work from unheard voices and work that looks at familiar topics in an unfamiliar way. Once we have established that a project warrants our interest, we look for clues that applicants have strongly identified their objectives in the supporting materials-- both long-term and in the context of the 18-day Lab. Some projects aren't suited to a highly collaborative Lab environment, while others only need a polish before they're ready for productions. If your project is too far along, it's not for us. We aspire to diversity and balance in our selections, and cross-over artists, ensemble work, political plays, and projects that defy categorization have all found a home at Sundance.