DIRECT A PLAY
We choose our season each year based upon play submissions from prospective directors. Our Artistic Committee reviews these submissions each spring and brings a recommended slate of shows to the Cottage Theatre Board of Directors. The Board makes the final decision about the season according to the process and schedule detailed below.
Submissions for our 2027 season are now open. The deadline to submit is March 15, 2026 (by midnight).
Interested in submitting a play for consideration for Cottage Theatre's 2027 season?
Wonderful! Here’s what to do:
1. Read through the guidelines on this page carefully.
2. Complete the Play/Musical Submission Form (click button at bottom of this page to access the form).
Wonderful! Here’s what to do:
1. Read through the guidelines on this page carefully.
2. Complete the Play/Musical Submission Form (click button at bottom of this page to access the form).
Brief outline of the 2027 Season Selection Process:
|
By March 15
April - May May 18 Early June Early June June 15 early July late August |
Potential directors submit play proposals by March 15 deadline. (Please note that late submissions will not be accepted.)
Artistic Committee reviews director proposals and develops recommended slate of plays for 2027 Artistic Committee Chair presents report and recommendation to Board of Directors Board reviews and discusses proposed season If needed, Artistic Committee reconvenes to respond to Board questions or requests for revision Board finalizes and approves 2027 season (if no rights or other issues cause delay) Artistic Committee notifies directors (confidentially) of decision 2027 Season is publicly announced |
Selection Criteria:
Cottage Theatre strives to offer a balance of show genres, sizes, and casting requirements each year. Directors are encouraged to submit more than one play title for consideration to increase the chances that one of their selections might be considered for the season. We welcome non-traditional and diverse casting and stories.
Please note that we are looking for full-length productions of 90 minutes or more. Our target cast size range is typically 4-35. If your play falls outside any of these parameters, please address this in your comments.
The following are among the factors that will be considered in evaluating 2027 submissions:
• Appeal of the play/musical to our audience
• The show’s technical requirements and CT’s ability to produce it
• Verifiable directing experience, and/or previous participation at CT as a Stage Manager or Assistant Director. If you're a new director: carefully consider the size and scope of the show, and consider recruiting an experienced Stage Manager or Assistant Director.
• The director’s “people skills”
• Whether the show is a good fit with the proposed timeslot
• Thoroughness/quality of director's proposal
• Please note that we usually don't repeat a play more frequently than once every ten years.
Timeslot Considerations:
Show #1 - February 5 - 21, 2027 (3 weekends)
Play with cast size of approximately 6 – 20.
Ideally a title with good name recognition (or obvious marketability). Either comedy or drama.
(A few examples of this kind of play: Arsenic and Old Lace, Proof, Frankenstein.)
Show #2 - April 2 – 25, 2027 (4 weekends)
Large, well-known musical that will fill four weekends.
(A few examples of this kind of musical: Brigadoon, Jekyll & Hyde, Legally Blonde.)
Show #3 - June 4 - 20, 2027 (3 weekends)
Play or small musical with cast size of approximately 6 – 20.
Ideally a title with good name recognition (or obvious marketability). Either comedy or drama.
(A few examples of this kind of play: Noises Off, The Crucible, Hamlet.)
Show #4 - August 6 - 22, 2027 (3 weekends)
Play or small musical with modest set requirements.
There is a shorter build time for this show, due to summer youth production in mid-July, so an easy-to-build set is required for this slot.
(A few examples of this kind of show: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee; Almost, Maine; The Good Doctor)
Show #5 - October 1 - 24, 2026 (4 weekends)
Large, well-known musical that will fill four weekends.
(A few examples of this kind of musical: Shrek, Oliver!, Mamma Mia.)
Show #6 - December 3 - 19, 2027 (3 weekends)
Family-friendly, holiday-appropriate play or musical.
(A few examples of this kind of show: Cinderella, A Christmas Story, It's a Wonderful Life.)
Feel free to contact Cottage Theatre via email or phone (541-942-8001) if you have any questions.
Thanks very much for your interest in directing a show!
Cottage Theatre strives to offer a balance of show genres, sizes, and casting requirements each year. Directors are encouraged to submit more than one play title for consideration to increase the chances that one of their selections might be considered for the season. We welcome non-traditional and diverse casting and stories.
Please note that we are looking for full-length productions of 90 minutes or more. Our target cast size range is typically 4-35. If your play falls outside any of these parameters, please address this in your comments.
The following are among the factors that will be considered in evaluating 2027 submissions:
• Appeal of the play/musical to our audience
• The show’s technical requirements and CT’s ability to produce it
• Verifiable directing experience, and/or previous participation at CT as a Stage Manager or Assistant Director. If you're a new director: carefully consider the size and scope of the show, and consider recruiting an experienced Stage Manager or Assistant Director.
• The director’s “people skills”
• Whether the show is a good fit with the proposed timeslot
• Thoroughness/quality of director's proposal
• Please note that we usually don't repeat a play more frequently than once every ten years.
Timeslot Considerations:
Show #1 - February 5 - 21, 2027 (3 weekends)
Play with cast size of approximately 6 – 20.
Ideally a title with good name recognition (or obvious marketability). Either comedy or drama.
(A few examples of this kind of play: Arsenic and Old Lace, Proof, Frankenstein.)
Show #2 - April 2 – 25, 2027 (4 weekends)
Large, well-known musical that will fill four weekends.
(A few examples of this kind of musical: Brigadoon, Jekyll & Hyde, Legally Blonde.)
Show #3 - June 4 - 20, 2027 (3 weekends)
Play or small musical with cast size of approximately 6 – 20.
Ideally a title with good name recognition (or obvious marketability). Either comedy or drama.
(A few examples of this kind of play: Noises Off, The Crucible, Hamlet.)
Show #4 - August 6 - 22, 2027 (3 weekends)
Play or small musical with modest set requirements.
There is a shorter build time for this show, due to summer youth production in mid-July, so an easy-to-build set is required for this slot.
(A few examples of this kind of show: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee; Almost, Maine; The Good Doctor)
Show #5 - October 1 - 24, 2026 (4 weekends)
Large, well-known musical that will fill four weekends.
(A few examples of this kind of musical: Shrek, Oliver!, Mamma Mia.)
Show #6 - December 3 - 19, 2027 (3 weekends)
Family-friendly, holiday-appropriate play or musical.
(A few examples of this kind of show: Cinderella, A Christmas Story, It's a Wonderful Life.)
Feel free to contact Cottage Theatre via email or phone (541-942-8001) if you have any questions.
Thanks very much for your interest in directing a show!