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 2025 season are now CLOSED. Our next submission cycle, for the 2026 season, will open in February 2025. Please check back then for updated guidelines.
Interested in submitting a play for consideration for Cottage Theatre's 2025 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 2025 Season Selection Process:
|
By March 15
April - May May 20 Early June Early June June 17 early July late August |
Potential directors submit play proposals by March 15 deadline
Artistic Committee reviews director proposals and develops recommended slate of plays for 2025 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 2025 season (if no rights or other issues cause delay) Artistic Committee notifies directors (confidentially) of decision 2025 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 4-40, ie. a minimum of 4 roles up to a maximum total cast of 40. 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 2025 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
• 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 7 - 23, 2025 (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 4 – 27, 2025 (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 6 - 22, 2025 (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: Noises Off, The Crucible, Hamlet.)
Show #4 - August 8 - 24, 2025 (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 3 - 26, 2025 (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 5 - 21, 2025 (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 4-40, ie. a minimum of 4 roles up to a maximum total cast of 40. 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 2025 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
• 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 7 - 23, 2025 (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 4 – 27, 2025 (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 6 - 22, 2025 (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: Noises Off, The Crucible, Hamlet.)
Show #4 - August 8 - 24, 2025 (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 3 - 26, 2025 (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 5 - 21, 2025 (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!