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 2024 season are now CLOSED. Our next round of director submissions (for 2025) will open up in February 2024. Thanks for your interest in directing a show with us!
Interested in submitting a play for consideration for Cottage Theatre's 2024 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 2024 Season Selection Process:
|
By March 15
April - May May 15 Early June Early June June 19 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 2024 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 2024 season (if no rights or other issues cause delay) Artistic Committee notifies directors (confidentially) of decision 2024 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.
In 2024, Cottage Theatre is one of six producing theatres across the country selected to produce a world premiere play as part of the American Association of Community Theatre 2024 NewPlayFest. So one of our six main season slots will go to this world premiere production. If you are interested in being considered to direct this play, please complete the brief interest form linked below. Once we know which script will be ours, we will contact interested directors with next steps.
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 2024 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 2 - 18, 2024 (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, Twelve Angry Men.)
Show #2 - April 5 – 28, 2024 (4 weekends)
Large, well-known musical that will fill four weekends.
(A few examples of this kind of musical: The Sound of Music, Jekyll & Hyde, Legally Blonde.)
Show #3 - June 7 - 23, 2024 (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, Romeo & Juliet.)
Show #4 - August 9 - 25, 2024 (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 4 - 27, 2024 (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 6 - 22, 2023 (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.
In 2024, Cottage Theatre is one of six producing theatres across the country selected to produce a world premiere play as part of the American Association of Community Theatre 2024 NewPlayFest. So one of our six main season slots will go to this world premiere production. If you are interested in being considered to direct this play, please complete the brief interest form linked below. Once we know which script will be ours, we will contact interested directors with next steps.
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 2024 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 2 - 18, 2024 (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, Twelve Angry Men.)
Show #2 - April 5 – 28, 2024 (4 weekends)
Large, well-known musical that will fill four weekends.
(A few examples of this kind of musical: The Sound of Music, Jekyll & Hyde, Legally Blonde.)
Show #3 - June 7 - 23, 2024 (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, Romeo & Juliet.)
Show #4 - August 9 - 25, 2024 (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 4 - 27, 2024 (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 6 - 22, 2023 (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!