Extended Deadline to October 11, 2025!

“Telling her story is honoring her legacy.”

Words Off the Paper, Inc. invites playwrights to submit original works for our Stories of Our Time Playwriting Contest, celebrating the lives, sacrifices, and triumphs of women—especially women of color—whose achievements in society have gone unrecognized for far too long.This contest seeks to amplify the voices of underrepresented women, whose stories of resilience, brilliance, and impact deserve to take center stage. We are looking for plays that shed light on their courage, struggles, and contributions—stories that inspire, challenge, and resonate.

Stories of Our Time Playwriting Contest

Theme: Stories of Unrecognized Women of Color – Telling her story is honoring her legacyPresented by Words Off the Paper, Inc.

Eligibility & Submissions

1. Open to Florida residents only.

2. Plays must be unpublished.

   • Readings and workshops are permitted.

   • Plays that have had paid performances are not eligible.

3. Co-authored works are allowed.

Submission Format

• File type: PDF only.

• Font: Times New Roman, size 12.

• Formatting: Standard play format.

• Length: Maximum 120 pages.

• Title page must include:

  • Play title

  • Author name

  • Address

  • Email

  • Phone number

Rules & Restrictions

• Workshopped plays and plays with readings are eligible.

• No adaptations or previously published works.

• No content restrictions — all stories welcome within the theme.

Judging & Prizes

• Judges: Local and state directors and playwrights.

• Criteria: Storytelling strength, dialogue, and originality.

• Prizes:

  • Winning play will be produced in Gainesville, Florida (location TBD).

  • Finalists and winners will be announced on October 14th via our website and social media.

  • Winners will be notified via email on October 10th.

Logistics & Deadlines

• Deadline: October 11, 2025 at midnight EST.

• No revisions after submission.

• Multiple entries allowed ($10 fee per entry).

Support & Feedback

• Every entrant will receive written feedback on their submission.

• Workshops for playwrights will be held during the festival in March 2026.