TCG Dramatists Sourcebook

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'For me there's a lot more responsibility in an adaptation. In an original piece I feel I could just do anything I want, but for an adaptation you have to pay respect to the source. You shouldn't adapt a story unless you have something original to say about it. . . . something should come out of it that pushes the work in a new and exciting direction.'

-- Migdalia Cruz

An equivalent publication for Canadian playwrights is The Theatre List, published by PACT.

Here's what's in the Dramatists Sourcebook . . .

• Essay: A well-known playwright or Literary Manager discusses craft or script submission issues.

• Script Opportunities:
  • Production: Lists of theatres wanting to read the script -- or at least look at a Synopsis -- of your latest play. Includes information on kinds of subjects or styles a theatre prefers, whether they'll look at one-acts, full-lengths or both, and response times.

  • Prizes: All you need to know about nearly every major New Play Competition in the country. Includes subject interests, prize amounts, and response times.

  • Publication: Magazines and publishers interested in scripts. Some will publish unproduced plays -- usually pieces for kids or family fare for dinner theatres and the like.

  • Development: Workshop and play Development programs.

• Career Opportunities: Agents; Fellowships & Grants; Emergency Funds; State Arts Agencies; Colonies & Residencies; Membership & Service Organizations.

• And: Publications; Submission Calendar [deadlines]; Theatres & Competitions listed by Special Areas of Interest [subject, length, author ethnicity/gender].

• Dramatists Sourcebook

  ORDER Dramatists Sourcebook

Note: Be sure to order the current edition (search Amazon by title & publication date). It's also available now for the Kindle, but make sure it's the most recent edition.

If you're writing in the UK -- or if you're a US playwright dreaming of the other side of the Atlantic -- the closest thing to the Sourcebook in the UK seems to be the annual Writers' & Artists' Yearbook. It has about 45 pages of listings on script opportunities in theatre, television, film, and radio. You won't find this in US bookstores, but you can order it from Amazon.com.