Submissions

Submissions for the 2026 festival are now closed. We are thrilled to announce that all plays have been accepted and auditions have been scheduled. Thank you to everyone who submitted.

Playwrights: Submissions Closed

The submission window for the 2026 festival has closed.

Thank you to all the writers who shared their work with us. We have selected our lineup for the upcoming season.

Check back in late 2026 for information regarding the next festival cycle.

Directors: Proposals Closed

Director proposals for the 2026 festival are now closed.

Projects have been paired and production is underway.

Submission guidelines (Reference)

These guidelines are preserved here for reference regarding the 2026 selected works.

  • Length: 10–25 minutes (target 12–18 pages in standard play format).
  • Cast size: ideally 2–5 performers; larger ensembles considered if blocking is simple.
  • Staging: minimal sets and props; quick transitions; no complex rigging or effects.
  • Tech: basic lighting and stereo sound only; projections optional if self-contained.
  • Language: English or French; bilingual works are welcome.
  • Content: new/original work is preferred; public domain or licensed works allowed with proof of rights.
  • Format: submit a single PDF with title page, character list, and page numbers.
  • File name: LASTNAME_Title.pdf (e.g., MARTIN_Riverstone.pdf).
  • One submission per writer (co-authored works count as one submission per writer).

Eligibility

  • Open to all writers 18+.
  • We encourage submissions from first-time playwrights and from communities underrepresented in theatre.

If you’re not in Montreal

Writers outside Montreal are welcome to submit. If selected, we’ll coordinate a collaboration plan with the director (e.g., scheduled video rehearsals, script revisions by milestone). Travel is not required.

Writer involvement

At minimum, be available to communicate with the director by email or video at key points (casting, table read, first stumble-through, pre-tech). On-site attendance at rehearsals is optional but encouraged if you’re local or in town.

Timeline

  • Nov 30, 2025: Submissions closed.
  • Dec 2025–Jan 2026: Selection complete; Auditions scheduled.
  • Feb–Mar 2026: Rehearsals; light production meetings.
  • April 18 & 19, 2026: Festival weekend at Theatre VME.

Rights and licensing

You retain all rights to your script. By submitting, you grant Moment MTL a limited, non-exclusive right to present your work in the 2026 festival (one weekend, up to four performances) and to use brief excerpts for festival marketing. If the work is not original, you must provide written permission or proof of public-domain status.

Selection process

Submissions are reviewed by a small reading panel using a simple rubric (clarity, stageability, fit for minimal tech, ensemble potential). Shortlisted scripts may receive a brief follow-up question. Final selections aim for a varied program of tones and styles.

Fees and funding

As a new community festival, we can’t guarantee a stipend yet. We’re seeking funding and will announce any artist fees on the News page. There are no submission fees.

Accessibility and inclusion

We welcome accessible casting and design approaches. If your script includes specific access needs (e.g., captioning for projected text), note them in your submission so we can plan appropriately.

Questions?

Email us at momentmtltheatre@gmail.com with any inquiries regarding the upcoming productions.