2025 SHORT PLAY FESTIVAL

EXIT Theatre seeks short plays no longer than 15 minutes in length for its 2025 Short Play Festival which will be held June 19-29, 2025 at EXIT Theatre in Arcata, Ca. Submit ONE original play only for consideration. Send it as an attachment in a PDF or Word format to mail@theexit.org. 

Submissions accepted January 1 to January 31, 2025.  All theatrical performance styles will be considered that can be comfortably staged in our low-tech, low budget 30-seat theater. 

Please include a cover letter with your contact information and staging ideas (i.e. set, props, music) as well as if you are able to provide any actors and/or a director for your piece.

Twelve short plays will be selected and presented at EXIT Theatre, Arcata, 890 G  St., 2nd Floor. The festival will be held June 19-29, 2025 (Thursdays-Sundays). Selected playwrights will receive a $25 royalty, and all production costs will be covered by the theater.  Playwrights retain all rights to their plays. 

Questions? Contact mail@theexit.org
  1. Play Selection:
    • Plays will be chosen by our team of readers, with preference given to those that align with the theater’s technical capabilities.
    • Plays with minimal technical requirements are more likely to be selected due to our time and resource limitations.
  2. Storage Space:
    • Please note that our theater has limited storage space, so large props and scenic pieces may not be accommodated.
  3. Custom Props:
    • While custom props and scenic pieces can be created by directors, we have limited resources to assist in their construction.
  4. Basic Props:
    • The theater can provide some basic props such as lamps and tableware. Please inquire about availability.
  5. Available Furniture:
    • Our theater offers a futon that can double as a sofa or bed, two plastic folding tables, chairs, and a side table for your use.
  6. Lighting and Sound:
    • Our in-house Technical Director can assist with simple lighting and sound design.
    • Sound cues will be limited to 3 per show, and lighting design will be subject to reasonable time constraints.
  7. Bring Your Own Designers:
    • Directors who require more complex sound or lighting are welcome to bring in their own designers.
  8. Technical Support:
    • Our technicians can operate QLab and will make every effort to accommodate technical needs within our constraints.

We appreciate your understanding of these limitations and look forward to working with you to create an engaging and memorable theatrical experience.