# The Blank Theatre Young Playwrights Festival

Nationwide playwriting competition for writers 19 and under, running 30+ years: 12 winning plays get fully produced by professional directors and actors in Los Angeles each summer. Free to enter; next deadline March 15, 2027.

## Key facts

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Organization | The Blank Theatre |
| Category | arts |
| Cost | Free |
| Deadline | 2027-03-15 (verified 2026-07-27) |
| Eligibility | Grades 6–12 |
| Format | Online / virtual |
| Location | Various |
| Apply | https://www.theblank.com/ypfsubmissions |

## About this program

# The Blank Theatre Young Playwrights Festival

Every summer for more than three decades, Los Angeles's Blank Theatre has produced the 12 best plays by playwrights ages 9 to 19, chosen from a nationwide competition that has drawn submissions from as many as 37 states. Winners are treated as professionals - 'they are never considered students, they are the playwrights' - and see their work fully staged with professional directors and actors.

## What You'll Do

- Write an original play or musical of any length, on any subject (no AI use permitted)
- Submit up to three plays per playwright or team between January 5 and March 15, 2027, online via Submittable or by mail
- If selected, work through a professional development process with industry mentors, directors, and actors
- Make your professional stage debut with four public performances of your play in Los Angeles

## Who Should Apply

Writers 19 or younger (as of March 15, 2027) who live or attend school in the United States or its territories. There are no submission fees, no minimum age, and no experience requirement - the festival has launched middle schoolers and seasoned teen writers alike.

## Outcomes

Winning playwrights receive a professionally produced world premiere, mentoring from working theater and film professionals, and an unmatched early credit: past festival alumni and participating artists span television, film, and Broadway. Even non-winning writers get experience preparing a script to professional submission standards.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does The Blank Theatre Young Playwrights Festival cost?

The Blank Theatre Young Playwrights Festival is completely free — there is no participation fee. Costs like travel or optional materials may still apply; check the official site for details.

### What is the application deadline for The Blank Theatre Young Playwrights Festival?

The application deadline is March 15, 2027 (deadline last verified July 27, 2026). Always confirm on the program's official site, as dates can shift between cycles.

### Who is eligible for The Blank Theatre Young Playwrights Festival?

The Blank Theatre Young Playwrights Festival is open to students in grades 6–12 (middle and high school). Some programs have additional requirements (GPA, coursework, essays, or recommendations) — the full criteria are on the official site.

### Is The Blank Theatre Young Playwrights Festival online or in person?

The Blank Theatre Young Playwrights Festival is fully online — students can participate from anywhere with an internet connection.

### How do I apply to The Blank Theatre Young Playwrights Festival?

Apply directly through The Blank Theatre's official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.

---

Last updated: 2026-07-28.
Canonical page: https://extracurricularhub.com/extracurriculars/blank-theatre-young-playwrights-festival
Source: ExtracurricularHub (https://extracurricularhub.com) — a free directory of 1,900+ verified extracurricular programs for high school students. Cite the canonical page above; always confirm binding details on the program's official site.