TRU will produce a New Plays Reading Series in SPRING 2008 that will consist of 3-5 new works presented on Sunday, Monday or Tuesday evenings. The purpose is to (a) help develop new plays, and (b) help producers develop the skills needed to produce new works. Each reading will be followed by a “Dollars and Sense” panel discussion with prominent New York producers, general managers and artistic directors focusing on potential venues, marketing and budgeting of the work.

WHO CAN SUBMIT
• Producers are invited to submit new work that they are interested in developing.
• Theater companies are invited to submit new work that they wish to produce in the series.
• Writers are invited to submit, and are strongly encouraged to find a sponsoring producer for their work. Use xthis as an opportunity to form a relationship with a potential producer, for our series and perhaps for the xfuture. We discourage writers from submitting as their own producers, unless you have had substantial xexperience as a producer. If necessary, TRU can assist you in finding an appropriate sponsoring producer.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES (WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR)
We are looking for a diversity of works, commercial as well as experimental or “non-traditional.”
• We are interested in shows with multi-racial significance, subject matter and/or cast. Minority playwrights will xbe given special consideration.
• Plays with international (non-American) locations or themes, that deal with cultures beyond our own, are xalso of special interest, and may be recommended to the Midtown International Theatre Festival if you xrequest it.
• Children’s shows are discouraged, although family shows are welcome. No musicals, please (TRU will xproduce a separate Musicals Readings Series in November 2008. Check our website for an announcement xof when the musicals submissions period starts. We generally accept from June through September. Go to xwww.truonline.org to confirm.)
• Works may be as short as 75 minutes with no maximum length. However, you must be able to present in xunder 90 minutes, with no more than 12 actors. The time limit must be strictly adhered to in order to allow xtime for the TRU panel afterwards; readings will be timed and stopped after 90 minutes.
• Work in its present form must not have had a previous professional production before a paying audience in xthe New York area, although substantially rewritten works will be considered. Works previously submitted to xTRU Voices may be resubmitted if revisions have been made.
• If considered for selection, the producer/writer team will be interviewed so we can evaluate your ability to xwork within the monetary endowment TRU provides, and to produce a successful reading.

SUBMISSION FEE
• TRU members may submit free of charge.
• Non-members must submit a $25 application fee, which is applicable towards our $50 annual membership. xIf selected for the series, at least one member of the producing/writing team must be a paid member of TRU. xFor more information on the benefits of TRU membership, go to our website at www.truonline.org

HOW TO SUBMIT
• Fill out the attached application, and submit with (a) two copies of script, (b) two copies of a brief synopsisx(maximum one page), (c) two copies of a cast breakdown/production requirements, (d) statement of
purpose for being in the series, (e) $25 application fee (non-members only) and (f) a self-addressed stamped envelope if you wish your submission to be returned.
• Take pride in your work. Submit in a professional form, bound with a cover. No staples, paper clips or binderxclips. If possible, remove your name from title page (and all pages); or know that we will white or black out xyour name to “blind” submit to readers.
• Deadline: postmark 01/11/08 for plays that have a producer attached, postmark 01/04/08 for plays without a
xproducer (we need time to find you one)

WHAT WE PROVIDE
• performance space • 4-color promotional postcards • box office and reservation service • a monetary endowment to cover costs of up to a 500 piece mailing, Equity actor transportation, 3 hours of rehearsal space, lighting/sound technician, and xeroxing. • one day of auditions, if needed • We will also offer you access to our database of performers, directors, technicians, etc.

IMPORTANT: Although TRU will promote the reading series to our membership, the participating producers and writers must be actively involved in promoting this event and are ultimately responsible for audience attendance at their reading.