TRU will produce a New Plays Reading Series in SPRING 2009 that will consist of 3-5 new works presented on consecutive Monday evenings at The Players Theatre, 115 Macdougal Street in Greenwich Village. 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 December 2009. Check our website for an announcement of when the musicals submissions period starts. We generally accept from June through September. Go to www.truonline.org to confirm.)
• Works may be as short as 75 minutes with no maximum length. However, you must be able to present in under 90 minutes, with no more than 12 actors (doubling is acceptable). The time limit must be strictly adhered to in order to allow time 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 the New York area, although substantially rewritten works may be considered. Works previously submitted to TRU Voices may be resubmitted only if substantial revisions have been made, and you must explain in a cover letter exactly what is different about this version of the show. If the show has a production history of any sort, you must tell us why a reading in our series will help the development of your show in a meaningful way.
• If considered for selection, the producer/writer team will be interviewed so we can evaluate your ability to work within the monetary endowment TRU provides and to produce a successful reading. Works are accepted for performance in the series based on the ability of the producer.
• Writers must let us know if you have special requirements for your show; i.e. you expect to be in it or direct it, or you are committed to a cast or a director. Since this is a producer-driven series, we like the producer to be involved in these decisions.

SUBMISSION FEE
• TRU members may submit free of charge.
• Non-members must submit a $25 application fee, which is applicable towards our $60 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
• In order to ensure a “blind” selection process, remove your name/production company from all materials, every page.
• Fill out the attached application, and submit with:
(a) two copies of script,
(b) two copies of a brief synopsis (maximum one page),
(c) two copies of a cast breakdown/production requirements,
(d) $25 application fee (non-members only) and
(See check list on application form.)
We no longer have the manpower to return submissions. Please do not include an SASE, as no scripts will be returned.

• Take pride in your work. Submit in a professional form, bound with a cover. No staples, paper clips or binderxclips. Unbound scripts will be thrown away.
• Deadline: postmark 01/04/09 for plays that have a producer attached, postmark 12/29/08 for plays without a
xproducer (we need time to find you one)

WHAT WE PROVIDE
• Performance space • Access to our database of actors, technicians, etc. • A panel discussion with top industry professionals • 4-color postcards promoting the entire series • Box office and reservation service • A limited monetary endowment for approved production expenses • One day of auditions for all shows, as needed

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.