Ingram New Works Project FAQ
Are you looking for a specific type of play or playwright?
No, we look for exciting and inspiring plays with a dynamic voice, an interesting point of view, and a strong sense of narrative momentum. We are looking for a play script that is in progress. That progress can be an early unfinished draft, a few pages written with an outline and synopsis, or a fully completed first draft. Overall, we must comprehend the concept of the play and where the playwright intends to take the piece.
Can I submit more than one project?
No. We will only accept one submission per person.
Is there a submission fee?
No.
Do you accept plays that have already been developed?
Yes. We will accept a play already in very early development. However, we highly encourage brand new plays and early drafts to be submitted.
My play has received a reading at another theatre; can I continue to develop it in the Ingram New Works Lab?
No. The Ingram New Works Lab is not designed for plays that have already received development with other programs. We highly encourage brand new plays and early drafts to be submitted.
Can playwrights from outside of Nashville apply?
Absolutely. Housing, travel, and hospitality are provided to all Lab playwrights. Local playwrights are also strongly encouraged to apply.
Do I have to be in Nashville for the entire 2026-2027 season?
No, but participants will be required to attend Zoom meetings throughout the season, as well as two in-person meetings with the cohort, one in the winter and the Festival in June 2027.
What can I expect if I’m selected for the Ingram New Works lab?
Each playwright will be given the resources needed to work on their script and take it to the next level. Each play will be staffed with a director and dramaturg, and each play will be cast with actors. Before attending the festival, the playwright will take part in Zoom readings and workshops. This will give the playwright time to make changes and re-writes before coming onsite for their lab week.
For the Festival, playwrights arrive early in the week. There will be 3 to 5 lab sessions throughout the week, catered to the needs of the playwright. We realize each play has specific needs, so time will be allowed for playwrights to do readings, work sessions, re-writes, dramaturgical work, and discussions. These sessions will include work with a director and dramaturg as well as professional actors from the Nashville region. The week will culminate in a reading.
In addition to Lab sessions, weeks in Nashville also include opportunities to experience our great city and connect with the larger community of artists in Nashville.
What materials do I need to send to apply?
Applicants must send the following:
The first 15 pages of your script draft
If a musical, need to also submit 3 demos from the show, at any point
A Purpose Statement
Please answer the questions in the statement: Why are you submitting, what do you hope to gain? Where is the piece in development?
Statement should not exceed 2 pages double spaced.
A Bio from everyone on the creative statement
A synopsis of the play
Do you accept musical submissions?
Yes, we are now accepting musical submissions for the 2025-2026 Season. If you are submitting a musical proposal, you should also include links to any early audio reference demos or recordings of your work.
Who reads the submissions?
Submissions are read by a combination of professional readers, community stakeholders, Ingram Lab alumni, and Nashville Rep artistic staff.
What happens after I submit?
You will be notified by email that we have received your application. Finalists will be notified by email, and many finalists will be asked to take part in Zoom interviews. A public announcement of the 2025/26 Lab playwrights will be made in late July/early August.
What is the deadline for submissions?
The submission deadline is Friday, June 26 at 5pm CST.
What if my question isn’t answered in this FAQ?
Additional questions can be sent to Meg Sutherland, Company Manager at meg@nashvillerep.org