Call for Playwrights: Lift Every Voice – A Short Play Festival of BIPOC Playwrights

In honor of Malcolm X’s 100th birthday, we are announcing  Lift Every Voice, a festival dedicated to showcasing the work of playwrights of color in the Boston area on May 29th and 30th. This initiative aims to increase opportunities for local playwrights while celebrating the beauty, joy, and resilience of diverse cultures through storytelling.

We are seeking eight local playwrights to present 10-15 minute plays that highlight the richness of their cultural heritage. These plays should reflect the vibrancy of their communities—whether through history, tradition, personal experiences, or visions for the future. This festival is a space for bold, unapologetic storytelling that uplifts voices too often silenced.

Malcolm X dedicated his life to advocating for the rights and dignity of marginalized people. In a time when creative expression is under threat, Lift Every Voice stands as a testament to the power of art, activism, and community. By bringing together playwrights who are reshaping narratives and amplifying untold stories, we continue his legacy of fearless truth-telling.

If you are a playwright of color in the Boston area with a story that speaks to the beauty and strength of your culture, we invite you to apply. More details on submission guidelines and deadlines below. Let’s lift every voice and create something unforgettable together.

Key dates:

March 1 Application opens

March 31 Application deadline

April 15 Notification of Acceptance

May 28 Final Rehearsal and Tech

May 29-30 Play Festival

Restrictions on submission:

• The play should not have been performed publicly before
• Each submission shouldn’t include more than 4 characters
• Minimal set, prop and light design
• Plays should be at most 15 minutes.