2026 LSU SciArt New Play Festival 

Louisiana State University (LSU) is proud to announce the return of the SciArts New Play Festival, taking place in the Fall of 2026. Co-sponsored by the LSU College of Science, the LSU School of Theatre, and the LSU Office of Research and Economic Development, this groundbreaking festival will showcase staged readings of new accurate science plays selected from submissions across the nation. 

The LSU SciArts New Play Festival is now accepting submissions. We are inviting playwrights to submit their original, unpublished, full-length play that explore the intersections of science and art. Playwrights selected will be flown to Baton Rouge for rehearsals, offering them the opportunity to refine their works in collaboration with experienced theatre professionals. Additionally, playwrights selected will receive a cash reward and recognition of their contribution to the festival. 

Play submissions will start being accepted March 31st with a deadline of June 30th.  

Read about previous festivals. 

Submission Instructions

  • Submissions must be original, unpublished plays, full-length plays (one or two acts accepted)
  • Plays should prominently feature accurate science as a thematic element or integral part of the storyline

  • Plays should be submitted as a PDF document
  • Ensure the script is formatted according to standard industry guidelines
  • The deadline for submissions is June 30th

  • Over the course of the summer, a panel of theatre and science faculty will evaluate submissions and select the top three plays for the festival
  • Selected playwrights will be notified via email by September 1st 

  • Playwrights of the selected plays will be flown to Baton Rouge for workshop rehearsals
  • Each selected playwright will receive a cash prize
  • The festival will occur at the Music & Dramatic Arts Building on the LSU campus

SUBMISsION FORM

For inquiries or assistance, please contact Zoe Godfrey-Grinage at zgodfr1@lsu.edu. 
  
We look forward to receiving your submissions and celebrating the intersection of science and art at the LSU SciArt New Play Festival!