READING PROCESS:

 

 

Moonbox Production is seeking readers for its Fourth Annual Boston New Works Festival taking place at the Boston Center for the Arts in June 2025.

 

 

There are three rounds of readings before the finalist round where core staff will select the 4 productions and 4 readings that will be part of the festival.  In Round 1 and Round 2 of the selection process, each reader may be asked to read up to ten submissions. Each submission will have a minimum of four readers who will give them a number score and offer a brief (up to 150 words) descriptive justification of that score. Playwrights’ names and collaborators will be unknown to the readers.

 

 

For Round 1, readers will be asked to read the playwrights’ statement of purpose and take into consideration the writers’ goals, vision and whether or not their play fits into Moonbox’s mission, vision and values.  They will then be asked to read at least the first 20 pages of the submitted script.  Some writers may only choose to send in 10 pages of sample dialogue or an outline that details the work they would like to do.  The reading committee will rank the play based on the proposal and how the strength of the writers’ voices.  Readers in this round will get up to 15 submissions.

 

 

For Round 2, readers will be asked to read the playwrights’ statement of purpose and take into consideration the writers’ goals, vision and whether or not their play fits into Moonbox’s mission, vision and values.  They will then be asked to read at least half of the submitted script.  The reading committee will rank each play based on the proposal, the strength of the writers’ voices and whether or not the respond to the story being told. Readers for this round will get up to 10 submissions.

 

 

For Round 3, readers will be asked to read the playwrights’ statement of purpose and take into consideration the writers’ goals, vision and whether or not their play fits into Moonbox’s mission, vision and values.  They will then be asked to read the entirety of the submitted script.  The reading committee will rank each play based on the proposal, the strength of the writers’ voices and whether or not the respond to the story being told. Readers for this round will get up to 5 submissions.

 

 

For each round readers will receive a $50 stipend for their work.  All scripts that make it into round 2 and round 3 will be read by an entirely new slate of readers.  You do not need to commit to all three rounds in order to participate.

 

 

When scoring the play readers are encouraged NOT to take into consideration “produce-ability.” Moonbox is specifically looking for strong, compelling voices and interesting, relevant stories regardless of cast size, locations, set requirements or “magic”. In addition to the numerical scores that the plays receive, the final selection committee will consider diversity and balance of storytelling.

 

 

Readers are encouraged to think about the following elements when evaluating Showcase submissions:

 

 

• Did you find this proposal compelling?
• What are the moments of storytelling that you felt pulled in to?
• What do you think this play or project is about?
• Do you think this proposal aligns with the goals and mission of Moonbox Productions?
• Is this project in a place with regards to development that you feel that Moonbox can support over the course of the 9 months?
• Do you have reservations about this project with regards to authenticity of voice, clarity of vision or scope of project?

 

 

If you are interested in participating in the reading process, please contact Bridget O’Leary, Director of New Play Development, at bridgetkathleenoleary@gmail.com.