We don’t want to be snarky…
BUT
EVERYBODY wins when we carefully read the submission guidelines.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
How does the Storytelling Revolution Festival define “new work”?
All submissions must be original works, and the artist and/or company must possess the legal rights to produce and perform their piece(s). Shows with previous productions are allowed. Please include a detailed production history in your submission.
What do the selected artists/companies bring to the Festival?
It is the responsibility of selected artists/companies to cast, rehearse, tech, produce, and prepare their show for the festival. ATL and LFF do not cast, employ, or hire selected artists/companies, and out-of-town participants do not receive any additional stipends.
What is provided by the Festival?
We provide performance dates, wrap-around full Festival focused publicity, a scheduled time for tech, and a stage + technicians for light and sound for the performance of your piece at zero cost to artists. We also intentionally do NOT charge an application or submission fee.
Due to the complexity of accommodating as many projects as possible, we do require each show to keep its technical elements to a thoughtful minimum. If your piece needs a large set and lots of light and sound cues, then it might not be a good fit for SRF. (We’ll get into more details about technical/production logistics on the next page!)
What is the compensation or revenue for participating?
Participating artists with full-length pieces receive 20% of the ticket revenue earned. Participating playwrights in the ten-minute plays receive 10% of the ticket revenue earned.
Is there a run time goal or requirement?
We welcome both pieces shorter in duration (which may be curated with other works within a performance window) and full-length work (up to 90 minutes in run time). While select works over 90 minutes may be considered, we aim to keep projects to one act to support the inclusion of as many pieces as possible. We plan to present a collection of ten-minute plays, and we invite those scripts as well.
Does my project have to be a full production?
No! You are welcome to propose producing a staged reading of a completed script or a work-in-progress performance (for example). In order to curate the Festival, we need to have a sense of your piece and where you are in the development process, so we do ask for supporting material with your submission (e.g., script, video, photos, or other blueprint).
What are the selection criteria?
There are three guideposts we use for evaluation. We are aiming to bring together a range of new works from varied perspectives/aesthetics, so selected projects will answer these questions in different ways and proportions.
1) To what extent does this project inspire an experience of WONDER?
Does this project expand the limits of possibility? Does it catalyze connection? Does it create a playground for imagination? Is it building a bridge to the extraordinary?
2) Does this project represent a REVOLUTION of theatrical storytelling form?
Does the form of this project create a new/different/interesting relationship between artists and audience? Is this story told in a form that inherently must unfold live and in-person? Is the piece inventive in a way that audiences in Louisville (and beyond) may not often experience?
3) Is this a project best realized by LOUISVILLE Fringe and the State Theatre of KENTUCKY?
Does the story resonate with conversations, cultures, or lived experiences of those in Louisville and our surrounding Kentucky communities? Will it be specifically meaningful for this project to be shared with Louisville audiences? Is the story by an artist from Kentucky or the surrounding region? Does it celebrate something wondrous about Kentucky, or uplift a Revolutionary moment with roots here? Does the story shift ingrained narratives about Kentucky/Appalachia/the American South? We aim to both gather artists and stories from this region AND lean into the expansive possibilities the above questions might invite.
“Yeah sure okay,” you say. “When you giving us TECHNICAL info?
What are the SCENIC parameters?
Each theatre space comes with its own pre-set standard floor and masking. We do not allow specialty rigging. Projects may not use any nails, screws, stage screws, tacks, staples, or similar items on stage floor, nor construct nor paint on any stage. (Touch-up work may be done with the permission of ATL’s Director of Production and Operations.)
Are any PROPS supplied by SRF? What are we expected to bring?
A basic set of furniture can be provided (tables, chairs, benches, acting cubes). Designated prop tables will be set up backstage in each theatre. All hand props should be the responsibility of the artists/companies. Please note that no liquids or food can be used without discussion and approval.
What should I know about COSTUME changes and DRESSING ROOMS?
Dressing rooms will be available for each performance space. The dressing rooms are a shared space. Quick Change stations can be provided if needed. Costumes are the responsibility of the artists/companies.
Is LIGHTING support provided?
ATL will provide a basic Rep Plot that cannot be altered in any way, including but not limited to changing focus, color, gobos, or adding/moving/striking lights. ATL will also provide a lighting board operator who will be able to bring up basic, premade lighting looks. The operator will not design the lights or program complex lighting sequences.
What about SOUND? How do I need to prepare sound cues for my show?
ATL will provide a basic Rep Plot that gives full coverage of the audience, as well as a Sound Board Operator who will be able to program simple cues in QLab as well as set levels and timing. More complex cue sequences are allowed, provided that the show is programmed in QLab prior to tech. Cues are accepted in most file formats, but .wav or .aiff are preferred. Files are appreciated through download links, or on the day of tech on a flash drive.
Is any AUDIO EQUIPMENT available?
Handheld wireless microphones (limit 2) can be requested. An 8- channel XLR audio snake will be provided at stage level to access the sound system. All other audio equipment is the responsibility of the artist and/or company, and must be discussed or approved at least one week prior to tech.
Does SRF allow special effects, live flame, or weapons?
We cannot permit the use of any fog or haze machines, flash powder, explosives, firearms, weapons, lasers, strobe lights, live flame, or other hazardous devices or scenery, properties, or costumes.
Does SRF allow nudity?
Maybe, but we would need to ensure what you have in mind complies with Louisville Metro law. It may also depend on the intended audience, as we hope to include some programming within SRF that welcomes families/youth. Any use of nudity will need to be disclosed in your submission and discussed and approved in advance.