The Contest
An International Search for the Next Generation of Jewish Theater
For ten years, the JPC has been scouring all corners of the English-speaking world for the most fascinating, compelling, and daring playscripts that embrace the intersection of Jewish identity and 21st century life. Here's how it works.
STEP 1: COLLECT
The JPP gathers scripts from around the world — over 200 per year — representing a phenomenally rich and diverse cross section of new Jewish drama. So far, we've received and vetted:
1,500 Plays from 990 Playwrights
in 32 States and 9 Countries.
2017 Playwright locations.
STEP 2: SELECT
A diverse group of theater professionals reads and reviews every play, asking three main questions:
Is it a great play?
Does it resonate with 21st Century Jewish identity?
Can it have a future on the world's best stages?
After much discussion, we choose the
Jewish Playwriting Contest Top PLAYS!!
STEP 3: SHARE
We bring the Top Plays to as many as 12 Jewish communities around the country, presenting them for lay leaders, clergy, arts-lovers, and regional theater pros.
Each community assembles their own Reader Panel, and chooses their Top 3.
The JPP creates an interactive show — signature Live Contest Event — for audiences of up to 150.
Each city crowns their own regional winner.
YOUR COMMUNITY CAN BE A PART OF THE CONTEST!! JUST CLICK HERE TO LEARN HOW!!
We also invite our virtual audience to participate in our national digital contest, all culminating in a live final event, where we crown a winner.
STEP 4: PROMOTE
The champion play arrives in New York for the featured workshop in the JPP's annual OPEN: Festival of New Jewish Theater at the 14th Street Y, playing two performances for industry and public audiences!
FOUR of our Winners have been produced on the East and West Coasts, and 30 of our plays gone on to production in 3 countries!
