Free To Be Me

Youth Theatre Festival

Submission Guidelines (Youth Program)

 

The Free To Be Me Youth Theatre Festival is a showcase for young playwrights in South Florida to share original short plays centered on themes of inclusion, anti-bullying, and LGBTQ+ voices. Each performance will be hosted by a drag queen personality and will include excerpts from banned books between plays.

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This is a safe, supportive, and creative environment where young artists can express themselves and be celebrated.

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Eligibility

• Open to playwrights aged 13-17.

• Residency limited to Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and Monroe Counties.

• Playwrights may submit up to 2 scripts.

• A parent/guardian consent form is required for participation.

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​Content Guidelines

• Plays should explore one or more of the following:

  • Anti-bullying

  • LGBTQ themes or stories

  • Inclusion and acceptance

• Plays may be comedic or dramatic.

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Play Requirements

• Length: 10–15 minutes (approx. 8–12 pages).

• Cast size: Up to 5 actors on stage at once. (No limit on number of characters if doubling is possible.)

• Technical/staging: Minimal sets, costumes, and props.

  • FTF will provide: 5 chairs, 2 collapsible benches, 1 small table, and 4 acting blocks.

• Scripts generated or assisted by AI will be disqualified.

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Submission Process

• Submit via the online form.

• Required materials:

1. Script in PDF format (no identifying information in the file).

2. Playwright contact info (entered in form, not on script).

3. Brief synopsis (100 words or less).

4. Casting breakdown (character list with age/gender identity if relevant).

5. Parent/Guardian Consent Form.

• Deadline: TBC (11:59 PM EST).

• Selected participants notified: TBC.

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Selection Process

• A panel of FTF staff, educators, and community stakeholders will review submissions.

• Scripts will be judged on:

  • Artistic merit

  • Relevance to anti-bullying / LGBTQ / inclusion themes

  • Feasibility of production under festival guidelines

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Festival Details

• Performances:

  • TBC

• Each selected play will be assigned a director and cast provided by FTF.

• Playwrights are encouraged to attend but not required.

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Compensation

• Selected youth playwrights will receive recognition, a certificate of participation, and be featured in festival promotions.

• Small stipends or prizes may be provided, depending on funding.

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Questions?

For inquiries about submissions, please contact:
📧 info@ftfshows.com

📞 305-284-8800