Are you a playwright with a fantastic play ready for the stage? Pioneer Drama Service stands as a leading publisher specializing in high-quality plays for educational and amateur theatre markets. If you’re looking to get your script published and performed, understanding their submission process is your first step. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about submitting your play to Pioneer Drama Service, ensuring your work gets the attention it deserves.
Query First: Your Initial Contact
Before you send your full manuscript, Pioneer Drama Service requests that all playwrights initiate contact by sending a query. This efficient first step allows them to assess if your play aligns with their publishing focus. To query, use their submissions contact page. Your query should be concise and informative, including:
- Title of your play: Clearly state the title of your script.
- Short Plot Synopsis (up to 200 words): Provide a compelling summary of your play’s plot, highlighting the main storyline and themes.
- Approximate Running Time: Indicate the estimated duration of a performance of your play.
- Complete Cast of Characters: Detail the number of female, male, and gender-neutral roles in your play.
Prior to submitting your query, it’s crucial to review the submission overview page on the Pioneer Drama Service website. This page provides essential information about what types of plays they are currently seeking and their general submission guidelines.
Submitting Your Work: Electronic or Hardcopy Manuscripts
Pioneer Drama Service offers two methods for submitting your manuscript, catering to different preferences:
Electronic Submissions (Preferred)
For ease and efficiency, electronic submissions via email are the preferred method. To submit electronically, always query first using the contact page mentioned above. If Pioneer Drama Service is interested in reviewing your script based on your query, they will reply with the specific email address for your electronic submission. This ensures your submission reaches the correct acquisitions editor and is processed promptly.
Hardcopy Manuscript Submissions
While electronic submissions are favored, Pioneer Drama Service still accepts hardcopy manuscript submissions. If you choose to submit a physical manuscript, send it to the following address:
Pioneer Drama Service
Attn: Acquisitions Editor
109 Inverness Dr. E Suite H
Englewood, CO 80112
Whether you choose electronic or hardcopy submission, certain essential materials must accompany your script to ensure proper processing. Some of this information might overlap with your initial query, but providing it again with your submission is crucial.
Essential Materials for Your Submission
To ensure your play submission is complete and effectively reviewed, include the following materials, whether submitting electronically or via hardcopy:
- Cover Letter and/or Resume: Introduce yourself! Share your theatre background, any relevant writing experience, and what inspired you to write this particular play. This personal touch can help the acquisitions editor connect with you and your work.
- 100-200 Word Synopsis: Provide a concise yet engaging summary of your play. This synopsis helps the reviewers quickly grasp the core elements of your story.
- Cast List (with Gender Breakdown): Clearly list all characters in your play, specifying the number of female roles, male roles, and roles that can be performed by any gender. Note: Pioneer Drama Service does not accept one-person shows.
- Running Time: State the approximate performance time of your play. This is important for production considerations in educational and amateur theatre settings.
- CD and/or Score for Musicals (If Applicable): If you are submitting a musical, include a CD or score of the music if possible. Pioneer Drama Service appreciates the opportunity to hear the musical elements of your work.
- Set Design(s): Feel free to include any set design ideas you have. Diagrams, photos, or sketches can be very helpful in visualizing your play’s staging.
- DVD or Link to a Past Performance (Optional but Ideal): While not mandatory, including a DVD or a link to a video recording of a past performance of your play is highly beneficial. Seeing your play in action can greatly enhance the review process.
- Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope (SASE) for Hardcopy Submissions ONLY: Crucially, if you submit a hardcopy manuscript and wish to have any materials returned to you, you MUST include a self-addressed envelope of sufficient size with appropriate postage. Pioneer Drama Service will NOT return any materials if a SASE is not included. This is a firm policy, so please ensure you include this if you require material returns.
Important Considerations Before Submitting
Keep these additional points in mind as you prepare your submission to Pioneer Drama Service:
- Be Patient: The review process takes time. You can expect to receive a response to your query within approximately one week. However, evaluating full submissions can take up to three months or even longer. Your patience is appreciated as they give each submission careful consideration.
- No AI-Generated Manuscripts: Pioneer Drama Service explicitly states that manuscripts written in part or wholly by Artificial Intelligence (AI) will not be considered. They value original, human creativity.
- Exclusivity and Simultaneous Submissions: While Pioneer Drama Service hopes to be your publisher of choice and encourages exclusive submissions, they understand playwrights may submit their work to multiple publishers. They do accept simultaneous submissions with the clear understanding that if you receive a contract offer from Pioneer Drama Service first, you will accept it. They expect ethical conduct and ask that you not use simultaneous submissions to leverage multiple offers. If you accept an offer from another publisher, please notify Pioneer Drama Service immediately so they can withdraw your submission from consideration.
- Playwriting Contests: Pioneer Drama Service proudly sponsors two annual playwriting contests aimed at fostering the creation of quality scripts for educational and amateur markets. If you are a playwright who has not yet been published by Pioneer Drama Service and your submission meets the contest requirements (including having had at least one production or staged reading), your play will automatically be entered into the prestigious Shubert Fendrich Memorial Playwriting Contest. Furthermore, if you are a faculty member at an accredited K-12 school in the US or Canada and have produced your play at your school, you might also qualify for the A+ Playwriting Contest for Teachers. Explore the past contest winners to gain insights into the types of plays Pioneer Drama Service finds particularly appealing.
Submitting your play to pioneer drama service is a significant step in your playwriting journey. By following these guidelines carefully and presenting your best work, you increase your chances of publication and bringing your theatrical vision to life on stages across the English-speaking world. Good luck with your submission!
