Sturgeon Bay, WI (July 6, 2026) – Submissions are now being accepted through August 2, 2026 for the inaugural WinterWorks New Play Festival scheduled for February of 2027 in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.
“The WinterWorks New Play Festival supports the presentation and development of engaging, intimate plays that serve as a catalyst for conversation within our community,” says Jackie and Steve Kane Artistic Director and festival producer Jacob Janssen. “As a theatre operating outside of a major metropolitan hub, we believe the American narrative is vast, and varied, therefore, we are seeking plays that explore the true multiplicity of the American experience; stories that reflect the diverse textures, complex histories, and distinct voices of communities across the country.”
Playwrights in the United States are encouraged to apply to have their work developed as part of the inaugural WinterWorks New Play Festival. There is no fee to apply. Projects selected for the festival will receive a full professional week-long workshop, and playwrights will be provided with transportation, housing, and a $600 honorarium.
Considerations for submissions:
Cast Size & Scale: Seeking intimate, small-cast scripts (ideally 6 actors or fewer) that prioritize character-driven storytelling. Creative doubling and lean, imaginative production demands that maximize emotional impact are welcome.
Genre and Style: There are no aesthetic boundaries here. Plays of any genre, style, or structure—from hyper-realism and sharp-witted comedy to non-linear narratives, magical realism, and experimental forms are all welcome.
Community Engagement: Work that actively bridges the gap between the stage and the public will be favored. This includes plays that speak directly to people who may not consider themselves “theatre-goers” yet.
Submissions should be:
- Full-length plays that stand alone as a full evening of theater
- Complete drafts – not incomplete or treatments
- Plays that have never had a professional AEA production; readings and workshops are fine
- And most importantly: plays that the playwright is interested in actively advancing in a developmental environment
What is needed to complete submission of a play:
- Artistic Statement including what development the script has undergone thus far and what the playwright hopes to explore in a workshop setting, as well as a short synopsis of the current draft
- Artistic Resume
- Complete draft of the play, including playwright name and play title on the cover page
- All files must be submitted as PDFs
It is anticipated that playwright selection will be completed by the end of November.
Third Avenue PlayWorks has a history of producing impactful new work. The world premiere of Jennifer Blackmer’s I Carry Your Heart with Me at TAP in 2023, went on to receive a Steinberg/America Theatre Critics Association New Play Citation in 2024. Alec Silberblatt’s Ryan’s Pub, Trivia Night premiered at the theatre in 2025.
“An opportunity like this would mean absolutely everything,” said Jennifer Blackmer. “It is exciting, and terrifying, and fulfilling, and nervewracking, and fun, because I love working with theatre people and the best work I’ve done as a playwright comes out of those workshop settings.”
For more information about the 2027 WinterWorks New Play Festival, full application criteria, and guidelines, visit thirdavenueplayworks.org/winterworks-new-play-festiva-submissionsl.
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ABOUT JACOB JANSSEN, PRODUCER FOR THE WINTERWORKS NEW PLAY FESTIVAL
As a director, producer, and the Jackie & Steve Kane Artistic Director of Third Avenue PlayWorks, Jacob Janssen builds arts institutions that function as both artistic incubators and civic gathering spaces. Over the course of his career, he has produced and directed new plays and workshops for premier institutions across the country, including Studio Theatre, Baltimore Center Stage, The COOP in New York City, and TAP.
A tireless advocate for new voices, Jacob’s leadership is anchored in the belief that theater belongs to everyone, regardless of geography. He has led the development of groundbreaking work by a diverse roster of established and emerging writers, including Alex Lin, Nina Segal, Julia Izumi, Tearrance Chisholm, Jesse Jae Hoon, Deepak Kumar, Alaudin Ullah, Ankita Raturi, and Mallory Jane Weiss. In 2023, he directed the world premiere of Jennifer Blackmer’s I Carry Your Heart With Me, which was recognized by the American Theater Critics Association as one of the three best new plays produced outside of New York City that year.
Based in Sturgeon Bay, Jacob continues to champion regional theaters as vital launchpads for the next generation of great American stories. Discover more of his work at jacobjanssen.com.
ABOUT THIRD AVENUE PLAYWORKS
Located in downtown Sturgeon Bay, Third Avenue PlayWorks (TAP) presents riveting performances of comedies, dramas, and musicals in the Steve and Jackie Kane Theatre. This unique 124-seat space brings audiences face-to-face with powerful stories by creating the most intimate theatrical experience possible. With its ever-growing reputation, varied educational opportunities, and long-standing presence in the community, TAP is an integral part of Door County’s vibrant arts scene. TAP is Door County’s premier year-round professional theatre. For more information, visit thirdavenueplayworks.org.