The Indianapolis Black Theater Company presents the American Black Playwriting Competition! Enter your original unpublished work for a chance at the $7500 Grand Prize and a premiere production in the IBTC 2025 season. Play content must center around the Black American Experience. However, writers of all races, nationalities and backgrounds are welcome to submit. We encourage submissions with non-traditional elements including technology and the digital landscape, as well as non traditional representations of Black characters and experiences.  We welcome writers at any stage in their journey from early career to established playwrights. 

Scripts will be judged by a panel of around 10 readers, in a blind reading process. Readers will not be given any  identifying information about the writer. Our reader panel will be majority BIPOC, and comprised of theater professionals, artists, and laymen theater enthusiasts from all over the country. Scripts with contemporary, non-traditional themes, and unique perspectives with 6 or less characters are encouraged. Entries cannot exceed 60 pages. Second place receives $2500,  and $1500 will be awarded to the judges’ favorite Indiana playwright. Deadline for submissions is January 15th, 2025.