PROPOSE A FIRST LOOK READING

Thank you for your interest in proposing a program at The Studios of Key West. This page provides an overview of the program and the materials you’ll need to prepare before submitting a proposal.

Quick Notes

• The proposal period is open January-June annually. Selections are made in the summer with notifications sent out in mid-August for the following season.
• Our First Look season runs January-April.
• There is no fee to submit. Submissions are accepted via slideroom.com only.
• Performances take place in the 186-seat Helmerich Theater.

About the First Look Program

The First Look Staged Reading Series offers playwrights and creative teams the opportunity to workshop and present new plays to a live audience at a formative moment in their creation. This initiative supports the development of innovative theatrical voices and invites Key West audiences to experience the artistry of bringing a play to life.

Goals

• Support the development of new plays not yet fully produced.
• Connect playwrights with a live audience in a supportive, developmental setting.
• Introduce Key West audiences to bold new American voices and ideas.

Eligibility & Submission Guidelines

• Open to new American plays that have not yet received a full production.
• Plays with small casts (2–4 actors) are preferred, though larger ensembles will be considered.
• We encourage proposals that foster collaboration between local and visiting artists, partner with other organizations, or aim to reach new or underrepresented audiences.

Productions

• Four plays will be selected.
• Each play is allotted 25 hours of rehearsal and 2 public staged readings.
• All rehearsals and performances take place in the Helmerich Theater.
• Readings are lightly staged with music stands, stools, and minimal props.
• A lighting designer and sound engineer will be available for basic cues and effects.

Logistics & Support Travel

• Participants must be available to be in Key West for 7–8 days, during one of the months between January-April
• Roundtrip coach airfare will be arranged by The Studios.
• Reasonable travel expenses (e.g., transport to/from home airport) will be reimbursed.
• Transportation within Key West will be on foot, by bike (provided), or by other arrangement.

Housing & Compensation:

• Out-of-town artists will be housed in The Studios’ Artist Housing or in a community host home (private bedroom and bathroom included).
• Playwright, director, non-Equity stage managers, and non-Equity actors will each receive a $500 honorarium.
• Equity actors and stage managers will be paid according to the Actors Equity Association Category 2, Tier A Single Engagement Agreement standards.

First Look Proposal Details

The information below is a preview of the questions and materials you will be asked to provide in the online proposal form.

• Title & Brief Synopsis of the play
• Why this play now? What makes it timely, and why is The Studios a good fit?
• Number of actors and creative team members
• Brief bio of playwright
• Complete script