National Queer Theater Call for Criminal Queerness Festival 2027 Submissions

National Queer Theater is now accepting submissions for the 9th annual Obie Award-winning Criminal Queerness Festival (CQF), which will take place in New York City in June 2027. CQF strives to uplift and amplify new theatrical works by LGBTQ+ artists from countries that censor or criminalize queer communities.

Up to three shows will be selected and given readings, workshops, or full productions in New York City. NQT will produce the shows, including: hiring all the artists, providing dramaturgical support, assembling the design and technical teams, and overseeing performance logistics. NQT will also provide photo/video documentation and marketing. The selected writers will be awarded a stipend of up to $2,500 USD (depending on scope of production), roundtrip airfare to NYC, and accommodations for up to 7 days in NYC if based outside the tri-state area.

The Criminal Queerness Festival welcomes:

- Shows by queer artists from countries that censor or criminalize LGBTQ+ communities.

- Because these are developmental productions and not world premieres or second productions, shows that have previously received full productions in the United States will not be considered. Prior staged readings or workshops without fully realized design elements are okay.

-Shows running 90 minutes or less. 

- In-progress and in-development works from writers who are open to creative collaboration and feedback leading up to the production. 

- Interdisciplinary work, and proposals for concerts, dance-theater, drag, comedy, or other storytelling formats are also welcome. Submissions of this kind should include an estimate of performers involved, anticipated design/technical needs, and a synopsis/outline of the evening.

Submissions will be evaluated by a curatorial team of international artists who were involved in prior festivals.

Please email adam@nationalqueertheater.org with any questions. Submissions due August 31, 2026.

APPLY HERE