National Queer Theater Call for Submissions 2026

National Queer Theater harnesses the power of live performance to imagine a more just and joyful future. Working alongside social justice movements, we uplift queer community through visionary theater productions and education programs that celebrate free expression in the U.S. and around the world.

We are now accepting submissions for new queer theater and performance. We are looking for new shows that push the boundaries of queer performance, entertain, enlighten, educate, and fuel social change. While not always the case, our collective of readers tends to be more interested in forward-thinking intersectional work and work by and about underrepresented identities and subsets of the queer community.

We are less interested in adaptations of classical work. Up to four shows will be selected and given performances as staged readings or full productions in New York City between 2027-2028.

Submission Criteria:

- Plays, musicals, or other performances that address LGBTQ+ themes or issues.

- Shows that have not previously been fully-produced in New York.

- Proposals for concerts, drag, bilingual performance, dance-theater, or other storytelling formats are welcome.

- Please submit a PDF of a 10-page excerpt of your writing or a project proposal.

- Deadline to submit your piece is April 10th at 11:59 pm EST.

- Multiple submissions are not allowed.

Submissions for the 2027 Criminal Queerness Festival will open in August 2026. Please email info@nationalqueertheater.org with any questions.

APPLY HERE