The Oliver
Kelly Award
A prize for scripts that jump off the page. From solo shows to short plays -- we read everything and pull no punches.
$20 awarded to winning playwrights
Winners receive $20 via Venmo or PayPal. We accept scripts on a rolling basis -- your play may win months after submission. Winning work is permanently featured in the archive.
Curated, not crowdsourced
Every script is read and evaluated by hand. We are not producing these plays -- we are spotlighting them. Think of it as a living database of work that actually deserves to be seen.
Playwrights retain full rights
Submitting your work does not transfer any rights. Your script belongs entirely to you. We celebrate it -- you own it.
Five sister wives on a polygamist commune in rural Utah are preparing for their combined anniversary dinner when things go sideways. The dog ends up in the oven, a SWAT team crashes the celebration, and their husband finally admits he's in love with his business partner. A wildly funny, surprisingly warm full-length comedy about belonging, chosen family, and the strange ways people build a life together.
Read It Here"The goal is simple: take the time that most institutions won't. Read carefully. Choose boldly. Make excellent theatrical writing impossible to ignore."
- 01 Scripts are accepted on a rolling basis. There are no deadlines.
- 02 If your play has not won within six months of submission, you are welcome to submit a new script.
- 03 Winning playwrights must take one month off before submitting again.
- 04 All forms are welcome: solo shows, 10-minute plays, one-acts, full-lengths. Musicals are not accepted.
- 05 The submission fee is $10, paid by credit card at time of submission.
- 06 Playwrights retain full rights to their work at all times.