BNPI 2027 Call for Plays
The Baylor New Play Initiative at Baylor University in Waco, Texas is seeking submissions of full-length plays for development in preparation for the 2027 BNPI Festival of New Works. Plays must be no more than 120 pages in length and require no more than 8 actors. Any subject or genre is welcome.
Questions? Contact bnpi@baylor.edu
SUBMISSIONS CLOSED
BNPI 2026/2027 Cycle
Selection and Development Calendar
2026
April 1 - May 1 —Submission window open
August –Finalist plays selected and playwrights notified (festival attendance is required)
2027
January - July—Playwrights work with assigned dramaturgs in monthly meetings
July - August—Directors added to the collaboration and professional actors cast
September/October—Rehearsals for staged readings, the BNPI New Play Festival
More About the Baylor New Play Initiative
The BNPI is a biennial program designed to assist playwrights in developing new works for the stage. The BNPI committee selects 4 plays and matches the authors with experienced dramaturgs and directors who support them in writing, revising and editing their works as they progress toward completion. The BNPI culminates in a festival of staged readings with professional talent from across the nation, and representatives from at least a dozen professional theatres across Texas will be in attendance. Finally, each selected playwright will receive a stipend in addition to having all expenses paid for travel and attendance. The top adjudicated play will be awarded the Preston Kirk New Play Prize and a check for $15,000.