How to Get Your Play Commissioned: Attract Opportunities.

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I want to talk to you about something really exciting: getting your play commissioned. For us playwrights, it’s not just about writing a play; it’s about seeing it come alive, truly breathe, and connect with people. And sometimes, that amazing journey starts not with us putting it on ourselves, but with a commission – which is a pretty big deal. It turns our passion into a paid gig, giving us resources, deadlines, and that institutional support that really adds weight to our work. But how do we, just writers toiling away mostly by ourselves, cut through all the noise and actually get these coveted opportunities? This isn’t about luck, trust me. It’s about smart positioning, constantly improving, and understanding how the theatre world actually works.

So, I’m going to break down how to get play commissions. I’ll share actionable strategies to really boost your profile, build valuable connections, and, ultimately, make yourself an undeniable choice for artistic directors looking for their next big hit.

Building Your Artistic Foundation: It Needs to Be Solid

Before you even think about reaching out to a theatre, you’ve got to have something amazing to offer. Your artistic profile isn’t just a resume; it’s everything you are as a writer: your voice, your past successes, and your unique point of view.

1. Master Your Craft: Being Excellent is Non-Negotiable

This is the absolute bedrock. Seriously, no amount of networking will make up for weak writing.

  • Write A Lot, And Write Often: The more you write, the better you become. Think of writing like a muscle. Try to write every day, even if it’s just for 30 minutes. This builds discipline and really refines your voice.
  • Finish Your Plays: A play that’s only half-done is just an idea. A finished play, even if it has flaws, is something real. Commissions are often given based on existing work that proves what you can do.
  • Don’t Be a One-Trick Pony: Have a variety of completed works to show off your versatility. Maybe a full-length drama, a funny one-act, and even a children’s play. This broadens your appeal to different types of theatres and projects.
  • Get Serious Feedback: Your friends and family are sweet, but they might not always be honest with you.
    • Peer Workshops: Find or create a group of playwrights who are serious about giving thoughtful, critical feedback. Learn how to both give and receive constructive criticism.
    • Professional Dramaturgs/Consultants: Investing in a professional script evaluation can be priceless. Their objective eye can spot structural issues, character problems, or thematic weaknesses.
    • Competitions and Festivals: Submitting to reputable playwriting competitions and festivals, even if you don’t win, often comes with reader reports that can show you areas for improvement.
  • Read Widely and Deeply: Immerse yourself in classic and contemporary plays. Analyze how they’re structured, how the dialogue works, how characters develop. Go see diverse productions. Understand what makes a play work, and what falls flat.
  • Find Your Distinct Voice: What makes your writing special? Is it your humor, your poetic language, your sharp social commentary, your ability to craft intricate mysteries? Develop and amplify what sets you apart. Commissions often go to artists with a clear, recognizable artistic signature.

2. The Power of “Produced” Plays: From Concept to Reality

There’s a huge difference between a well-written play and a successfully produced play. Producers and artistic directors want to minimize risk. A play that has been successfully staged shows you can not only write, but you can write for the stage.

  • Staged Readings: Your First Public Step: Not a full production, but a super valuable stepping stone.
    • Do It Yourself: Gather some actors, find a director, get a cheap venue (a community center, a library room). Invite industry professionals if you can.
    • Submit to Reading Series: Many theatres and development organizations have reading series for new works. This is a crucial way to get your play heard by industry decision-makers.
  • Small Theatre Productions: Don’t Wait for Broadway. Your local black box theatre, university theatre, or community theatre is a vital training ground.
    • Build Relationships: Go to their shows, introduce yourself, offer to volunteer. When they put out calls for submissions, you’ll already be on their radar.
    • Successful Productions, No Matter the Scale: Even a small, well-received production builds your reputation. Collect testimonials, production photos, and any reviews (even from local papers or blogs).
  • Why Production Matters: A successful production shows:
    • Viability: Your play can be staged within a budget and timeframe.
    • Audience Engagement: People will actually watch your work.
    • Collaborative Spirit: You can work effectively with directors, actors, and designers.
    • Reliability: You meet deadlines and deliver a strong final product.

3. Cultivate Professional Documentation: Your Playwriting Portfolio

Beyond your plays themselves, you need professional materials that present you effectively to potential commissioners.

  • Professional Website: This is your online storefront.
    • Clean Design: Easy to navigate, looks professional.
    • Bio/About Me: Your story, your artistic mission, your key achievements. Not just a list of credits, but a narrative.
    • Play Portfolio: Synopses of your plays, character breakdowns, short excerpts (5-10 pages) that show off your best writing. Do NOT upload full scripts unless they specifically ask for them.
    • Production Photos/Videos: High-quality visuals from past productions are really impactful.
    • Press/Reviews: Any media mentions, positive reviews, or testimonials.
    • Contact Information: Clear and easy to find.
  • Concise and Powerful Synopsis: Learn to describe your play compellingly in 1-2 paragraphs. This is your “elevator pitch.” It should capture the essence, the stakes, and what makes it unique.
  • Thoughtful Playwriting Resume/CV: Not just a generic resume.
    • Focus on Playwriting Credits: Productions, readings, awards, residencies, grants.
    • Highlight Relevant Skills: Dramaturgy, collaboration, teaching, specific genre expertise.
      Keep it Updated: Regularly add new accomplishments.

Strategic Positioning: Getting Noticed

Knowing your craft is one thing; making others aware of it is another. Strategic positioning is about being visible, networking, and understanding the landscape.

1. Identify Your Target Theatres and Organizations

Not all commissions are the same, and not all theatres commission. Research is super important.

  • What Kinds of Plays Do They Produce? Do they champion new voices? Are they into social justice themes, comedies, historical dramas, experimental work? Your play has to align with their artistic mission.
  • Who is Their Artistic Director/Literary Manager? These are your key decision-makers. Learn about their tastes, their past programming choices, what they say publicly.
  • Do They Have Existing Commissioning Programs? Many theatres have formal programs. Look for “new work development,” “artist residencies,” or “playwrights in residence” on their websites.
  • Look Beyond the Obvious: While major regional theatres are prestigious, don’t forget:
    • Universities: Many university theatre departments commission new works for their students, especially those with strong MFA playwriting programs.
    • Youth Theatres/T.I.E. (Theatre in Education) Companies: A big avenue for commissions, often with a specific brief (e.g., historical figures, social issues for young audiences).
    • Specific Genre Theatres: If you write musicals, look at musical theatre companies. If you write experimental work, find companies dedicated to that.
  • Follow the Money (Grants & Funds): Research theatre grants and foundations. Often, grant funding is tied to new work development or specific commissioning initiatives. This will tell you who has the resources for commissions.

2. Networking: Real Connections, Not Just Handing Out Cards

Networking often gets a bad rap, but it’s not about “schmoozing.” It’s about building genuine relationships based on shared passion and mutual respect.

  • Go to Industry Events: Play readings, premieres, conferences (like TCG conferences, regional theatre festivals). Show up, listen, and engage thoughtfully.
  • Be a Good Audience Member: Support other artists’ work. This shows reciprocity and helps you understand the theatre landscape.
  • Engage Thoughtfully Online: Follow theatres, artistic directors, and playwrights on social media. Comment on their posts showing genuine interest and insight, not just “check out my work.”
  • Volunteer: Offer your skills to a local theatre. Help with ushering, marketing, or even script reading. This gives you invaluable insight into their operations and helps you build internal connections.
  • Informational Interviews: Once you’ve built a bit of a profile, politely request brief informational interviews with literary managers or dramaturgs. The goal isn’t to pitch your play, but to learn about their process, their needs, and to build a connection. You could say, “I really admired X production you did; I’m curious about your approach to new play development.”
  • Mentorship: Seek out experienced playwrights or theatre professionals. A mentor can offer priceless advice, open doors, and even advocate for you.

3. Strategic Submission and Application

If a theatre has an open call for commissions or residencies, follow the instructions meticulously. Generic submissions are a waste of everyone’s time.

  • Tailor Every Application: Seriously, do not send a generic letter. Research the theatre and explain why your work is a perfect fit for their mission and programming. Mention specific productions or themes they’ve explored.
  • Highlight Relevant Experience: If the commission is for a play about climate change, emphasize any previous work, research, or personal connection you have to that topic.
  • Show Awareness of Their Needs: “I understand you’re looking for pieces that spark community dialogue about X. My play Y explores exactly that, through the lens of Z.”
  • Proofread Relentlessly: Typos show a lack of professionalism. Get someone else to read over every submission.
  • Be Patient and Persistent (But Not Annoying): Follow up respectfully if a timeline has passed, but don’t badger them. One gentle reminder is enough.

The Commissioning Process: How It Actually Works

Once you’ve caught an artistic director’s eye, the journey towards a commission begins. It’s often a collaborative, back-and-forth process.

1. The Initial Spark: How They Find You

  • Recommendation: This is probably the most common and powerful way. Another playwright, a literary manager, a director, or a board member who admires your work suggests you. This is why networking and building relationships are so vital.
  • Direct Approach (Less Common, But Possible): If you have a highly acclaimed production, an artistic director might reach out to you directly.
  • Open Calls/Residencies: You applied to a program and stood out.
  • Through Representation: A literary agent can be instrumental in pitching you for commissions, but agents usually only take on playwrights who already have a strong track record.

2. The Conversation: What Do They Look For?

Once an artistic director or literary manager is interested, they’ll want to get to know you and your work better.

  • Existing Work Showcase: They’ll usually read 1-3 of your completed plays. This is crucial for them to assess your style, voice, range, and ability to deliver a full script.
  • “What Are You Interested In?” They want to hear your ideas. Do you have a specific concept you’re itching to write? A historical figure you’re fascinated by? A social issue you want to explore?
  • “What Are You Good At?” Be prepared to articulate your unique strengths as a playwright. Do you excel at dialogue, character, plot development, humor, specific genres?
  • Collaboration Potential: Can you work well with a director, dramaturg, and the theatre’s team? Are you open to feedback and revisions?
  • Artistic Alignment: Do your artistic interests and values align with the theatre’s mission?
  • Timeliness/Relevance: Is there a particular contemporary issue or theme that the theatre wants to address, and your voice is a good fit?

3. The Pitch: From Idea to Proposal

Sometimes, a theatre will have a specific theme or project in mind and will invite you to pitch. Other times, they’ll be open to your suggestions.

  • Be Prepared with Multiple Ideas: Don’t go in with just one. Have 2-3 strong concepts, and be able to explain why each is a compelling play and why it’s a good fit for that specific theatre.
  • Develop a Strong Concept Note: For each idea, outline:
    • Logline: A one-sentence hook.
    • Synopsis: A compelling paragraph describing the plot, characters, and themes.
    • Why This Play, Why Now? What makes it relevant? Why do you need to write it?
    • What Kind of Production? (Minimalist, epic, large cast, small cast, etc. – show you’ve thought about practicalities).
  • Demonstrate Research: If your idea is historical, a brief mention of some initial research shows commitment.
  • Address Practicalities (Briefly): While not deep budgeting, show an understanding of scope. “This would be a cast of 4-6,” or “This play could be staged with minimal set pieces.”

4. The Commissioning Agreement: Understanding the Contract

This is where your vision becomes a formal commitment. Do not sign anything without fully understanding it. If possible, have an entertainment lawyer review it.

  • Payment Schedule: How and when will you be paid? Often, it’s in installments (e.g., 25% on signing, 25% on first draft, 25% on second draft, 25% on delivery of final draft).
  • Deadlines: Clear dates for drafts and revisions.
  • Scope of Work: What exactly are you expected to deliver? A full-length play? A specific number of pages? Revisions?
  • Development Process: What kind of support will you receive? Readings, workshops, dramaturgical support? How many?
  • Rights:
    • First Refusal/Right of First Production: The theatre will usually have the first right to produce the commissioned work. Understand the terms (how long do they have exclusive rights? What are the conditions for exercising these rights?).
    • Future Royalties: If the play is produced elsewhere later, what percentage of royalties go to you, and what, if any, goes to the commissioning theatre (this is rare, but good to check).
    • Copyright: Your copyright usually remains yours, but the agreement will outline the theatre’s usage rights.
  • Credit: How will you be credited on future productions?
  • Cancellation Clause: What happens if the project is cancelled? Are you still paid for work delivered?

Maintaining Momentum: Beyond the First Commission

One commission is an incredible achievement. Multiple commissions? That’s a career.

1. Deliver On Time and Exceed Expectations

This is critical for future opportunities.

  • Meet Deadlines: Your reputation depends on it. If you think you’ll be late, communicate proactively and professionally.
  • Be Responsive to Feedback: Don’t be too precious. Be open to critique and willing to revise. Artistic directors commission you because they trust your talent, but also your collaborative spirit.
  • Be a Partner, Not Just a Hired Hand: Engage actively in the development process. Come to rehearsals, workshops, and discussions prepared and eager to contribute.
  • Produce Excellent Work: The ultimate goal. Write the best play you possibly can.

2. Leverage Your Commissions

Each commission is a powerful credential.

  • Update Your Portfolio: Immediately add the commission to your website, bio, and resume.
  • Promote It (Appropriately): Share the news on social media (once officially announced by the theatre). Mention it in your networking conversations.
  • Seek Press and Publicity: If it gets a production, work with the theatre’s marketing team to promote it.
  • Build on Success: A successful commission often leads to another. Artistic directors talk to one another. Word of mouth is powerful.

3. Continuous Learning and Growth

The theatre landscape is always changing.

  • Stay Current: Read new plays, see new productions, follow trends in theatre.
  • Attend Workshops/Masterclasses: Keep honing your skills.
  • Seek New Collaborators: Work with different directors, actors, and designers to broaden your artistic perspective and network.
  • Never Stop Writing: Even with a commission underway, keep other ideas percolating. Prolific writers attract more opportunities.

In Conclusion

Getting your play commissioned isn’t just one big event; it’s the result of years of dedicated craft, smart visibility, and building real relationships. It needs both the solitary discipline of a writer and the collaborative spirit of a theatre artist. By committing to excellence in your writing, carefully building your profile, and thoughtfully engaging with the theatre world, you transform from an aspiring playwright into a sought-after voice, ready to bring vital stories to the stage. The opportunities are out there for those who are prepared, persistent, and passionate enough to attract them.