Neighborhood House Play Festival

Content Guidelines

Since the time of the American Revolution, the Christ Church campus has been a catalyst for social change. This year, we are offering an “open call” for works of all genres. We encourage artists to submit works that are inspired by Philadelphia, its history, or the spirit of revolution. Works do not need to be site specific or political, but should be inspired by the cultural impact the Philadelphia community has had in the American narrative. No specific timeline – works can focus on – past, present, or future.

How it Works

Submit a copy of your piece or a brief write up of the synopsis of the show. Each piece should not exceed 30 minutes of performance. Works can be in any artistic discipline including – dance, improv, cabaret, drag, drama, comedic works, puppetry, musical theater, poetry, monologues, etc. While we are calling this a “short play festival” we encourage artists and collectives from all disciplines to apply. Whether this is your first performance or your 500th performance, we want to hear about your work! 

Plays are then chosen by our selection committee and announced in May 2023. If selected, your piece will be presented at the Neighborhood House Play Festival in August of 2023. From there, your piece may be selected to be performed at the Neighborhood House during the Old City Festival. The top three plays (selected by the audience) will receive stipends to cover production costs for the Old City Festival.

What We Offer

The Venue
The Neighborhood House Theater, a 110 seat “brick box” theater, will be made available for the performance venue. Each group/artist will have access to the sound system, projection system, and lighting rep plot. Each group/artist will be responsible for additional production costs such as set pieces, props, costumes, etc.

Rehearsal Space
The Neighborhood House will make one of its three rehearsal spaces available to individual artists/groups. Rehearsal slots will be offered on a first come, first served basis. 

Technical Assistance
Neighborhood House will make its technical equipment and a small team including a lighting and sound designer available during tech week. Each artist/group will be assigned a tech week slot and be required to attend at least one run-through of the performance. 

Dramaturg
Neighborhood House will make its staff available for each group to have one tour of the campus & library for inspiration on the works and one free session of feedback. Additional tours/sessions may be scheduled, but a small administrative fee may incur.

Publicity
Neighborhood House team will create the event and market as a whole, and provide promotional materials to all participants. Individual artists/groups are encouraged to promote the event in their own social circles as well. 

Why Participate?

Christ Church Neighborhood House Program’s mission is simple –  to support artists and audiences by providing a platform for the creation and curation of new work. As the Neighborhood House Program evolves, we hope to offer more artistic residency and presenting opportunities that contextualize our unique history and offer space to emerging artists.