Spookyfest 2025
Call for Scripts

Just a few lil things to haunt your mind…

For this specific call, we’re interested in scripts that take iconic spooky stories (last year we had adaptations of Dracula and Frankenstein) or well-worn horror tropes, and turn those on their head. Whether they are re-focusing the stories or tropes on communities that have normally been excluded from the narrative or deconstructing expectations of what a ‘spooky’ ‘gothic’ ‘horror’ ‘scary’ story is- we want to read it and possibly produce it! 

Scripts should fit Tier5’s Mission Statement: 

Through process, performance, and exploration, Tier5 elevates the traditional theatrical experience and turns it on its head. By using moments in history, well-worn tropes, and classic tales, the company reflects those stories through a modern lens to reveal truths of the current world around us. We hope to encourage our performers, audiences, and creatives to take what has come before to build a better yet to come. After all, the past never felt so now.

As mentioned above, we are especially interested in scripts that place those who have been previously excluded from the narrative front and center. We’re looking for new, exciting, and innovative takes. Just changing the gender of a lead character is fun, but we want even more! Surprise us, challenge us! 

SpookyFest readings will be one-night or two-night only staged reading presentations. 

The readings will focus on your text and storytelling. No lights, no sound, just the actors, the text, and the audience. 

With that said, we like to be a little fancy with our readings, so it will be up on its feet, completely blocked, and performed to its full capacity (as much as it can with actors with scripts in their hands). The only set will be chairs, music stands, and blocks. 

We’re super interested in full-length scripts, so really anything over an hour long. Probably no longer than a run time of 2 and a half hours, but we’re flexible- if we’re interested, we’ll chat. 

No limit to cast size, but depending on how large the cast is, we may discuss options to double actors. 

Scripts should be performance ready. Of course, re-writes and new drafts are inevitable, but the script should be solid. At this moment, we aren’t looking for ideas to develop into a script.

We prefer scripts that haven’t had previous full productions. But once, again, we’ll chat! 

Playwrights selected to have their scripts presented will receive a $150 stipend.

No submission fee. We don’t believe you should pay us so that we can read your script- cuz that whole business model is weird! 

Playwrights may or may not be a part of the rehearsal process. We will have a discussion about what your comfort level as well as how much you’d like to be involved in the reading process.

If you are interested in directing your play, please send along your directing resume. 

Note: performance dates for the script will be based on theatre availability. That being said, if there’s anytime from September- November 2025 you would absolutely ABHOR the reading to happen, let us know, we’ll see if we can work around it. 

TO SUBMIT:

Email your script to tier5auditions@gmail.com

In the body of the email provide a brief statement of interest, including how your script fits in with Tier5’s mission statement and would be a good fit for SpookyFest! 

That’s all. That’s it. So easy. Send us your work! Let’s get ooky spooky!!

It’s going to be an absolute SCREAM.