Abstract:
This project is a qualitative exploration of how development is made manifest through current
activities and practices at new play festivals. Through the use of a collective case study, this
project aims to investigate aspects of development through three arenas within new play
festivals: submission and selection policies, formalized feedback systems, and informal feedback
systems encountered through new play festival participation. Sites for exploration include three
leaders among new play development in the United States—the Colorado New Play Summit
(Denver, CO), the Pacific Playwrights Festival (Costa Mesa, CA), and JAW (Portland, OR). The
research concludes that successful new play development is evidenced in several manifestations,
including: reinforcement and legitimization of playwriting as a profession; playwright-driven
artistic growth; fiscal capital for new plays; growth of professional networks for new plays and
playwrights; learning communities created around new play development; and stronger
continuity for new plays moving from development to production.
