Submissions are evaluated by University Theatre staff using a standard review rubric divided into Baseline Eligibility Checks and a Scoring Matrix

Baseline Eligibility

All submissions must pass four prerequisite checks to move forward in the review process:

• Universal Content Standards: Demonstrates respect for human differences. Depictions of hate-oriented behaviors (racist, sexist, homophobic, xenophobic, etc.) serve as deliberate subjects of artistic exploration rather than unexamined given circumstances.
• Cast Size: The play can be performed with 2 to 12 actors.
• Estimated Run Time: Performance run time falls between 30 and 60 minutes.
• Originality & Exclusivity: The play must be unproduced by any other company and have no prior staged readings or productions with University Theatre and/or outside companies.

Evaluation Criteria Matrix

Document Formatting & Submission Requirements

Applicants must upload a Microsoft Word file formatted in 12pt double-spaced font (Arial) containing:

1. Cover Page: Script title and playwright name.
2. Title Page: Script title only—do not include playwright name.
3. Evaluator Synopsis: A 50–75 word summary of the show providing all information regarding the story. This synopsis should inform the evaluators about all aspects of the show, including items that are surprises or twists. 
4. Marketing Synopsis: a 50-75 word summary of the show providing information to the public. This synopsis should not provide the conclusion, surprises, or twists. How would you describe this show to a friend who does not want any spoilers? 
5. Character Breakdown: List of all characters and brief descriptions, and any essential casting/staging requirements (e.g., specific demographic requirements for roles).
6. Themes and considerations regarding the show, (e.g., violence and strong language).

To maintain an environment where artistic freedom and creative inquiry coexist with departmental standards and community care, all submissions across all four Studio Series programs (Creative Artist Award, Student Studio, Guest Artist Partnership, and QuickSCRIPTS) must abide by the following universal parameters:

• Respect for Human Differences: Scripts and proposed concepts must demonstrate respect for human dignity and human differences across all aspects of casting, production, and storytelling.

• Critical Exploration of Complex Themes: While University Theatre encourages the engagement of challenging and provocative material, depictions of racist, sexist, homophobic, xenophobic, or other hate-oriented behaviors must serve as deliberate subjects of artistic inquiry, dramaturgical research, and critical exploration—never as unexamined given circumstances or passive background elements.

To empower student directors and producers to take complete ownership of their projects while operating within a safe, high-support environment, Student Studio productions abide by defined technical and departmental support parameters.

Scenery & Props Parameters

Scenery and prop support prioritizes practical problem-solving, student resource management, and high-impact essential staging elements.

• Design Consultation: Student directors and creative teams meet directly with the Scenery/Props staff for an initial consultation on furniture, props, and overall scenic staging needs.
• Inventory & Pull Allocation:
  • Single-Pull Limit: Student production teams will receive one dedicated pull for furniture and one for hand props, conducted jointly by staff and the student director/designer.
  • Creative Adaptation: Student teams are expected to prioritize function over aesthetic, using creative staging solutions with available stock.
  • Unavailable Items: Any item not in stock must be solved through creative problem-solving or purchased using the project’s allocated budget in consultation with staff.  
• Stock Scenic Inventory:
  • Rehearsal Blocks: 2 Large, 4 Medium, and 6 Small rehearsal blocks available for staging.
  • Platforms: Seven 4’×8′ Wenger platforms with up to three various leg heights (8″ or 16″–24″).
  • Door and five screens.
  • Logistics: Scenery staff handles moving stock blocks and platforms into the Studio space when the production takes over the venue.

Costumes & Wardrobe Parameters

Costume support emphasizes student self-sourcing complemented by targeted departmental stock to build authentic, functional character looks.

• Design Consultation: The Costume Shop meets with the student director to establish a baseline costume list and character inventory.
• Sourcing & Personal Items:
  • Student Stock: Performers provide personal wardrobe items that fit character needs wherever possible.
  • Costume Storage: All approved personal garments must remain in the theatre facility for the entire duration of the production run to ensure consistency and care.
• Inventory & Pull Allocation:
  • Specialty Sourcing: The Costume Shop executes one dedicated pull to fulfill specialty needs, items performers do not own, or complex character requirements.
  • Creative Solutions: The shop assists student teams in finding creative adaptations for challenging costume items.
• Maintenance: 
  • Wardrobe laundry service is not standard practice for Studio Series runs, but may be evaluated and offered on a case-by-case basis depending on show needs.

Lighting, Sound & Projections Parameters

The lighting, sound, and projection framework balances technical efficiency with creative focus, offering standard rep setups so student teams can concentrate on artistry and storytelling.

• Lighting Framework:
  • Rep Plot Execution: Productions operate on a standard, fully functional lighting rep plot. No changes to the rep are permitted.
  • Cueing Schedule: A maximum 4-hour window is scheduled for lighting cue creation and technical integration. Cue lists must be built by the student director/designer and approved by lighting staff member prior to this block.
• Sound Framework:
  • Production Support: Includes 1 hour of dedicated audio engineering support outside of standard tech rehearsals (covering recording, editing, pulling, or file preparation).
  • Student Operations: Student directors/designers are expected to supply their own sound effects, playlists, and audio clips for direct integration into the system.
• Projection Framework:
  • Projections within the Studio Series framework are strictly limited to supertitles.

University Theatre manages all core administrative operations, inviting student teams to participate alongside staff to learn real-world producing without adding mandatory administrative burdens to their projects.

• Producing, Rights & Financial Operations: Staff manages all performance licensing, secures rights, and provides a dedicated production budget; student leaders are invited to observe and participate in budget building, fiscal tracking, and purchasing workflows to gain hands-on experience, though active involvement is not required.

• Timeline & Deliverable Deadlines: Staff establishes an overarching schedule setting clear deadlines for all production, technical, marketing, and administrative deliverables to keep teams aligned from pre-production through load-out.

• Marketing, Venue & Operational Support: Staff provides rehearsal and performance space, handles seasonal promotional materials, oversees ticketing operations, and delivers full House Management support, while selecting and assigning all backstage crew members and stage management teams.

The Forest Night , 2024 Creative Artist Award winner by Alexandra Weld

Teletype, 2024 Creative Artist Award winner by Wyat Hamilton

What We Grew Up With, 2023 Creative Artist Award winner by Kiran Soma

Muse, 2022 Creative Artist Award winner by Gaven Bell

A Case of Salt, 2021 Creative Artist Award Winner by Gaven Bell

Static, 2020 Creative Artist Award Winner by Aysia Slade

Middle Grounds, 2020 Creative Artist Award (Honorable Mention) by Penny Lawrence and Jack Deweese

Heritage, 2020 Creative Artist Award (Honorable Mention) by Griffin James