Q: How do I know if my play is in heightened language?
A: We define heightened language as text from across the globe that is identifiably distinct and elevated from everyday speech; often utilizing rhetorical and/or formal language, meter, rhyme, rhythm, and/or other poetic devices. While we invite you to use whatever lexicon(s) is/are fitting for your play, please note that writing fully in a specific vernacular is not solely a qualifying factor.
Q: A percentage of my play is not heightened, can I still submit?
A: We ask that a minimum of 60% of the language in your play is heightened. Beyond that you are free to use language however you like.
Q: Can I submit my play that is heightened in another non-English language?
A: Unfortunately, due to the limitations of the current scope of our work we do not have the facilities to properly screen submissions that are heightened in non English languages. We hope to expand our scope in future rounds of submissions.
Q: Can I submit my play that uses a non-English language?
A: Yes! As long as 60% or more of your play is in heightened English language, you are welcome to include any language(s).
Q: When can I submit?
A: Submissions for 2026-2027 open on November 1, 2026 and close on April 30, 2027.
Q: Why does the Fellowship come with agreeing to attach .25% to Synecdoche Works for all future productions?
A: Synecdoche Works is a non-profit, meaning our ability to continue investing in new works comes in part from this quarter of a point. It is non-negotiable and vital to our continued existence as an organization.
Q: Can I submit my 30-minute play?
A: Unfortunately, we are unable to accept submissions that are less than 40 minutes in length.
Q: Can I submit my 3-hour play?
A: Yes, there is no maximum length for submissions.
Q: Can I submit my musical?
A: Unfortunately, we are unable to accept full musicals in the scope of this fellowship.
Q: Can I submit my play with music?
A: Yes, although we ask that plays with music are no more than 20% song. The song lyrics do not count towards the heightened language requirement. You will be responsible for securing any applicable rights and paying any applicable royalties or other costs for the use of non-original music and/or lyrics.
Q: Can I submit my translation of XYZ Non-English work?
A: Unfortunately, we are unable to accept translations during this round of submissions.
Q: Can I submit my play with Shakespeare as a character?
A: Unfortunately, we are unable to accept works reutilizing/contextualizing Shakespeare the person during this round of submissions.
Q: Can I submit my play about Shakespeare characters?
A: Unfortunately, we are unable to accept works reutilizing/contextualizing Shakespearean characters during this round of submissions.
Q: Can I submit my play about Boudica the Warrior Queen?
A: While you are absolutely welcome to submit any works about and/or including Boudica the Queen of War, we would like to politely inform you that we receive an average of three works about her per round of submissions.
Q: Can I use AI?
A: No AI (large language models or other types of AI) may be used for any part of the submission.