BANNED BOOKS ONE-ACT FESTIVAL
Call for Submissions: The Color of Law
February 18–March 7, 2027
Bishop Arts Theatre Center is seeking DFW-area playwrights to create original short plays inspired by The Color of Law by Richard Rothstein for the 2027 Banned Books One-Act Festival.
Six playwrights will be selected to create original works for this season’s festival.
SUBMISSION DEADLINE
November 23 , 2026 at 11:59 PM
ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
The Banned Books One-Act Festival invites playwrights to create original theatrical works that engage with the ideas, themes, history, or issues explored in Richard Rothstein’s The Color of Law.
Six DFW-area playwrights will be selected for this season’s festival, running February 18–March 7, 2027, at Bishop Arts Theatre Center.
ACCESSING THE COLOR OF LAW
Playwrights are encouraged to obtain a copy of The Color of Law by Richard Rothstein to use as a reference when developing their submission. If you are unable to locate a copy of the book, please contact Albert at albert@bishopartstheatre.org for assistance.
QUICK INFO
6 PLAYWRIGHTS
Six DFW-area playwrights will be selected.
$1,000 COMMISSION
Paid in two installments.
NOVEMBER 23
Submissions close at 11:59 PM.
DECEMBER 20, 2026
Selected playwrights announced.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
- Open to DFW-area playwrights
- One submission per playwright
- Work must be original and inspired by the themes or specific sections of The Color of Law
- Plays should be approximately 10 minutes in length
- Maximum of 4 actors
- Actor doubling is encouraged and should be clearly marked in the script
- Minimal set requirements
- A single location is preferred
Slight flexibility may be considered for plays that require additional runtime, but works should ideally remain under 15 minutes.
HOW TO SUBMIT
Email your completed play to albert@bishopartstheatre.org no later than December 20, 2026 at 11:59 PM.
Suggested email subject:
Banned Books One-Act Festival Submission – [Playwright Name]
Please include:
- Your full name
- Your best contact information
- Your completed script as an attachment
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR
MEANINGFUL CONNECTION
A clear and thoughtful connection to The Color of Law.
STRONG STORYTELLING
Effective dramatic structure, character development, and dialogue.
ORIGINALITY & VOICE
A distinctive perspective and creative approach to the material.
THEATRICALITY
Creative storytelling that can be effectively produced within the festival’s limited staging format.
IMPACT
The potential to provoke thought, conversation, empathy, or deeper engagement with the subject matter.
IMPORTANT DATES
NOVEMBER 23, 2026
Submission Deadline
All submissions must be received by 11:59 PM.
DECEMBER 20, 2026
Selected Playwrights Announced
Six playwrights will be selected.
STAGED READING
Date to Be Announced
FEBRUARY 18–MARCH 7, 2027
Banned Books One-Act Festival
Bishop Arts Theatre Center
HOW SUBMISSIONS WILL BE REVIEWED
Each submission will be evaluated using five core categories worth up to 10 points each, with an optional bonus of up to 5 additional points for emotional or intellectual impact.
- ADHERENCE TO FESTIVAL GUIDELINES — 10 POINTS
- CONNECTION TO THE COLOR OF LAW — 10 POINTS
- STORYTELLING & DRAMATIC QUALITY — 10 POINTS
- ORIGINALITY & VOICE — 10 POINTS
- THEATRICALITY & STAGING FEASIBILITY — 10 POINTS
CORE SCORE: 50 POINTS
OPTIONAL BONUS
EMOTIONAL OR INTELLECTUAL IMPACT
Up to 5 additional points
Judges may award up to five additional points to plays that provoke deep thought, empathy, or discussion beyond the page.
A bonus score of 0 means no additional points were awarded and does not reduce the submission’s core score.
MAXIMUM POSSIBLE SCORE: 55 POINTS
FULL JUDGING RUBRIC
Expand each category below to view the complete scoring criteria used to evaluate submissions.
1. Adherence to Festival Guidelines — 10 Points
10: Fully meets all guidelines — approximately 10 minutes, maximum four actors, minimal set, and preferably a single location.
7–9: Meets most requirements with only minor issues, such as slightly extended runtime or a small staging concern.
4–6: Significant guideline lapses, such as excessive runtime, too many characters, or staging needs beyond the festival format.
1–3: Ignores or substantially disregards major submission requirements.
2. Connection to The Color of Law — 10 Points
10: Deeply engages with a specific theme, idea, historical issue, or section of The Color of Law.
7–9: Clear thematic connection to the book, but the engagement could be deeper or more specific.
4–6: Connection to the book is present but superficial, broad, or underdeveloped.
1–3: Minimal or no discernible connection to The Color of Law.
3. Storytelling & Dramatic Quality — 10 Points
10: Compelling, emotionally resonant, and structurally sound, with strong character development and dialogue.
7–9: Solid concept and execution with only minor structural or pacing issues.
4–6: Uneven story or unclear dramatic arc.
1–3: Underdeveloped or confusing narrative.
4. Originality & Voice — 10 Points
10: Bold, distinctive perspective with an inventive approach to theme and form.
7–9: Creative but familiar, with some unique choices or interpretations.
4–6: Competent but derivative or predictable.
1–3: Lacks originality or a distinct artistic voice.
5. Theatricality & Staging Feasibility — 10 Points
10: Makes imaginative, efficient use of minimal staging and is clearly performable within the festival format.
7–9: Shows good staging awareness with only small adjustments needed.
4–6: Ambitious but may exceed practical festival limitations.
1–3: Difficult or impractical to stage within the festival format.
READY TO SUBMIT?
Submission Deadline
November 23, 2026 at 11:59 PM
Email your completed script and contact information to Albert for consideration.