Playwright Commission Opportunity: A New Play About Shays' Rebellion

Playwright Commission Opportunity: A New Play About Shays' Rebellion

The Majestic Theater invites submissions from playwrights interested in developing an original full-length play about Shays' Rebellion (1786–1787)—a defining yet often underrepresented event in American history that began in Western Massachusetts. Supported by a National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) grant, this commission will bring to life the true story of Daniel Shays, the thousands of farmers, veterans, and residents who joined the uprising, and the profound impact their actions had on the young nation.

Rooted in historical research and community engagement, the commissioned play will explore the rebellion through the voices and lived experiences of those who shaped it, creating a work that is both historically grounded and theatrically compelling. Developed in conjunction with the national America 250 initiative, the project seeks to reflect on our nation's past, honor the contributions of those whose stories have too often gone untold, and invite audiences to consider the enduring themes of economic hardship, civic responsibility, power, resilience, and the future we hope to build together.

About the Commission

The selected playwright will spend approximately one year researching, writing, and developing a new full-length play in collaboration with the Majestic Theater's Artistic Team. Throughout the process, the playwright will work closely with Producing Artistic Director Sue Dziura and Dramaturg Dan Bullens, participating in regular conversations, script development sessions, and dramaturgical support as the work evolves.

The project is designed to be highly collaborative. Research will be enriched through conversations with local historians, educators, artists, and community members, allowing the playwright to engage deeply with the people and places that shaped this pivotal moment in American history.

A small curatorial committee representing a diverse cross-section of theater artists, historians, educators, and community members will review submissions and select the commissioned playwright.

What We're Looking For:

We are seeking a playwright who is excited by the challenge of transforming historical events into compelling theater. Rather than simply recounting history, we hope to commission a writer who can uncover the human stories within Shays' Rebellion, creating vivid characters and emotionally resonant drama grounded in historical truth.

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Excellence in dramatic writing.
• An interest in history, biography, or stories inspired by real events.
• A collaborative spirit and openness to feedback.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to meet deadlines.
• Curiosity, imagination, and a desire to engage meaningfully with community history.

Playwrights from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Have had at least one full-length play fully produced.
• Demonstrate the ability to complete projects on schedule.
• Be available to collaborate regularly with the Majestic Theater's Artistic Team throughout the commission period.
• Be willing to participate in weekly meetings (in person and/or via Zoom) over approximately twelve months.
• Be interested in conducting research and engaging with community members as part of the writing process.

Commission Process

Following selection, the playwright will embark on an approximately year-long development process that includes research, outlining, drafting, revision, and script development.

Working alongside Producing Artistic Director Sue Dziura and Dramaturg Dan Bullens, the playwright will receive ongoing artistic support while maintaining their own creative voice. Throughout the process, the Majestic Theater will facilitate opportunities to connect with historians, educators, and community members whose perspectives will help inform and enrich the work.

As the script develops, the Majestic Theater will host staged readings with professional actors, giving the playwright the opportunity to hear the work, receive feedback from the artistic team, historians, community members, and audiences, and continue refining the play throughout the commission.

The goal is to create a powerful new American play that honors the history of Western Massachusetts while speaking to audiences through timeless themes of community, democracy, resilience, and the complexities of the American experience.

Submission Materials

Please submit the following:

• Cover letter describing your interest in the commission
• A 1–2 page proposal outlining your artistic vision for the project
• Résumé or curriculum vitae
• One sample of a previously produced full-length play
• Production history (or equivalent evidence of at least one fully mounted production)
• Two professional references

Compensation

This is a paid commission made possible through the generous support of the National Endowment for the Arts. Commission fee and project details will be discussed with finalists.

How to Apply

Please submit all application materials as a single PDF (when possible).

Submission Deadline: August 20, 2026

Email submissions to:

Sue Dziura
Producing Artistic Director
Majestic Theater

Email: sue@majestictheater.com

Subject Line: Shays' Rebellion Playwright Submission – Your Name

Questions regarding the commission may also be directed to Sue Dziura at the email address above.

About the Majestic Theater

The Majestic Theater is a professional producing theater in West Springfield, Massachusetts, whose mission is to create and maintain performance opportunities for Pioneer-Valley-based theater artists and professional productions for local audiences at accessible prices. Through this commission, the Majestic seeks to foster the creation of a significant new American play that celebrates the rich and complex history of Western Massachusetts.

The Majestic Theater is committed to creating an inclusive artistic environment and welcomes submissions from playwrights of all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences.