SUBMISSIONS

The Emerging Artists Theatre (EAT) Spark Musical Theatre Festival NYC and Spark Theatre Festival NYC are three-week festivals of self-produced work for the stage that allow artists of different disciplines to produce one or more performances of a polished “work-in-progress” with audience feedback.

Many pieces selected for the festival will have never been performed before an audience, while some selections have been performed previously but feature new material. We are not interested in presenting established pieces of theatre. We want to see something brand-spanking-new hit the stage for the first or nearly the first time. This festival is an opportunity to present work for a paying audience for the first, or newly the first, time. 

There is no submission charge and no obligation to participate if chosen. Plus, participants receive 50% of the box office. Artists are held to an audience guarantee equal to one ticket buyer per minute of your show.  Successful Fringe, NYMF, and Off-Broadway shows have been born out of this series, and Emerging Artists is excited to present a new round of opportunities to local artists for yet another year.

The Spark Musical Theatre Festival NYC is now accepting submissions for the following new works:

  • Short and Full-Length Musicals


The Spark Theatre Festival NYC accepts submissions of the following new works (submissions are now closed):

  • Solo Shows
  • Dance
  • Cabaret
  • Short Plays (60 min or less)
  • Subway Musicians
  • Storytelling Show
  • Sketch Comedy
  • Interactive
  • Other … Out of the Box

HOW TO APPLY

  • PART ONE: Read the FAQs on the next page carefully. Please pay special attention to the audience guarantee section to ensure you are ready to gather an audience for your work. 
  • PART TWO: Fill out the application form. You will be asked to provide information on the following:
    • How you heard about Emerging Artists Theatre’s Spark Festival
    • Why your show would be a good fit
    • Show title, running time, and production history (if applicable)
    • Description of your production
    • Support materials, including a script, video, or other means of sharing 
    • Contact information, website, social media handles, and professional bio(s)
  • Hit SUBMIT to submit your application

GETTING ACCEPTED

If you are accepted into one of EAT’s Spark Festivals, there will be a required information session/meet-and-greet on a date to be determined. 

APPLY

Submissions for the Fall 2026 Spark Musical Theatre Festival NYC are now open through July 31.
Submissions for the Fall 2026 Spark Theatre Festival NYC are now closed.
To submit, please click the link below for more information.  

SPARK FAQ