The Process

Submissions 

  • YWCF welcomes personal pieces as well as any assignments that students may want to expand on. For example, short stories, spoken word, poetry, monologues and small-team projects are all welcome.

  • While the festival focuses on producing and supporting solo works, groups are encouraged to apply. However, submissions have a max capacity of three collaborators.

  • Completed school assignments should not be used as submissions; however, assignments should and can be used as an inspiration point or first draft to develop into full pieces.

  • While some accommodations may be made, each submission should be 10-minutes or less. For written works, this would be 10 pages or less. 

  • YWCF is currently not accepting multimedia or fine art submissions, such as painting, photography, digital media, sculpture, or dance. Further questions about mediums can be directed to the festival manager.

  • Individuals can submit up to three projects or pieces for review; however, only single submission from single artists / groups will be accepted in the festival.

Selections

  • In regards to submissions, the outreach process will begin in February, via email. This will also include outreach efforts to schools and youth programs around the Bay Area, supported by the partner organizations.

  • Submissions will be selected by a committee made up of mentors, volunteer Bay Area artists, and individuals submitted by Z Space and Lorraine Hansberry Theatre. Additionally, any adjudicators who are not volunteers will be paid an hourly rate for their time.

  • This process will be co-coordinated by the festival manager, associate producer, and the Z Space patron & community engagement manager (PCM) as well as partner organizations.

  • Any necessary final decisions around selection will be made by the festival manager and the Z Space PCM, using feedback and commentary from the selection committee.

  • Artists will be notified the status of their submissions as the selection committee processes and adjudicates as a team.

Production

  • The top 5 to 10 submissions will be performed on the Z Space stage or virtually, depending on COVID safety protocols. The submissions will be shared with a committee composed of individuals submitted from each organization, as well as volunteer artists from the larger Bay Area theatre community. Once the final selections are chosen, a mentor/teaching artists will be provided to mentor these artists to help guide development and final performances. The process will culminate in a 3-day festival of performances at Z Space!