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Writers are invited to consider submitting for the annual WordWave Contest, which will open in spring each year.

Three submissions are selected each year as the winners and each winner will receive a cash prize and be invited for a 2-night stay in South Lake Tahoe to see their work directed and produced as a staged reading at the historic Valhalla Boathouse Theatre. In addition, this year, the top 3 winners will also receive a free year-long subscription to www.playsubmissionshelper.com, a comprehensive and up-to-date online directory of play submission opportunities available anywhere. We look forward to reading your submission!

  • May 6, 2024 WordWave Contest Opens for Submissions
  • Plays must be submitted by July 1, 2024 at 5pm
  • There is a $30 entry fee to be paid via Paypal
  • Contest Winners will be contacted by August 6, 2024
  • Winners are announced in August
  • Writer’s Performance Event is scheduled for November 2, 2024 and includes a Meet-and-Greet wine reception after the performance.

Submission Requirements:

  • 100-200 word synopsis.
  • Cast list that indicates the number of female roles, the number of male roles and the number of roles that can be performed by either gender.
  • Set design(s). Please feel free to provide diagrams and/or pictures.
  • Estimated running time.
  • Plays must be written within the last five years.
  • Submit one-acts of no longer than 60 minutes.
  • Paid $30 submission fee for each entry via Paypal.
  • Multiple submission accepted with separate entry fees.

The 2026 WordWave Lake Tahoe One-Act Play competition is now open! Contest closes January 19 at 5pm (PST)

Writers are invited to submit work that fits the criteria below through January 19, 206 at 5pm. Three submissions will be selected each year as the winners and each winner will receive a $500 cash prize and be invited for a 2-night stay in South Lake Tahoe to see their work directed and produced on stage at the historic Valhalla Boathouse Theatre on May 1-2, 2026. We look forward to reading your submission!

  • November 17, 2025 WordWave Contest Opens for Submissions
  • Plays must be submitted by January 19, 2026 at 5pm PST
  • There is a $30 entry fee to be paid via Paypal
  • Contest Winners will be announced in early February
  • Writer’s Performance Event is scheduled for May 1, 2026 and May 2, 2026 and includes a Meet-and-Greet wine reception on May 2, 2026 after the performance.

Submission Requirements:

  • Contact information, including phone number and email.
  • 100-200 word synopsis.
  • Cast list that indicates the number of female roles, the number of male roles and the number of roles that can be performed by either gender.
  • Set design(s). Please feel free to provide diagrams and/or pictures.
  • Estimated running time.
  • Plays must be written within the last five years.
  • Submit one-acts of no longer than 45 minutes.
  • Paid $30 submission fee for each entry via Paypal.
  • Multiple submission accepted with separate entry fees.
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The top 3 winners will also receive a free year-long subscription to www.playsubmissionshelper.com, the most comprehensive and up-to-date online directory of play submission opportunities available anywhere.
Fill out my online form.
Fill out my online form.