Welcome to the 16th Annual Minnesota Shorts Festival!

August 23-24, 2024 | Lincoln Community Center 

Join Merely Players Community Theatre in celebrating playwrights from Minnesota and across the Midwest. 

For Playwrights

Submissions open January 20, 2024 and close February 20, 2024

  • Eligibility: Open to playwrights in the Midwest states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, South Dakota, North Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Missouri and Kansas. 

  • Minnesota Playwrights: May submit up to two scripts

  • Midwest Playwrights: Limited to one script submission

    Play Guidelines:

  • Plays can be new or previously produced. Any topic goes, but keep in mind our audience is all ages.

  • Length: Scripts should be approximately 10-minutes, including stage actions.

  • Technical Requirements: Plays should have minimal technical demands.

    Script Submission Format: 

    Please submit two copies of your play in PDF form.   

  • Personal Details Copy: Includes Play Title, Playwright's Name, Mailing Address, Phone Number, and Email Address on the title page. 

  • Anonymous Copy: Contains only the Play Title on the cover page for impartial judging. All identifying information must be removed.  

How to submit Your Script

  • Attach both copies of your script in PDF form and email to mnshorts@merelyplayers.com

  • Scripts will be judged by a panel of local playwrights and theatre professionals 

  • Three Midwest and three Minnesota plays will be selected for performance in the festival.  

  • All playwrights will be notified of their status by May 31.  

For the Community

Experience the Power of Short Plays: Attend the Festival!

Dates: August 23 & 24, 2024

Featuring: Six ten-minute plays and a series of one-minute plays 

Where: Lincoln Community Center, 110 Fulton St., Mankato MN 56001

Interested in acting or directing?

Shorts are a great way to get involved as an actor or director in Merely Players Community Theatre — especially if it’s your first time!

Fill out our volunteer form and be sure to note that you’re interested in Minnesota Shorts. We’ll reach out with details.