Open Call for Submissions: Our Bodies, Our Voices, Our Choices

Submission Window: 8/1/2026-9/15/26

Notification Date: 9/30/26

Performance Dates: 2/4/27-2/6/27 

About the Project

We are seeking original, powerful, and deeply personal written pieces for a brand-new theatrical play celebrating the diverse, vibrant, and complex experiences of those who identify as women and/or those who identify with having a vagina. 

Inspired by The Vagina Monologues by V (formerly Eve Ensler), this new production aims to center stories that have historically been marginalized, overlooked, or silenced on mainstream stages. We are looking for work that is funny, raw, heartbreaking, triumphant, angry, tender, and fiercely authentic.

All pieces submitted will be reviewed for acceptance into our play which will be performed February 4th, 5th, and 6th, 2027 at the Marigold Auditorium for Arts and Culture. Writers have the option of performing their written pieces at these show dates and can list interest on the registration form. It is not required to perform and writers can just submit pieces for others to perform on their behalf.

Auditions for the play will be held in December 2026 and rehearsals will begin January 2027. 

Who May Submit

This play will tell the stories of those who identify as women and/or those who identify with having a vagina. We explicitly and enthusiastically welcome submissions from:

• Women (cisgender and transgender) of all backgrounds, races, and lived experiences
• Transgender women and trans-feminine individuals
• Non-binary, genderqueer, and gender-nonconforming people
• Intersex individuals
• Lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, pansexual, asexual, and two-spirit writers
• Anyone who identifies with having a vagina at any time in their life 

What We Are Looking For

We invite submissions of original work across multiple artistic forms. Pieces can range from 1 to 5 minutes in performance length (approximately 150 to 750 words).

• Monologues: Dramatic, comedic, or poetic spoken-word pieces written for a solo performer.
• Short Scenes: Dialogue-driven vignettes featuring 2 to 3 characters.
• Poetry & Spoken Word: Lyrical pieces designed for dynamic vocal performance.
• Songs & Musical Sketches: Original lyrics or complete musical numbers (please include a simple audio/video demo).
• Personal Essays & Testimonials: First-person narratives that read with a powerful theatrical voice.

Thematic Areas of Exploration (Not Exhaustive):

• Bodily Autonomy & Experience: Navigating healthcare, body image, aging, gender-affirming care, physical pleasure, pain, trauma, and resilience.
• Identity & Intersectionality: The intersections of gender, sexuality, race, culture, class, and disability.
• Joy & Liberation: Radical self-love, chosen family, community power, euphoria, and celebration.
• Resistance & Survival: Overcoming systemic barriers, societal expectations, and personal or political adversity.
• Love & Intimacy: Navigating romance, heartbreak, platonic bonds, and connection on our own terms.

Submission Guidelines

1. Original Work: All submissions must be original work created by the submitting author(s). Collaborative pieces are welcome.
2. Length: Written pieces should ideally run between 1 to 5 minutes when spoken aloud (roughly 150 to 750 words).
3. Rights: Writers retain all copyright to their work. Selected writers will be asked to sign a non-exclusive production agreement granting us the right to stage the piece for this specific run.

If you require any accommodations to submit your work, or if you prefer to submit via an audio/video recording rather than text, please reach out to us at Director@thecottagega.org and we will be happy to assist you. 

We cannot wait to read, hear, and share your stories.