where creativity and community meet
The Jay Skriletz Playwriting Initiative
The Literary Arts program is excited to announce the Jay Skriletz Playwriting Initiative. This state-wide competition offers early-career Maine playwrights under 30 years of age a chance to receive production experience. The winning writer will receive a $1,000 prize and a week-long workshop at the Eastport Arts Center, culminating in a staged reading. Lodging will be provided and a meals and travel stipend are also included.
About the competition:
To be eligible, writers must be between the ages of 16 and 30 and reside in Maine full-time. Preference will be given to Washington County residents. The winner must be available to be present in Eastport in mid-June or late June for the workshop and staged reading. Submission guidelines are listed below. For further information, contact the EAC at the above email address.
About the man behind the prize:
Jay Skriletz spent over 50 years passionately involved in the theater. His employment took him from Seattle to Eastport including a position as technical director at Penobscot Theater. With a Master of Arts in Theater, he was a force in all aspects and genres including Shakespeare, farce, musicals, tragedy, drama and outright comedy. He directed, produced, designed, constructed, acted and sang in show after show. As founding director of Stage East, he elevated the quality of every production he undertook and never let difficulties or challenges become an obstacle to success.
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Jay was also a prolific playwright, completing 16 plays, three of which were performed locally. His plays reflected his belief that live theater could serve as a vehicle for discourse about important social and political issues. He lived his life in the same manner, as a soldier for advocacy and community. He especially enjoyed fostering similar interests and passions in young people. The Jay Skriletz Playwriting Initiative creates a legacy for Jay's contribution to community theater and the arts.
Submission guidelines:
• A playwright’s submission must be: 1. An original, full-length or one-act play with no more than 4 characters unless casting is doubled. 2. Primarily in English. 3. A non-musical. However, plays with limited music requirements are acceptable.
• There are no restrictions on subject matter or style, but plays dealing with social justice issues will be given preference.
• A playwright may only submit one play per submission period.
• Plays that have been professionally produced or published are not eligible. Plays that have received staged readings, workshops, or have been produced by high schools, universities, or community theaters are still eligible.
• A playwright may submit a previously submitted play if there have been substantive revisions.
• Due to limited staff size, only the first 15 plays received will be considered.
• The deliberations of the Skriletz Prize committee are confidential; we do not offer oral or written feedback of submitted work.
To submit:
• Plays must be submitted blind as a .pdf file to eacplaywriting@gmail.com with the playwright’s full name, city of residence, and age in the body of the email.
• The subject line should read, “Jay Skriletz Playwriting Initiative 2026.”
• All plays must be received by May 1st, 2026