FOUNDATIONS FEST

WHAT IT IS:​​

Foundations Fest is Theatre Aurora’s upcoming late-summer celebration of new theatre, spotlighting short, unpublished works by York Region playwrights. Launching in August 2026, the festival brings together local writers, directors, and actors to collaborate on dramatic stage readings of one- and two-act plays, sharing bold new stories with our community for the very first time.

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Participants can get involved in many ways: playwrights can submit original short works for consideration; directors can apply to lead readings and help shape developing scripts; and performers can audition to bring these new voices to life. Volunteers and community partners are also welcome to join the festival team, helping to nurture emerging talent and create an inspiring space for creativity to grow.
 

Whether you’re an artist, a supporter, or an audience member, Foundations Fest is your chance to be part of something new: a celebration of York Region’s creative foundations and the stories ready to rise from them.

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Theatre Aurora invites playwrights to submit original works for dramatic stage readings at our 2026 Foundations Fest.

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WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR:

• First time writers and playwrights

• Monologues, short plays, or full-length works** of any genre

• Submissions that embrace diverse voices from all backgrounds and experiences

• York Region writers (submissions from across Canada also welcome)

• Please, no tech-heavy scripts

• Priority will be given to non-published, non-produced plays

**Production may be limited to 20 minutes of staged time. Directors will have creative discretion to pick the best segment / scenes to play. All plays will receive full rehearsal time.

 

WHAT PLAYWRIGHTS CAN EXPECT:

• Your work read by actors and a director

• Dramaturgical feedback and rehearsal collaboration

• Opportunity to attend rehearsals and join the creative process

• Post-show talkbacks with audiences [TBD]

• Foundations Fest is a volunteer-powered, non-profit initiative. We are unable to offer royalties or financial compensation. What we can offer is a space where your work is explored by actors, guided by directors, and engaged with by an audience — creating opportunities for growth, discovery, and connection.

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NOTIFICATION TIMELINE:

• End of January 2026: Shortlist announced

• End of February 2026: Final selections confirmed

• End of March 2026: Directors announced

• End of May 2026: Cast announced

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FESTIVAL DETAILS

• Evening event

• Likely single evening [TBD]

• Late August 2026 — Theatre Aurora (150 Henderson Drive, Aurora, ON)

• More details to come in early 2026

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HOW TO SUBMIT:

1. Send your script as a PDF with no identifiers to director2@theatreaurora.com

2. Put your name and contact info in the email body.

3. Deadline: December 31, 2025

4. Please send questions to director2@theatreaurora.com

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HOW PLAYS WILL BE SELECTED:

• Blind Review - All submissions are read without playwright names or identifiers to ensure fairness. This protects emerging writers and prioritizes the work itself.

• Selection Committee - A small panel made up of Theatre Aurora members (directors, dramaturgs, actors, board members) will review all submissions. Having a mix of artistic and community voices keeps the process balanced.

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EVALUATION CRITERIA:

Submissions will be assessed on:

• Storytelling strength – Is the voice clear, compelling, and original?

• Suitability for staged readings – Works best if the script lives on the page/words rather than heavy tech/design.

• Cast/length feasibility – Smaller casts and manageable run-times make for smoother festival programming.

• Range of voices – Preference for diversity of perspectives, styles, and themes to reflect our community.

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With gratitude,

THE FOUNDATIONS FEST TEAM

Chris Cluff · Kirsty Campbell · Jess Falcioni · Christian Tribuzio · Elspeth Read

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All roles are open to consideration regardless of background, ethnicity, or sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Ages indicated in the breakdown are ages reflected on stage and not actual ages of the actors.

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Theatre Aurora is a not-for-profit organization and is a non-union, non-paying volunteer opportunity.​