Translations, optioned plays or those that have either received productions or professional workshops are ineligible for open submissions.

The submission guidelines detail proper presentation of scripts (format, pagination, binding), number of copies and additional information that should be sent with writers' materials. Detailed guidelines are provided on the O'Neill website at www.TheONeill.org.

A $35 fee is instated for the O'Neill Playwright’s Conference to be used toward the costs associated with the selection process. Selected playwrights will be guaranteed room, board and round-trip transportation to the event.

In September 2003, the Playwrights Conference at the Center had announced the end of its open submission policy due to a growing debt and a lack of staff to handle the numerous plays submitted every year. The move was not welcomed by the playwriting community.

By October's end, O'Neill Playwrights Conference artistic director James Houghton announced his resignation, citing exclusion from the board's reorganization plans to consolidate leadership. Richard Kuranda currently presides over the Center as producing director with executive director Amy Sullivan.

The Eugene O'Neill Theater Center was founded in 1964 and based in Waterford, CT. Programs at the Center include the Puppetry Conference, Playwrights Conference, Critics Institute, Music Theater Conference and the National Theater Institute. The Monte Cristo Cottage, O'Neill's childhood home, is also owned and operated by the group.

For more information on the O'Neill Center, visit the website at www.TheONeill.org or call (860) 443-5378.