This year the MITF is casting a wide net for scripts. In addition to its usual contingent of non-musical plays (curated by co-artistic director Glory S. Bowen), the MITF is actively seeking international plays (curated by Michael Roderick) and musicals (curator soon to be announced). Solo plays will continue to be a large part of the MITF and will also be curated by Bowen.
"We're big enough to offer an array of styles and subject matter and small enough that a show won't get lost trying to find its audience," stated John Chatterton, MITF executive producer, whose fest averages 50 percent paid attendance, with industry folk and press also in attendance. "The additional artistic directors will be a boon to the selection process."
Chatterton sees the MITF as "the festival that cares" because its large, full-time staff can pay more attention to participants' needs than some bigger festivals.
The MITF presents more than 200 performances of 40-60 shows each summer in four theatres, all on the same block of 36th Street (between Eighth and Ninth avenues) over a three-week period.
According to the MITF website, participation in the Festival is not an opportunity to make money directly, but "an excellent opportunity to show off your product to the industry and to test it in front of an audience, as well as to garner press clippings that will help the show in future incarnations." The Festival pays the following expenses:
All submissions for the Eighth Annual Midtown International Theatre Festival must be postmarked by Feb. 20, 2007. Those interested in applying must download an application form from the Festival's website (www.midtownfestival.org) and send the completed form, as well as all accompanying materials (scripts, samples of music, etc.), along with a non-refundable applicable fee of $30 to: Midtown International Theatre Festival, 347 West 36th Street, New York, New York 10018.
Additional details about the MITF process can be found on the Festival's website. Applicants are strongly urged to peruse the site in detail before sending in an application. Any additional questions can be emailed to [email protected].