The festival will take place July 13-18 at the Lion Theatre in Theatre Row (410 West 42nd Street) and, according to press notes, "will feature a selection of 40 short plays, chosen from hundreds of submissions by playwriting workshops, university theatre programs and professional companies both in the U.S. and abroad. Out of these plays, six finalists will be chosen by the Samuel French, Inc., Editorial Staff to receive publication and licensing contracts."

Selected plays will be performed for an audience and a panel of judges comprised of established playwrights, literary agents and artistic directors. At least one play each day will be nominated as a finalist.

Applications must be postmarked on or before March 12, 2010, for consideration for this year's festival.

The Off-Off-Broadway Short Play Festival started in 1975, and hundreds of theatre companies and schools have participated. Since its inception, 181 plays have been published, and many participants have gone on to become established playwrights. Past festival participants include Theresa Rebeck, Shirley Lauro, Bekah Brunstetter, Steve Yockey, David Johnston and Sheila Callaghan.

For application and submission details, visit www.samuelfrench.com/oobfestival.