Young Minnesota Playwrights Festival

Three young adults standing in a room, reading from scripts or books. The woman on the left has braided hair, a white shirt with "Salt" printed on it, and red pants. The man in the middle has a beard, wears a black beanie, and a blue checkered shirt. The woman on the right has glasses, and blonde hair tied back, and is facing slightly away. They appear focused, possibly rehearsing or studying.

In partnership with Young Minnesota Playwrights and Park Square Theatre

Park Square Theatre is proud to partner with Young Minnesota Playwrights to present the Young Minnesota Playwrights Festival, an opportunity for high school students across Minnesota to develop and share their original work for the stage.

Students are invited to submit a 10-15-minute one-act play or a synopsis with sample dialogue for consideration. Selected playwrights will work alongside Twin Cities theatre mentors to refine their scripts, culminating in a fully staged public performance at Park Square Theatre in downtown Saint Paul.

Register and learn more

How it Works

  • Bold text on a gradient blue background that reads 'Act One: Submit Your Play'.

    Act One: Submit Your Play

    Open to all Minnesota high school students.

    Submit your one-act play or synopsis with sample dialogue by February 15, 2026.

    There is no cost to submit.

    All submissions and registration take place through the Young Minnesota Playwrights website.

  • Text on a gradient blue background that says, 'ACT TWO: DEVELOP YOUR PLAY'.

    Act Two: Develop Your Play

    Six selected students will collaborate with Twin Cities theatre mentors to strengthen their characters, dialogue, and story structure while exploring the themes they want to bring to the stage.

  • Stage background with the text 'Act Three: See Your Play on Stage' in white capital letters on a dark blue gradient background.

    Act Three: See Your Play on Stage

    The process culminates in live performances of the six selected plays, staged by local theatre professionals at Park Square Theatre on Saturday, June 27, 2026.

    Each playwright will receive a $200 honorarium for their work.

Key Dates:

  • Attend at least one rehearsal at Park Square Theatre during the week of June 21, 2026

  • Dress Rehearsal: Friday, June 26, 2026 (4–9 PM, dinner provided)

  • Performance Day: Saturday, June 27, 2026 (1–10 PM, dinner provided)

Young Minnesota Playwrights 2026: Mentorship Video

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