Pregones Theater's Asunción Playwrights Project seeks entries for the 2009-2010 competition. APP showcases the work of Latino and Latina playwrights exploring issues of difference and transformation at the limits of queer identity. The project fosters fun and genuine dialogue between playwrights, theatermakers, LGBTQ communities, and a general audience. We especially seek works that challenge normative straight/gay binaries. Submissions by women writers are encouraged. Both Spanish and English language manuscripts are welcome.

Finalists commit to a public reading and open discussion. A panel of peers, industry professionals, scholars, critics and previous winners makes the final selection of the year's winning play.  The winner recieves a $500 award and the play is given a professionally cast workshop production at Pregones Theater.

All plays must be original, full-length works for the stage that have never been produced and are not currently under option. Plays may be submitted in Spanish or English. Monologues and/or one-person shows will not be considered. Asunción will only consider works of superior artistic rigor that meet one or more of the project's criteria:

• explore issues of difference and transformation at the limits of queer identity;
• challenge normative assumptions of gender;
• present Latino spiritual and sensual explorations beyond the boundaries of gender and essentialist notions of sexual orientation;
• go beyond coming out stories;
• challenge normative notions of family;
• dwell in alterity and encounter;
• place queer expectations of love and sex in a Latino cultural/historical context;
• are significant to the lives of Latino lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, and queer people.

Applications must include:

• Asunción Application Form
• A brief description of the play and two copies of a ten-page sample
• A copy of your resume with the application
• Self-addressed stamped postcard, or e-mail address to confirm receipt of your entry
• A return package with sufficient postage if you would like your script returned.

Applications must be mailed to Jorge B. Merced, Associate Artistic Director, Pregones Theater, 571-575 Walton Avenue, Bronx NY 10451. Emailed or faxed applications will not be accepted. Application form is available at http://www.pregones.org/PDFs/AsuncionAppForm.pdf. Complete information is available at http://www.pregones.org/asuncion.html.

Deadline: February, 25, 2010