Amplify New Plays

About

Developed to empower and uplift under-represented theatre creatives, our new play comissioning program, Amplify, is part our initiative to capture new cultural expressions across Chicago’s Southside. Amplify provides space + resources to writers in the development of new works by creating a collaborative community for them to hear, see, and experience their work, amplified and actualized. 

Following an annual open submission period each Winter, Definition selects finalists to be professionally filmed the following Spring, and ultimately premiered at the annual Amplify New Play Festival the following Summer.

With consideration of audience feedback, the Definition Ensemble subsequently chooses winning playwrights. Winning playwright’s work will feel most suited for the company and commissioned for continued engagement over a two year development period.

For all inquiries and questions around applications, please email amplify@definitiontheatre.org.

Amplify Process

  • Submissions should include a single PDF document including the following components: 

    • A brief synopsis of piece, less than 500 words. If selected, this summary will be used to describe your piece to the public.

    • Up to 3 scenes from a full-length, never-before-produced piece, focusing on the year’s theme (No more than 10 pages total excluding title and character page).

    • Scenes should feature casts of 1-4 people (scenes do not need to be consecutive).

    • A complete character list and breakdown (including age range)

  • • Playwright should self identify as a BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, Person of Color) artist.

    • Playwright should prioritize Chicago voices.

    • Playwright must be committed to developing the piece over a multi-year period with Definition.

  • • Finalists of Amplify will have their work professionally filmed with and debuted at the Annual Amplify New Play Festival.

    • Finalists of Amplify will receive consultation with local literary managers and dramaturgs throughout the development process.

  • • Winners of Amplify receive a $3,000 stipend provided after the Amplify New Play Fesitval.

    • Winners of Amplify will then embark on a two-year development process with Definition. During this process Definition with facilitate two workshops and a staged reading. Workshops and readings may be virtual.

    • Workshops + readings will be supported by a Chicago Casting Director, established literary managers, dramaturgs, and directors in Chicago.

  • Amplify Series Six

    Submissions for Amplify Series Six (AS6) surround the theme of Stories of Everyday Heroes.

    We’re seeking work celebrating the resilience, humanity, and unexpected power found in our daily lives. Send us the stories that remind audiences how bravery shows up in kitchens, classrooms, sidewalks, 9-5's, and living rooms across the Southside and beyond.

    Submissions for Amplify Series Seven will open in late 2026/early 2027. For all submission questions, please email amplify@definitiontheatre.org

    View Amplify Series Six →

  • Amplify New Play Festival

    July 17 + 18, 2026
    Logan Center for the Arts, Screening Room

    Definition's Amplify New Play Festival (ANPF) is a vibrant community celebration bringing together emerging voices every July at the Logan Center. Join us for a feature-length film of the eight filmed Series Six finalist scenes compiled with filmed interviews of the playwrights—up on the big screen. Audiences can then vote for their top four favorites to become winners of Amplify Series Six. Winners receive a stipend of $3,000 and a two-year development process with Definition.

    Get tickets to a Screening →

Amplify Archive

Explore + stream all pieces from Amplify alumni playwrights.

Amplify Alumni

Since its inception, Definition has amplified dozens of emerging voices and provided production development through the annual program. Explore our growing cohort of playwrights and professionally filmed scenes with each artist below.