Amplify
New Play Commissioning

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.

Amplify Series Four

Submissions for Amplify Series Four should surround the theme of ‘Share Your Story’.

Submissions for AS4 are now closed.

  • • Brief synopsis of piece (<500 words)

    • 1-3 scenes from a full-length, never-before-produced production, focusing on the year’s designated theme. Pieces should may only feature casts of 1-4 people. Scenes do not need to be consecutive.

    • A personal statement (<500 words) explaining why you are interested in developing this piece and collaborating with Definition.

  • • 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 Archive

Explore + stream all pieces from past years of Amplify.

Amplify Alumni

Since 2020, Definition has ushered in 20+ emerging voices to be amplified and developed further through our new play commissioning program. Explore our growing cohort of playwrights and work from previous years of Amplify below.