The Fremont Centre Theatre, South Pasadena, is conducting a playwright contest with a deadline of April 30, 2008. The theatre seeks unpublished plays not produced professionally, full-length or one acts, including plays suitable for young audiences grades 6-12.

Plays are to be judged by a panel of theatre professionals, including actors, directors, educators and dramaturgs.

First prize winners will receive a staged reading by professional actors and a $350 prize. Second and Third place winners will receive a rehearsed reading by professional actors and prizes of $250 and $100 respectively.

Though the theatre does not promise a full production of the winning plays, there is always that possibility. In 2008, the Fremont will be producing Ravensridge by Thomas S. Cook, which won 1st prize in its 2006 contest.

Plays produced by the Fremont Centre Theatre are eligible for all award categories in the Los Angeles theatre community, including but not limited to L.A. Weekly awards, BackStage West Garland awards, L.A. Stage Alliance Ovation awards, and Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Awards.

Guidelines: Submit unpublished plays not produced professionally; all genres and age groups, especially plays based on historical events, persons or moments; plays exploring the African-American experience, modern and/or historical; and comedies. Maximum 10 characters.

Submission procedure: Send script, a one-page synopsis, character breakdown, resume and a $15.00 fee. The deadline for entries is April 30, 2008. Contest notification will be October 1, 2008.

Hopeful playwrights may submit their entries to Fremont Centre Theatre, attention Carol Doehring, 1000 Fremont Ave., South Pasadena, CA 91030; make checks payable to the Fremont Centre Theatre. Entrants should include a self-addressed, stamped 10x13 envelope if they wish their play returned.

For more information, contact Fremont Centre Theatre at 626-441-5977.