We Want Your Story Told
Apply Now: Sharing Our Stories 2026 is Open for Submissions
The Rose Theater is now accepting proposals for new plays and musicals to be developed and produced in our 2026–27 season. Through Sharing Our Stories, we aim to elevate underrepresented voices and empower artists to tell stories they want young people in our community to experience.
Request for Proposals for 45-75 minute long NEW PLAYS & MUSICALS to be developed at The Rose Theater from Omaha-area and Nebraska artists from communities whose voices are currently under-represented on our stages. We are interested in artists who identify as the global majority, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color, as well as artists with exceptionalities, and other artists whose voices contribute to cultural equity to tell the stories they would like young people to engage with in our community.
Who We’re Looking For
We are seeking proposals from:
- Adult artists (18+) residing in Omaha or Nebraska who personally identify as:
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- Global Majority, Black, Indigenous, or Persons of Color
- Artists with exceptionalities
- Creators whose stories contribute to cultural equity
Adaptations of existing copyrighted work are often subject to approval from rights holders. If such approval is granted, The Rose will pay for the underlying rights and hand over negotiations of future royalty splits for the artist themselves to solidify with rights holders.
After the year of development, The Rose will work with the creators to identify possible next steps in the play’s development (productions, competitions for plays for young audiences, new play networks, etc).
Project
Details
Piece Length
45–75 minutes
Development Compensation
$500
Compensation to work on the project: $500 in the development phase, with the expectation that the artist will be ready to participate in meetings about the project, and at least 1-2 development workshops, within a 12 month period.
Development Period
Priority given to submissions received by August 3, 2026. Finalists might be invited to interview with the selection committee to discuss their project. Projects for 2026-27 season will be selected by August 12, 2026. The Year Long development will culminate in a rehearsed reading for invited audiences at the end of August 2027.
The culminating rehearsed reading for the 2025-26 project will Wednesday be August 19, 2026.
Submission Guidelines
- A one to two page treatment or a short video about the play, idea, or concept. And up to 10 sample pages of a script (if available)
- A statement explaining why you want to work with the Rose and this program
- An artist statement explaining your artistic passions, your collaboration style, and what you would like to accomplish throughout the year. This can be shared in whatever form the artist most feels express themselves- video, written text, visual art.
- If applicable, samples of past work (scene samples, poems, choreography, music, etc.)
- If applicable, a Resume, CV, or Bio
- Each artist can submit a maximum of two ideas
Priority given to submissions received by August 3, 2026. Finalists might be invited to interview with the selection committee to discuss their project. Projects for 2026-27 season will be selected by August 12, 2026. The Year Long development will culminate in a rehearsed reading for invited audiences at the end of August 2027.
The culminating rehearsed reading for the 2025-26 project will Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
How to Submit
Submissions and questions should be addressed to briang@rosetheater.org