Yesterday I got probably the most positive rejection I've ever received from someone declining to produce a theater piece I sent them. I submitted "The Old House," from 31 Plays in 31 Days, where a widowed woman "talks to her late husband"-- really just thinking aloud --about how she thinks she needs to sell their family home and start a different life if she's ever going to be able to go on without him. This was the response I got.
"Hi Phoebe,
Thanks for the submission. Although I really love the piece, we can't use it this time around. Our acting ensemble does not include an older lady, unfortunately, and I think having a young actress portray this character would do your exquisite monologue an injustice.
Maybe next time!"
Most of the time theaters don't even bother to contact you if they're not going to use your script, or if they do, they send you a form letter. Somebody who took the time to write me a personal and complimentary message probably wouldn't have done so unless they meant it, right?
So I guess next to agreeing to perform it, this is the best possible response I could get...?
About Me
My name is Phoebe. I'm Boston area theater professional and English professor focused in writing, acting, directing, and modeling. I'm known for having lots of interests, lots of opinions about those interests, and a very high estimation of the value thereof. This blog is for talking about whatever's on my mind, from my daily life to my activities to musing on any number of abstract topics. Thanks for taking the time to read.
My productions:
Upcoming Productions:
MRS. HAWKING part 2 and 3
at the Watch City Steampunk Festival 2016
presented by The Chameleon's Dish
Vivat Regina
by Phoebe Roberts
at 2PM
and
Base Instruments
by Phoebe Roberts
at 6PM
Saturday, May 13th 2017
at 274 Moody Street, Waltham, MA
Other Achievements:
"The Tailor at Loring's End" screenplay
Quarter Finalist in the Final Draft Big Break Screenwriting Competition 2013
"Adonis" screenplay
Top Ten Percent in the Bluecat Screenwriting Contest 2015
My productions:
Upcoming Productions:
at the Watch City Steampunk Festival 2016
presented by The Chameleon's Dish
Vivat Regina
by Phoebe Roberts
at 2PM
and
Base Instruments
by Phoebe Roberts
at 6PM
Saturday, May 13th 2017
at 274 Moody Street, Waltham, MA
Other Achievements:
"The Tailor at Loring's End" screenplay
Quarter Finalist in the Final Draft Big Break Screenwriting Competition 2013
"Adonis" screenplay
Top Ten Percent in the Bluecat Screenwriting Contest 2015
Page Summary
Designed by 
chasethestars
chasethestars
Comments
Whoa. Coming from the world of short story publishing, this is very strange to me. If they don't contact you, how do you know when it's okay to submit your play elsewhere? Or is submitting the same play to multiple groups simultaneously not the major faux pas that submitting the same story to multiple markets simultaneously is?
Somebody who took the time to write me a personal and complimentary message probably wouldn't have done so unless they meant it, right?
Quite right. What's the advantage to them of lying to you? They want to encourage good work.