Play Festival Applications
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When can I submit my Play Festival application for #STACON26?
We are accepting non-resident* submissions to perform in the Play Festival starting May 12 2025. The deadline for submitting a proposal is 11:59pm (PST) Monday June 30, 2025.
2. When and where will the Play Festival be held?
The Play Festival will be held January 5-9, 2026, in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada on the Main Stage Theatre at the LSPU Hall - nightly performances will begin at 8:30pm.
3. What is the fee to submit an application?
There is no fee to submit an application to perform.
4. Where do I submit an application?
Play Festival applications are submitted online via Google Form here.
5. Do I have to be a STA member to submit a proposal?
STA membership is not a prerequisite for submitting a Play Festival proposal per se. However, proposals from STA members will be advantaged and we do encourage your organization to become a member and receive the many benefits associated with membership, which include the privilege of attending the annual conference, which is otherwise only open to our membership. Click here to learn more: https://www.stahome.org/about-membership
6. What kind of theatre is the LSPU Hall?
The Main Stage Theatre at the LSPU Hall is a black box studio theatre with fully functioning sound, lighting, and video systems suitable for intimate theatrical presentations. The audience capacity is 192. Full technical specs may be found on their website here: https://lspuhall.ca/technical-information-2/
7. Can I submit more than one application?
Yes, but try and resist. :)
8. How much is the presentation fee?
We are selecting five (5) shows, each of which will be offered a $5,000 Cdn performance fee.
9. Are you covering any travel or accommodation expenses?
No. Travel and accommodation expenses are your responsibility, however please let us know if you are in a position of hardship and we will do everything we can to make your participation viable.
10. What technical support is available?
The Play Festival is supported by coordinator Jamie Skidmore, plus a production stage manager and the technical staff of the LSPU Hall, who can also serve as operators.
11. How will my application be evaluated?
Applications will be reviewed based our desire to create a balanced program that prioritizes shows representing diverse voices and stories. The review group includes members of the local planning committee.
12. Can I withdraw my proposal after the submission deadline?
Yes. To withdraw an application, please email the conference team at [email protected].
13. How will I know that my proposal has been received?
You will receive an acknowledgement email as soon as your proposal has been submitted.
14. When will I be notified about my proposal?
You will be notified via email in the summer of 2025 advising you whether your application has been selected.
15. Where can I receive additional information if I have a question?
You may always email the conference planning team at [email protected]
Click here to learn more about entry requirements when travelling to Canada from other countries.
We look forward to receiving your application to bring your show to St. John's!
*Please note, we are only accepting proposals from non-resident organizations/artists - this initiative is designed to highlight performers from away and we are unable to accept applications from artists who are residents of NL.
We are accepting non-resident* submissions to perform in the Play Festival starting May 12 2025. The deadline for submitting a proposal is 11:59pm (PST) Monday June 30, 2025.
2. When and where will the Play Festival be held?
The Play Festival will be held January 5-9, 2026, in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada on the Main Stage Theatre at the LSPU Hall - nightly performances will begin at 8:30pm.
3. What is the fee to submit an application?
There is no fee to submit an application to perform.
4. Where do I submit an application?
Play Festival applications are submitted online via Google Form here.
5. Do I have to be a STA member to submit a proposal?
STA membership is not a prerequisite for submitting a Play Festival proposal per se. However, proposals from STA members will be advantaged and we do encourage your organization to become a member and receive the many benefits associated with membership, which include the privilege of attending the annual conference, which is otherwise only open to our membership. Click here to learn more: https://www.stahome.org/about-membership
6. What kind of theatre is the LSPU Hall?
The Main Stage Theatre at the LSPU Hall is a black box studio theatre with fully functioning sound, lighting, and video systems suitable for intimate theatrical presentations. The audience capacity is 192. Full technical specs may be found on their website here: https://lspuhall.ca/technical-information-2/
7. Can I submit more than one application?
Yes, but try and resist. :)
8. How much is the presentation fee?
We are selecting five (5) shows, each of which will be offered a $5,000 Cdn performance fee.
9. Are you covering any travel or accommodation expenses?
No. Travel and accommodation expenses are your responsibility, however please let us know if you are in a position of hardship and we will do everything we can to make your participation viable.
10. What technical support is available?
The Play Festival is supported by coordinator Jamie Skidmore, plus a production stage manager and the technical staff of the LSPU Hall, who can also serve as operators.
11. How will my application be evaluated?
Applications will be reviewed based our desire to create a balanced program that prioritizes shows representing diverse voices and stories. The review group includes members of the local planning committee.
12. Can I withdraw my proposal after the submission deadline?
Yes. To withdraw an application, please email the conference team at [email protected].
13. How will I know that my proposal has been received?
You will receive an acknowledgement email as soon as your proposal has been submitted.
14. When will I be notified about my proposal?
You will be notified via email in the summer of 2025 advising you whether your application has been selected.
15. Where can I receive additional information if I have a question?
You may always email the conference planning team at [email protected]
Click here to learn more about entry requirements when travelling to Canada from other countries.
We look forward to receiving your application to bring your show to St. John's!
*Please note, we are only accepting proposals from non-resident organizations/artists - this initiative is designed to highlight performers from away and we are unable to accept applications from artists who are residents of NL.