Simons Center for Geometry and Physics
Science Playwriting Competition
2026-27 Call for Plays
Deadline for submission: September 14, 2026
Winners will be announced in early 2027.
Contest is open to the general public.
The Simons Center for Geometry and Physics and the C. N. Yang Institute for Theoretical Physics are pleased to announce a new CALL FOR PLAYS for the 2026-27 Science Playwriting Competition.
All playwrights with an interest in science, as well as scientists with an interest in theatre, are invited to compose an original ten-minute play featuring a substantial scientific and/or technological theme.
The preferred topics in hard sciences and technology include, but are not limited to: Physics, Mathematics, Biology, Computer Science, Space Exploration, Chemistry, Neuroscience, Anthropology, Archaeology, and Artificial Intelligence.
First Prize Winner: $550
Second Prize Winner: $250
Third Prize Winner: $150
A public staged reading of the winning entries will be performed in Spring 2027 at the Simons Center for Geometry and Physics.
About the plays:
The competition commenced in 2012 with the assistance of an NSF grant awarded for scientific outreach projects initiated by former SBU Professor of Physics Christopher Herzog with additional support from the Simons Center for Geometry and Physics, and the C.N. Yang Institute for Theoretical Physics. The competition draws playwrights from all over the world who submit 10-minute plays with compelling stories and innovative expression of science and theatricality.
Guidelines:
– Plays should be approximately 10 minutes in length (usually around 10 pages).
– Winning playwrights will receive a directed, live-staged reading of their work in the spring 2027 semester.
– Plays must include a title page that includes the playwright’s name, address, phone number, and email address.
– Plays must be original unpublished work and must not be created with the assistance of any form of AI.
*Note: please submit electronic entries as a pdf file. Submitting your play implies permission to have your play performed in a staged reading in the spring semester; all submissions remain the property of the playwright.
QUESTIONS? CONTACT US AT scienceplays@scgp.stonybrook.edu **Please do not email your submissions to this email address. Please use the form (to be provided) to submit your play in order to be entered into the competition**
This competition is made possible by the generous support of the Simons Center of Geometry and Physics and the C. N. Yang Institute for Theoretical Physics at Stony Brook University.
