The Acrosstown Repertory Theatre Presents

Gainesville Homegrown: This is America

2026 is the 250th anniversary of the adoption by Congress of the Declaration of Independence. This year’s annual homegrown playwright’s festival will focus on the theme, “This is America.”

The history of the United States is a complicated one. Founded upon the principles of freedom, equality, opportunity, and democracy, there’s numerous good things to say about American ideals. But slavery, internal conflict, injustice, and oppression have played a part in our American saga as well. Even 250 years later, the United States remains divided on what it means to be American.

What is America to you? What is the story you want to tell?

Selected works will be showcased in our 2026 Gainesville Homegrown Playwright’s Festival which will take place at the Acrosstown on March 21st, 2026.

RULES:

  • The playwright must live in or near Gainesville, Florida (within 50 miles).

  • The play must display an attempt to follow this year’s theme.

  • If the play is an adaptation of an existing work, the source material must be available in the public domain or rights to adapt the work must be obtained in writing from the licensing authority.

  • Plays should be written in standard playwrighting format. Free tools such as Celtx are available online.

  • Plays may be One-Act or Full Length. 

  • We cannot accept musicals at this time.

  • There is a $250 PRIZE for the Board of Directors’ Winner* and a $100 PRIZE for the audience favorite.**

Submissions must be received by midnight on January 15, 2026 by completing the form at the bottom of this page along with the file containing your script. Submission does not guarantee participation in the festival.

Gainesville Homegrown: JUNIOR

We are also accepting submissions from young writers under 18! The play must also follow the theme of “This is America.” Selected participants will be chosen to have their scene or play performed for a live audience. Selected works will be showcased in our 2026 Gainesville Homegrown Playwright’s Festival.

JUNIOR RULES:

  • The playwright must be under 18 at the time of submission.

  • The playwright must live in or near Gainesville, Florida (within 50 miles).

  • The play must display an attempt to follow this year’s theme.

  • If this is an adaptation of an existing work, the source material must be available in the public domain or rights to adapt the work must be obtained in writing from the licensing authority.

  • The completed work can be a short scene or play but should be no more than 15 minutes when read aloud.

  • Parents/Guardians may only help with formatting, typing, and proofreading. The creativity must come from you!

  • There is a $100 PRIZE for the Board of Directors’ Winner.

Submissions must be received by midnight on January 15, 2026 by completing the form below along with the file containing your script. Submission does not guarantee participation in the festival.

* Any board member who submits a written work to the festival is prohibited from participating in the selecting and voting process.

** Audience favorite to be determined by anonymous vote.