Deadline for submissions is Friday, November 15, 2024. Apply here!

Following the incredible success of last year’s Test Flight, we’re thrilled to invite you to be part of an exciting new chapter! Our unique blend of education and creative incubation returns, offering artists the opportunity to take bold risks and elevate their work like never before.

This year, we’re continuing our innovative cohort model, where you’ll learn from and be inspired by fellow artists and experienced producers in a supportive environment. Whether you’re looking to refine your self-production skills or explore fresh ideas, Test Flight is the perfect launchpad for your creative journey.

Participants will enjoy a full week in the vibrant James Levin Theatre, splitting time between rehearsals and performances, ensuring your project gets the spotlight it deserves. Plus, all the beloved elements of Test Flight remain—intimate workshops, engaging audiences, and the thrill of bringing your vision to life!

WHAT WILL IT LOOK LIKE THIS YEAR?

The Application Process…

This year, projects must be submitted and proposed by teams of two people. One of these two people will serve as the Producer of the project. This person should not be the Playwright, though it could be the Director or another member of the team. We are hoping this allows the writers of these projects to focus more on the development of their scripts instead of on learning how to produce a show. You may request an exception to this rule, which may be granted in certain cases (for devisers, or those who have served as producers on several other projects, etc.) though we strongly recommend applying in teams of two.

To apply, please complete the Google Form linked here.

The Pre-Production Process…

The teams chosen for Test Flight will become a cohort for the next couple months. During this time frame, we will meet five times to engage in professional development workshops and discussions on new play development and producing. Our aim is to create a clearer educational and mentorship pipeline to support Playwrights and Producers through this Test Flight experience, and to demystify the processes of “Producing” and “New Play Development.”

Some topics that may be discussed during these meetings: contracts and how to engage artists for your production, pre-production timeline and what that looks like, how to market your show, fundraising strategies, adding new pages and writing materials in the midst of a workshop process – how to continue to further your script when you notice moments aren’t working, how to run tech rehearsals, and whatever the cohort decides is important to them collectively. These meetings will also serve as a time to check in with each other about where you’re at in the process and to learn from each other’s experiences. We want this to be a great resource for you all.

These meetings are tentatively scheduled as follows:

• December 8, 2024, 1pm – 4pm
• December 14, 2024, 10am – 1pm
• January 4, 2025, 1pm – 4pm
• January 11, 2025, 10am – 1pm
• February 2, 2025, 1pm – 4pm

The Production Process…

Like in the past, each project will get access to the James Levin Theatre for one week. The Producer will get access to the space as early as 10am on Monday morning. The group will rehearse in the space from Monday through Wednesday. Performances will be Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7pm. Current Test Flight dates are scheduled for February – March of 2025.

CPT will provide:

• Key to the space (to Producer)
• On-site rehearsal space for one week, prior to the load-in to James Levin Theatre
• Four hours of assistance from Tech Director/shop staff during your load-in, if you need it
• Four hours of programming time with a lighting technician—to be used Monday or Tuesday
• Stage manager for four hours of rehearsal per night (Mon–Wed), and for performances
• Repertory light plot, sound system
• Access to some CPT equipment and stock
• Front-of-house and box office
• Direct mail piece advertising the series, eblast for each week, and social media posts
• $1,200 advance to each project, plus an additional 50% of the gross box office revenue or $500, whichever is greater

The value of the entire project on a per-week basis is over $20,000.

Lead Artists will:

• Attend at least four of the mandatory meetings with the cohort of Test Flight Lead Artists
• Provide all artistic content
• Ensure content is original and in development, having had no previous full production
• Confirm content is owned by the artist, or the artist has authority to use material (in case of adaptation or inclusion of other content)
• Arrange separately with their team any rehearsals prior to Test Flight (CPT cannot provide space for these rehearsals)
• Provide a fully staged, adequately rehearsed production with all performers off book
• Provide their own creative team, including performers, designers, technicians, etc.—Test Flight lead artists will separately contract these individuals
• Enter into an agreement with CPT related to subsequent productions that will stipulate crediting CPT
• Attend majority of the other Test Flight showings

ADVICE TO APPLICANTS

Test Flight is about moving projects forward and supporting artists in developing their own work, while also expanding their skillsets. You do not need to be an experienced producer―we’ll teach you how! But we are seeking teams who are great collaborators and communicators, and who are well-positioned to create a quality workshop, so please share your team’s unique artistry and potential throughout your application.

The selection team is looking to answer these questions:

• Is this a team that will benefit from the new Test Flight Process?
• Is the project compelling, and does it have strong potential?
• Are both the work and the artists at the correct place/time in the process for a workshop? (If the project is really production-ready, artists will be frustrated with the limitations of a workshop. If it’s too early in the process, artists will be under undue stress to complete the project.)
• Is this a strong team that can successfully complete the project?
• Is the work aligned with CPT’s mission of producing ground-breaking works?

Be aspirational and bold in your intentions and frank about your limitations.

If you are submitting a scripted project that does not have a complete script, please explain your plan to complete your script before Test Flight begins.

If you are a deviser, choreographer, or other performance creator, please explain the creative process you intend to follow. Without a script to judge artistic merit, experience in creating new work is critical to demonstrate the potential of the project. (Please note, CPT encourages proposals in which the main deviser is not also an actor in the show).

Test Flight includes work that is not considered “theatre” by the conventional definition. Music performance that is beyond a concert, new forms of dance, performance art, and experimental opera are encouraged. It is important for applicants in the non-theatre arena to explain their process and how Test Flight will serve the development of the work.

Don’t wait until the November 15 deadline. Apply to Test Flight today!

We often have follow-up questions for your application, so please keep an eye out for contact from us. This means we are interested in the proposal or want to make sure we have a complete understanding.

For questions regarding applications, contact artistic@cptonline.org.