First Run Theater is accepting submissions for its 8th annual Play Reading Festival, scheduled for February 2010. The plays also will be considered for inclusion in First Run’s 2010-11 season.

Playwrights who submit scripts must live within 50 miles of the city of St. Louis. Only scripts that have never been published or produced in their present form may be submitted.

Writers may submit as many plays as they like, either one-act or full-length. Entries should run at least 40 minutes.

Four hard copies of each entry should be submitted. Each script must be typed or printed on only one side of the page, and pages must be numbered. The playwrights’ name and contact information must not appear anywhere on the script: not on the cover sheet, in headers or in footers. 

Each script must include a cover sheet with the title. It should also include a list of characters, and, if applicable, a list of acts and scenes. If the script is a musical, the submission must include a tape or CD of the music.

Scripts must come with separate cover sheets. Each cover sheet needs to include the title of the script and the writer’s name and contact information (mailing address, email address, home or cell phone number).

A cover letter and a soft copy of the script on electronic media are optional.

Submissions will be accepted through Nov. 30; for more information, call 314-352-5114, or visit firstruntheatre.com online. Send scripts to First Run Theatre, 5215 Winona Avenue, St. Louis MO 63109.