Call for Submissions (Edmonton): Theatre Projects – The Nextfest Arts Company, Theater News

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: THEATRE PROJECTS
THE NEXTFEST ARTS COMPANY presents NEXTFEST (JUNE 4 – 14, 2026)
Deadline: January 20, 2026 at 11:59 pm MST.

The Nextfest Arts Company presents NEXTFEST, Edmonton’s largest and longest-running multi-disciplinary arts festival mandated to support and showcase emerging artists within the first ten years of their professional careers. The 31st annual presentation of NEXTFEST will take place at the Roxy Theatre (10708 124 Street, Edmonton Alberta Canada) June 4-14, 2026.

For more information on Nextfest, check out our website at www.nextfest.ca or our Instagram @nextfestartsco

Nextfest is thrilled to share our Call for Submissions for Theatre Projects.

Submissions for our Rehearsal Hall Stage and our Lorne Cardinal Stage are welcome from Canadian emerging playwrights / theatre creators.

Submissions can be in the form of a written script or a pitch for a project that does not have a traditional script (poetry, stand-up, sketch, improv, clown, multi-disciplinary, collective creation, other etc.)

Programming for our large stage, the Nancy Power, has already been filled for the 2026 festival.

NEXTFEST 2026 takes place in Edmonton, Alberta Canada. Nextfest works on a presentation model similar to the Fringe Festival. Projects are chosen and curated within the festival run but the project itself is led by a producer who oversees the content and creation of the project as well as all artists associated with the project and all design elements such as set, costumes, etc.

To submit
1. Please see the information on our submission form about the two stages we are taking submissions for: the Rehearsal Hall Stage (30 seats) and the Lorne Cardinal Theatre (80 seats)
2. Please make sure that you qualify with Nextfest’s definition of an emerging artist:
– you are an artist within the FIRST TEN YEARS of your career
– you are NOT represented by an agent or by an professional organization
– you have NOT had a play published
3. Please fill this submission form: https://forms.gle/6X8j58WhhJ6K9oy27

Please email your submission to ELLEN CHORLEY (Artistic & Festival Director) at ellen@nextfest.ca with following information:
* Subject Line: NEXTFEST THEATRE SUBMISSION- Your Name
* A cover letter
* If you are submitting a script, please provide your submission in WORD DOCUMENT or PDF FORMAT ONLY
* If you are pitching a project that does not have a traditional script please submit a WORD DOCUMENT or PDF with the following information:
Title of Project
Description of Project
Number of performers on stage
Technical Needs
What Do You Want to Accomplish?
What Process will you use to create your project?
What experience do you have making this type of project before?

REHEARSAL HALL THEATRE
This small rehearsal room is converted into a tiny theatre with only thirty seats. Lights and sound board/speaker system are provided. There is no backstage and the stage is 12 foot (wide) x 8 foot (deep) platform approximately one foot off the ground. This space is perfect for one person shows with little to no set and minimal tech requirements, perfect for a project where you want close proximity to your audience.

LORNE CARDINAL THEATRE
The Roxy Theatre’s mid-size space with eighty seats. This venue comes complete with wings, all lighting and sound systems, as well as capabilities for projections on the back wall. This venue does not have a backstage cross but is large enough for a small set and up to eight actors on stage.

Please return your submission by January 20, 2026 at 11:59 pm

Please provide your submission in WORD DOCUMENT or PDF FORMAT ONLY to ELLEN CHORLEY, Artistic & Festival Director ellen@nextfest.ca

Questions, concerns, queries about submitting? Have an idea, but not sure how to write about it? Putting together your first pitch and need some guidance? Hit me up and we’ll chat! Contact Ellen Chorley at ellen@nextfest.ca

Photo by Jenn Galm Photography of Nextfest 2025’s JINXXX Nite Club