The Hispanic Federation invites all Latinx LGBTQ+ identifying artists, groups and/or companies to submit proposals of theatre productions to be considered to participate in FUERZAfest 2025, taking place from May 26th - June 1st, 2025 at The A.R.T./New York Theatres (Mezzanine Theatre and the Jeffrey & Paula Gural Theatre), located at 502 West 53rd Street, 10th Avenue and The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center (The Center), located at 208 West, 13 Street, NYC.

“Force of Change”

A resounding title that encompasses the fierce commitment towards the Latinx LGBTQ+ community and serves as the theme for this year’s festival.

There’s no doubt that it is us, the LGBTQ+ community, who should be driving our narrative, and be the catalyst for change. Together, we will set the course and point everyone in the right direction as we work for a better tomorrow.

FUERZAfest is eager to hear your stories and bring them to the forefront. Go ahead and submit your best work forward. Let’s educate and elevate the legacy of our Latinx LGBTQ+ people like never before.

Participation Guidelines and Terms

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Themes: Stories highlighting the courage, determination, and unity of the Latinx LGBTQ+ community. Storytelling that resonates deeply within our community and engages broader audiences and can uplift, educate, make an impact, or celebrate our progress.
Representation: Having Latinx LGBTQ+ people in control of the narrative of their own stories is an important part of the mission of FUERZAfest. With that in mind, we encourage that most performers and/or the creative team be from that community.
Format: Play script in digital PDF format and can be in English or Spanish.
Duration: 45-60 mins for one-act plays and 15-minute plays.
Genre/Style: Any genre or style is welcome, including dance-theater, adaptations, and experimental formats. New and original works are encouraged.
Performers: Minimum two (2) performers. Monologues will be accepted only for the 15-minute play submissions.
Stage Elements: Minimal, easily removable stage elements. Restrictions will apply.

PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS FOR SELECTED GROUPS/COMPANIES

Selected artists, groups, or companies must:

Perform Twice: Commit to two performances.
Orientation: Attend a mandatory two-hour orientation on Saturday, March 15, 2025 from 11:00am to 1:00pm. Location: TBD
Stage Management: Provide a Stage Manager to call show cues.
Sound Management: Assign a team member to manage sound during performances.
Agreement Form: Complete and sign the Participation Agreement Form.
Deadlines: Submit all required materials by Friday, February 14, 2025.

Submission Form

OUR COMMITMENT

Stipends

$500 for each 15-minute play selected.
$1,500 for each One-Act play selected.

Theater Support

Public liability insurance and all necessary theater licenses.

Lighting Design

A professional lighting designer to create a custom lighting design for each production within a standard lighting setup during tech rehearsals.
Any additional lighting requirements outside the standard setup must be approved by the lighting designer and production manager.

Sound Support

General PA system and a dedicated laptop with QLab software to manage sound during performances.
Additional sound needs must be approved by the production manager.

DISCLAIMER

Costs Not Covered

Hispanic Federation does not cover costs for copyrights, salaries, commissions, or other agreements made between artists/groups and their teams, including actors, designers, and technicians.

Transportation and Lodging

Artists/groups are responsible for their own transportation and lodging expenses to participate in FUERZAfest NY 2025.

Play Selection Process

A first panel of judges will review scripts anonymously (without play titles or playwright names) to assess artistic value and impact.
Plays selected will move forward based on recommendations from this panel.

Awards Selection

A second panel of judges, including theater professionals, LGBTQ activists, and festival sponsors, will evaluate performances and productions using a numeric scoring system.
All panel decisions are final and cannot be appealed.