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CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

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 2026, taking place from September 29th - October 10th, 2026 at The A.R.T./New York Theatres (Mezzanine Theatre), located at 502 West 53rd Street, 10th Avenue.

 

​“Fierce & Fearless” 

 

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

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The LGBTQ+ community must lead its own narrative, confront injustice, and drive the change we want to see. Our stories must be told by those who live them, because our voices have the power to challenge discrimination, advocate for equity, and inspire action. Together, through our stories, our leadership, and our collective strength, we will help build a more just, inclusive, and fearless future.

FUERZAfest is eager to hear your stories and bring them to the forefront.
Go ahead and submit your best work forward. 

PARTICIPATION GUIDELINES AND TERMS

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

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We’re thrilled to announce a call for play/production submissions for FUERZAfest 2026! Here’s what we’re looking for:

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  1. Themes: "Fierce & Fearless" - Stories highlighting the courage, determination, and unity of the Latine LGBTQ+ community.  Storytelling that resonates deeply within our community and engages broader audiences and can uplift, educate, make an impact, or celebrate our progress.

  2. Representation: Having Latine 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.

  3. Format: Play script in digital PDF format and can be in English or Spanish.

  4. Duration: 45-60 mins for one-act plays and 15-minute plays.

  5. Genre/Style: Any genre or style is welcome, including dance-theater, adaptations, and experimental formats. New and original works are encouraged.

  6. Performers: Minimum two (2) performers. Monologues will be accepted only for the 15-minute play submissions.

  7. Stage Elements: Minimal, easily removable stage elements. Restrictions will apply.

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NEW SELECTION PROCESS: 

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This year, FUERZAfest will enhance its selection process through the implementation of a Storyteller Council. The Council will review all submissions anonymously, without play titles or playwright names, to evaluate artistic merit and impact and select a group of finalist plays.​ Selected plays will advance to the staged reading round based on recommendations from the Council.​ Following this process, the official selections for FUERZAfest 2026 will be announced.

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PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS FOR SELECTED PLAYS/PRODUCTIONS

Selected artists, groups, or companies must:

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  1. Agreement Form: Complete and sign the Participation Agreement Form.

  2. Deadlines: Submit all required materials by Wednesday, July 1st, 2026.

  3. Perform Twice: Commit to two performances.

  4. Stage Management: Provide a Stage Manager to call show cues.

  5. Sound Management: Assign a team member to manage sound during performances.

  6. Orientation: Attend a mandatory two-hour orientation on Saturday, September 12, 2026 from 11:00am to 1:00pm. Location: TBD

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OUR COMMITMENT

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Stipends

  • $600 for each 15-minute play selected.

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

 

​Theater Support

  • Public liability insurance and all necessary theater licenses. 

  • Rehearsal cubes available for the stage performance. 

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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.

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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

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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.

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Transportation and Lodging

  • Artists/groups are responsible for their own transportation and lodging expenses to participate in FUERZAfest NY 2026.

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​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.

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All panel decisions are final and cannot be appealed.

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