Vermont Stage Company Wants Your “Winter Tales”
Once again, Vermont Stage Company is partnering with the BWW to write stories for Winter Tales. Created in 2005, Winter Tales has become a Vermont Stage holiday tradition. It features fresh stories and songs each year aimed to lighten up the dark days of winter. For this December’s performance, Vermont Stage Company needs five uplifting, possibly funny, heartfelt stories that’ll be perfect for capturing the spirit of the season.
Your work will be featured on stage with some fine Vermont musicians. Last year, work by BWW writers Colleen Ovelman, Paula Cope, and Hillary Read was featured. All three writers have agreed to help with the story selection process for this year’s production.
What we need from you: A short story or personal essay (in the style of a monologue, 2,500 words) that’s about winter or the holidays (religious or otherwise). The piece must be uplifting to the spirit.
I need your submissions by August 1st. Send them to: submissions@burlingtonwritersworkshop.com. Please put “WINTER TALES” in the subject line.
Some questions, answered:
August 1st is coming up soon. Do I have time to write this?
Yes! The draft doesn’t have to be perfect. I need something by August 1st. If you’re selected, we’ll work with you on edits. Be warned: These edits may be extensive. Winter Tales has very specific needs to accommodate the performance aspect as well as the family-friendly nature of the content, so be prepared for a vigorous back-and-forth with the editors and Cristina Alicea, Vermont Stage Company’s director.
Will I have to read this on stage?
No. A professional actor will work with the director to make this piece come alive on stage. You’ll sit back in the audience and absorb the glory.
Who will own my piece after it’s produced by Vermont Stage Company?
You! It remains yours. If it is published in VSC literature, though, the proceeds from any sale of said literature will go to VSC.
What if I want to write about something sad?
Try it out. It couldn’t hurt to experiment! Aim for some levity, though, and your piece will be a better fit for this.
Can I read a sample of something from a previous year?
Yes! Click here to read a story by Nicole Dash.
Why is the BWW doing this?
This is a wonderful opportunity to have your work featured in a popular public performance. WINTER TALES runs four nights and is viewed by 1000-1200 people every year. VSC is wicked awesome. What more reason do we need?
I’m not a member of the Burlington Writers Workshop. Can I participate?
Sign up at meetup.com to become an “official” member. It’s free and easy.
What if you didn’t answer my question with all this information?
Please do contact me.
