Forrest McClendon
Flame Broiled. or the ugly play
Written by Rodney Hicks
Directed by Rodney Hicks and Markus Potter
Local Lab 8, 2019

Local Theater Company discovers and develops world-premiere plays, small-cast musicals, hybrid and devised theater pieces through Local Lab. Selected project creators are provided the resources to conduct a workshop of their material, offering them a forum to explore, develop and strengthen their work in collaboration with other theater artists. At the conclusion of the workshop, the material is presented publicly followed by a curated post-show conversation with artistic staff and audience members that moves new work toward full production.

Workshops are typically conducted in Boulder, CO during the Local Lab festival. Local Lab 13 took place March 11-17, 2024. Additionally, Local conducts workshops across the United States based on the needs of the material and collaborators. Workshops have been held in Boulder, New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles and Santa Barbara.

To learn about past Local Labs, click HERE.

THE APPLICATION WINDOW FOR LOCAL LAB 14 (SPRING 2025) IS NOW OPEN.

Before applying, please read the F.A.Q. and application criteria below. Applications that do not meet the criteria will not be considered. Thank you.

What do we accept?

Un-produced, full-length plays, small-cast musicals and commission proposals (independent and devised work). Please do NOT apply with new drafts of previously shared plays. In an effort to reduce reader bias, we ask that writers remove their names and the names of their agents and/or managers from the their scripts.

To whom do I send the script?

Please share scripts through the application portal linked above (available during application window, April 22-June 22, 2024). If you have any questions or issues submitting, please email Artistic Director of Production and Education, Nick Chase, at nick@localtheaterco.org.

When is the application deadline?

Local Theater Company will begin accepting plays for consideration for Local Lab 14 (Boulder, March, 2025) on April 22, 2024. All applications must be received no later than 11:59pm mountain time on June 22, 2024.

Who may apply?

If you are a resident of a western state (Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming), you can apply without an invitation. Please indicate which state you reside in when sharing material.

If you are a literary agent or manager, you may also apply with up to three (3) new American plays, small-cast musicals or proposals.

Additionally, Local Theater Company reserves the right to directly solicit project creators.

Is there an entry fee?

No.

If selected, is there a fee?

No. Local Theater Company financially compensates all members of the Local Lab teams. If a workshop/presentation is conducted in a location other than where the playwright lives, travel and accommodation are provided.

How many scripts per playwright can I share?

Just one per playwright, please. Agents and literary managers can submit up to three clients’ works.

Then what happens?

Local Theater Company’s reading committee will review the works. Works move through four phases: general submission, semi-finalist, finalist and Local Lab selection.

In an effort to reduce bias, applications, including project proposals, are de-identified. This means that the creator’s name or other indicating elements are removed during the first round of consideration.

Do you have a story to tell but have never written a play?

At Local, we celebrate Colorado storytellers and their stories. On Tuesdays, we hold open office hours from noon-1:30pm MT. If you have a story that you'd like to develop with us, this is the time to ask questions, seek feedback, and be in conversation with our team. Email nick@localtheaterco.org for more information or to schedule an appointment. 

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility Statement

Local Theater Company is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons. All decisions regarding the terms, privileges, and/or conditions of employment, in cluding but not limited to hiring, classification, recruitment, discharge, compensation, placement, promotion, transfer, renewal of employment, tenure or terms, and benefits, will be made without unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship, an cestry, age, order of protection status, marital status, disability, military status, unfavorable dis charge from the military, sexual orientation, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, housing status, parental status, source of income, certain arrest or criminal history records, genetic information, protected activity (such as opposition to or reporting of prohibited discrimination or harassment), or any other status or classification protected by applicable federal, state, and/or local laws.

Local Theater Company will reasonably accommodate qualified employees with disabilities to allow them to perform the essential functions of their jobs. If you have any questions regarding discrimination or this policy, please contact Misha Zimmerman misha@LocalTheaterCo.org