Deadline: 19-Jun-2026
The 16th Street Foundation and Company 16 have launched the second edition of the Cooper Prize, an international playwriting competition supporting bold and thought-provoking original theatre works.
The winning playwright will receive AUD 20,000 and may also receive a full production commission. The competition is open worldwide to both published and unpublished playwrights.
Programme Overview
The Cooper Prize is an international theatre and playwriting competition designed to encourage playwrights to explore challenging philosophical and human themes through original dramatic works.
The competition promotes:
- Creative freedom
- Original storytelling
- Philosophical exploration
- Contemporary theatre development
- International playwright participation
The programme welcomes submissions that engage deeply with difficult questions while maintaining artistic integrity.
Themes for Submission
Applicants are encouraged to explore themes such as:
- The battle between doubt and faith
- Whether suffering is redemptive or meaningless
- The power and nature of truth
Writers may approach these themes from different philosophical, cultural, spiritual, or artistic perspectives.
Prize and Benefits
Winning Prize
The selected winner will receive:
- AUD 20,000 funding support
- Consideration for a full production commission
Finalist Benefits
Finalists will receive:
- A professionally directed public reading
- Performance by professional actors
- Industry exposure for their submitted work
Who is Eligible?
The competition is open internationally to:
- Published playwrights
- Unpublished playwrights
- Emerging theater writers
- Established theater professionals
There are no restrictions mentioned regarding nationality.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following materials:
Required Documents
- A one-page motivation statement
- Synopsis or treatment of the play
- Ten pages of the play manuscript
The Motivation Statement Must Explain
- Why the applicant is writing the play
- The issues or themes being explored
- The playwright’s philosophical perspective
- The worldview informing the work
How to Apply
Step 1: Prepare the Play Submission
Applicants should select and refine:
- 10 pages of the play
- A strong synopsis or treatment
Step 2: Write the Motivation Statement
The statement should clearly explain:
- Artistic vision
- Core themes
- Philosophical approach
- Creative motivation
Step 3: Submit Through the Official Application Form
All materials must be submitted through the official application platform.
Applications that fail to meet submission requirements will not be reviewed.
Why This Competition Matters
The Cooper Prize supports:
- Original contemporary theatre
- Philosophically driven storytelling
- International playwright visibility
- Development of challenging and meaningful dramatic works
The competition also creates opportunities for playwrights to gain professional recognition and production support.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Ignoring Submission Guidelines
Incomplete applications or missing materials may lead to disqualification.
Weak Thematic Focus
Submissions should clearly engage with the philosophical or emotional themes outlined by the competition.
Unclear Synopsis
A strong and concise synopsis helps reviewers understand the dramatic direction of the play.
Poorly Edited Sample Pages
The submitted 10 pages should demonstrate strong dialogue, structure, and theatrical voice.
FAQ
What is the Cooper Prize?
The Cooper Prize is an international playwriting competition supporting original theatre works that explore bold and thought-provoking ideas.
Who can apply?
Both published and unpublished playwrights from around the world are eligible.
What is the prize amount?
The winning playwright will receive AUD 20,000.
Are finalists recognized?
Yes. Finalists receive professionally directed public readings performed by professional actors.
What themes should the play explore?
Themes may include faith and doubt, suffering, truth, and philosophical or human struggles.
What materials are required?
Applicants must submit:
- A one-page motivation statement
- A play synopsis or treatment
- 10 pages of the play
Conclusion
The Cooper Prize offers an important international opportunity for playwrights to develop and showcase original theater works exploring complex philosophical and emotional themes. With substantial funding, public readings, and potential production support, the competition encourages bold storytelling and meaningful theatrical expression on a global stage.
For more information, visit 16th Street Foundation.