Welcome to the 17th Annual Minnesota Shorts Festival!
Lincoln Community Center
110 Fulton Street, Mankato, MN 56001
Join Merely Players Community Theatre in celebrating playwrights from Minnesota and across the Midwest.
For Playwrights
Submissions open January 28, 2026 - February 28, 2026
Eligibility: Open to playwrights in the Midwest states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, South Dakota, North Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Missouri and Kansas.
Minnesota Playwrights: May submit up to two scripts
Midwest Playwrights: Limited to one script submission
Play Guidelines:
Plays can be new or previously produced. Any topic goes, but keep in mind our audience is all ages.
Length: Scripts should be approximately 10-minutes, including stage actions.
Technical Requirements: Plays should have minimal technical demands.
Script Submission Format:
Please submit two copies of your play in PDF form.
Personal Details Copy: Includes Play Title, Playwright's Name, Mailing Address, Phone Number, and Email Address on the title page.
Anonymous Copy: Contains only the Play Title on the cover page for impartial judging. All identifying information must be removed.
How to submit Your Script
Attach both copies of your script in PDF form and email to mnshorts@merelyplayers.com
Scripts will be judged by a panel of local playwrights and theatre professionals
Three Midwest and three Minnesota plays will be selected for performance in the festival.
For the Community
Experience the Power of Short Plays: Attend the Festival!
Dates: TBD
Featuring: Six ten-minute plays and a series of one-minute plays
Where: Lincoln Community Center, 110 Fulton St., Mankato MN 56001
Interested in acting or directing?
Shorts are a great way to get involved as an actor or director in Merely Players Community Theatre — especially if it’s your first time!
Fill out our volunteer form and be sure to note that you’re interested in Minnesota Shorts. We’ll reach out with details.