Welcome to the 17th Annual Minnesota Shorts Festival!

August 21-22, 2026 7 PM

Get Tickets Here

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.    

Submit Your Script

For the Community

Experience the Power of Short Plays: Attend the Festival!

Dates: August 21-22, 2026

Featuring: Seven ten-minute plays

  • Modern Elder God by Andrew Rosdail

  • When You Make That California Trip by Tim J. Brennan

  • Sandy by Kevin R. Bowen

  • The Worm by Andy Rassler

  • Who Killed Jack in the Five Minutes I Was Getting Popcorn by Regina Hinkley

  • Bargain Barn by James Kelsey Nelson

  • The Man Up North by Michael J. Thomas

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.