Snowdance 2027
Over Our Head Players is excited to announce that submissions are now open for the "2027 Snowdance® 10 Minute Comedy Festival", a competition inviting playwrights from around the world to submit original short comedies. The submission period runs from now through October 9, 2026.
Winning entries will be performed by the OOHP Snowdance ensemble at the Sixth Street Theatre for five weeks, beginning February 5, 2027. The entire Snowdance production will be presented 24 times during its run. A unique aspect of the Snowdance festival is its interactive nature: audience members will vote for their favorite individual comedy at each performance. The audience favorites will earn cash prizes for the playwrights. The "Best in Snow" winner will receive a $300.00 prize, with $200.00 for second place and $100.00 for third place, awarded after the final performance on March 7, 2026. All submissions selected as finalists for production will also receive a one-time $50.00 royalty payment.
Rules for the Snowdance Comedy Competition are straightforward and open to everyone without age or geographic restriction. Submissions must be unpublished, 10-minute or shorter comedies, free of royalty and copyright restrictions. Musicals, adaptations, and translations will not be considered. Plays can feature a cast of one to four characters and should be easily staged, avoiding elaborate set requirements. Entries must be postmarked by October 9, 2026.
Over Our Head Players Artistic Director, Rich Smith has led the production since its inception in 2005, emphasizing the unique audience voting format. "There are many play festivals and many play competitions, but, as far as we know, Snowdance is the only interactive comedy festival that empowers the audience to vote on the winner!" Smith explains. "Having the audience vote makes Snowdance unique for both the audience and the playwrights."
Entries may be emailed to snowdance@overourheadplayers.org. Alternatively, entries may be mailed to: SNOWDANCE, c/o Sixth Street Theatre, 318 Sixth Street, Racine, Wisconsin, 53403. The writer's name, address, phone number, and e-mail address should be included only on the title page, which should also include a cast list and a one to three-sentence synopsis of the play. Complete rules are posted on the Rules page. For any questions, please contact Rich Smith via the box office, at 262-632-6802, or by e-mail at snowdance@overourheadplayers.org. Scripts will not be returned.
About Over Our Head Players
Over Our Head Players is a nonprofit organization of volunteer talent from throughout Southeastern Wisconsin, operating the Sixth Street Theatre in Racine. Dedicated to original theatre, their 35th season includes a variety of productions in addition to the Snowdance Festival. The 35th Season also includes “The Good One,” “Firebringer,” and “The Best We Could.”