2027 Badlands Passion Play New Script – DEADLINE: 2026/03/11

The Badlands Amphitheatre is seeking a new script for their 2027 production of The Badlands Passion Play, a large-scale artistic retelling of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. They refresh their script every 3–5 years to explore this story from fresh perspectives. They are looking for a new work that brings a unique voice, imaginative storytelling, and vibrant characters to the stage.

Script Requirements:
They are seeking scripts that:

• Tell an artistic retelling of the story of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.
• Use the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) as the primary source material
• Additional sources may be used to enrich the story.
• Include key events: miracles, the growth of Jesus’ following, sentencing by Pilate, the crucifixion, and resurrection.
• Are designed for 6-8 principal actors, 20 supporting actors, plus additional volunteers who will form the ensemble (villagers, soldiers, etc.).
• Run under 2 hours 15 minutes (not including a 20-minute intermission).
• Are compelling, stageable on our large outdoor stage. 
• Are respectful of the story’s historical and spiritual context.

While the script should remain faithful to the story of Jesus as told in the Gospels, they encourage applicants to explore fresh perspectives and creative staging:

• Consider telling the story through the eyes of a follower, villager, or another key figure whose experience sheds new light on familiar events.
• Explore ways to bring key moments to life on stage, including miracles, processions, or other pivotal events, using the ensemble creatively.
• Optional physical elements such as horses (1-2), a donkey, a chariot (pulled by 2 horses), or doves may be incorporated to enhance storytelling, though scripts should remain practical for stage performance.
• They welcome imaginative approaches to movement, rhythm, or visual storytelling that deepen audience engagement while honouring the story’s spiritual and historical context.

The goal is to help the story feel alive, engaging, and meaningful, giving both performers and audiences a rich theatrical experience.

What to Submit:

Artists should provide:

1. CV/Resume - highlighting relevant writing and theatre experience.
2. Artist Statement - describing the story you intend to tell, what perspectives and which story points you will highlight.
3. Examples of Previous Writing - samples of plays, scripts, or other relevant work.
4. Two Scene Examples - including:
   1. One miracle or healing scene of your choosing
   2. The resurrection (how Jesus reveals himself to his followers after his resurrection)

Timeline:

1. March 11, 2026 - Submission Deadline
2. March, 2026 - Playwright Interviews
3. April, 2026 - Decision Announced
4. July 12, 2026 - First Draft Due
5. July, 2026 - Exploratory Read Through
6. October 15, 2026 - Second Draft Due
7. October, 2026 - Script Read Through with Actors
8. January 31, 2027 - Additional Revisions Due
9. February or March, 2027 - Script Read Through with Actors
10. March 30, 2027 - Rehearsal Script Due

Compensation:

This is a paid opportunity consisting of a flat commission of $8,000 paid for the development of the script and its first year production. Royalties (of $3,400) will be paid for each subsequent year the script is performed.

Payment Schedule:

•  Contract Signing: 20%
•  First Draft (July 6, 2026): 20%
•  Second Draft (October 15, 2026): 20%
•  Rehearsal Draft (March 30, 2027): 20%
•  Opening Night (July 3, 2027): 20%

How to Submit:

Please email your materials in PDF format to info@badlandsamp.com with the subject line: “New Script Submission – [Your Name]”.

For questions about the project, submission process, or timeline, contact Alyssa, the Artistic Director for the Badlands Amphitheatre.