How do I submit?

Submit by filling out the 2026 Submissions Form here!

When do submissions open/close?

Submissions are open now through January 8th, 2026.

What kinds of submissions are you accepting?

We’ll be accepting submissions for shows as well as submissions from anyone wishing to produce, write, act, sing, direct, or stage manage! Submissions for volunteer positions and workshop enrollment will open at a later date.

What do I need to provide when submitting?

We’ll ask you for a few basic details about yourself and may ask you to share a link that showcases your work. If you’re submitting a show, we’ll also ask for:

• Your past producing experience (or if you need help producing!)

• Name of your show

• Preferred dates for your show (During the festival: March 31st - April 12th 2026)

• Length of the show

• What we’ll experience during your show

• A program blurb

• The size of audience you can bring in addition to The Joy Who Lived audience

• Who all is involved

• Who you need help getting involved

• Your basic tech needs for the show

• Ideal theater size

• The show's relationship to the trans community
  and …

• What you need to make this worthwhile (Theater is expensive! We typically provide a venue and tech—can you make it work with that? You'll also get the bulk of money from ticket sales, but obviously, people need to buy tickets for that to work.)

What if I don’t know all of this yet? Can I submit still?

Yes! Submit what you have and fill out the submission form as much as you’re able. You’ll be able to add to, or edit, your submission after you submit.

I already submitted. Can I edit my submission?

Yes! After you submit you’ll receive a confirmation email. That email has a link that let’s you edit, or add, to your submission!

What accessibility options are available?

We offer wheelchair access, ASL interpretation at select events, mask requirements for all volunteers and attendees, sliding-scale ticket pricing, and livestreaming of most festival shows.