Amplify

About

Developed to empower and uplift under-represented theatre creatives, our new play comissioning program, Amplify, is part our initiative to capture new cultural expressions across Chicago’s Southside. Amplify provides space + resources to writers in the development of new works by creating a collaborative community for them to hear, see, and experience their work, amplified and actualized. 

Following an annual open submission period each Winter, Definition selects finalists to be professionally filmed the following Spring, and ultimately premiered at the annual Amplify New Play Festival the following Summer.

With consideration of audience feedback, the Definition Ensemble subsequently chooses winning playwrights. Winning playwright’s work will feel most suited for the company and commissioned for continued engagement over a two year development period.

For all inquiries and questions around applications, please email amplify@definitiontheatre.org.

Amplify Process

  • Submissions should include a single PDF document including the following components: 

    • A brief synopsis of piece, less than 500 words. If selected, this summary will be used to describe your piece to the public.

    • Up to 3 scenes from a full-length, never-before-produced piece, focusing on the theme: "Rhythm & Resonance" (No more than 10 pages total excluding title and character page)

    • Scenes should feature casts of 1-4 people (scenes do not need to be consecutive).

    • While scenes are welcome to include music, it is not required. Playwrights should explore how the rhythm and tone of language can shape narratives in storytelling, turning dialogue into a symphony of meaning.

    • A complete character list and breakdown (including age range)

  • • Playwright should self identify as a BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, Person of Color) artist.

    • Playwright should prioritize Chicago voices.

    • Playwright must be committed to developing the piece over a multi-year period with Definition.

  • • Finalists of Amplify will have their work professionally filmed with and debuted at the Annual Amplify New Play Festival.

    • Finalists of Amplify will receive consultation with local literary managers and dramaturgs throughout the development process.

  • • Winners of Amplify receive a $3,000 stipend provided after the Amplify New Play Fesitval.

    • Winners of Amplify will then embark on a two-year development process with Definition. During this process Definition with facilitate two workshops and a staged reading. Workshops and readings may be virtual.

    • Workshops + readings will be supported by a Chicago Casting Director, established literary managers, dramaturgs, and directors in Chicago.

  • Amplify Series Five

    As part of the 2025 Amplify New Play Festival

    Submissions for Amplify Series Five will remain open until January 5, 2025. Submissions should surround the theme of Rhythm & Resonance.

    Writers should explore how the rhythm and tone of language can shape narratives in storytelling (fusing the worlds of poetry and music) turning words into a symphony of meaning.

    While including actual music in your scenes is optional, we strongly encourage submissions that highlight the way language itself can create a sense of melody and rhythm. Whether through the sound of the words, the pacing of the dialogue, or the emotional beats, we are looking for works that treat language as a musical element in its own right.

    Definition’s ensemble is committed to supporting and creating new works that are focused on socially relevant issues while spreading empathy, equity, and healing in our community.

    For all inquiries and questions around applications, please email amplify@definitiontheatre.org.

    Submit today →

  • 2025 Amplify New Play Festival

    July 2025 | Logan Center for the Arts

    Definition's annual Amplify New Play Festival (ANPF) is a vibrant community celebration bringing together emerging voices in theatre via both film + live performance.

    The festival features film screenings of the Amplify Series Five finalists, providing a platform for new and diverse storytellers to share their work with a broader audience. Attendees can participate in introductory artist workshops led by industry professionals, offering hands-on learning opportunities for aspiring creatives. The festival also includes readings from Amplify Series Four winners, showcasing the continued development of Chicago's new work. Events occur throughout the month at the Reva & David Logan Center for the Arts in Hyde Park.

    Tickets on sale in 2025 →

Amplify Archive

Explore + stream all pieces from Amplify alumni playwrights.

Amplify Alumni

Since its inception, Definition has amplified dozens of emerging voices and provided production development through the annual program. Explore our growing cohort of playwrights and professionally filmed scenes with each artist below.