Developed to empower and uplift underrepresented theatre creatives, Amplify is part of a larger initiative to capture new cultural expressions across the South Side of Chicago.

Amplify’s purpose is to provide space and resources to writers in the development of new works during the Covid19 Pandemic, in creating a collaborative community for them to hear, see, and experience their work, amplified and actualized. 

After an open submission period, Definition will select up to eight short play excerpts to be read and filmed in the Fall of 2020.

The Definition ensemble will subsequently choose up to four finalist playwrights, whose work feels most suited for the company, to be commissioned for continued engagement leading to a full staged reading as a part of the opening of Definition’s new space in Woodlawn.

Submissions must be sent by 11:59pm on August 31, 2020.

“Definition is committed to valuing diversity of approach, style, and perspective and balancing impact with investment. We believe it is our duty to continuously develop voices for the American theatre that have been shut out.”

— Tyrone Phillips, Artistic Director

Playwrights Criteria

• Playwright will prioritize Chicago voices

• Playwrights is committed to developing piece over a two year period with Definition