New Work Development

We have produced over 100 world premieres. See a complete list here!

For more information about our new play development program, contact Bob Beverage at 651-292-4323 x107. 

NEW PLAY LIBRARY       
 
Welcome to the History Theatre! In our 29-year history, we have produced over 100 new plays and musicals by 80 playwrights and composers. The telling of Real Stories about Real People is and has been our forté. It has been an incredible journey of discovery: about the folks of the Midwest and about the diverse culture and history we share.
 
A local critic recently wrote, "every town and every city should have a History Theatre."
 
Check out some of our recent work listed in our New Play Library that you might produce for your theatre or community:

   
MUSICALS
 
BEYOND THE RAINBOW
by William Randall Beard
In this new musical, Judy Garland's memories reveal the accomplishments and deep struggles of one of Hollywood's greatest musical stars. Tons of great songs! (Cast of 5)
 
CHRISTMAS OF SWING
by Bob Beverage in collaboration with Jan Puffer, Ron Peluso and David Lohman
A new movie script lands in the laps of the Andrew Sisters and inspires some of the best holiday tunes ever recorded. Special appearances by Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye and Lou and Costello. (Cast of 5)
 
SISTERS OF SWING
by Beth Gilleland and Bob Beverage
A musical tribute to the Andrews Sisters. (Cast of 5)
 
THE ORPHAN TRAIN
by Patty Lynch and Charlie Maguire
A musical tale of the children who boarded the trains and came West in search of family and a new life. (Cast of 8, plus children)
 
A SERVANTS' CHRISTMAS
by John Fenn and Drew Jansen
A Jewish girl comes to work as a maid in a very strict Christian household in St. Paul. The year is 1900. (Cast of 6, 2 young people)
 
THE GANGSTER MUSICAL or Public Enemy Number One
by David Hawley and Drew Jansen
J. Edgar Hoover takes on Ma Barker and the Karpis gang during the 1930s as Hoover declares Alvin "Kreepy" Karpis to be Public Enemy Number One! (Cast of 8)

SUBMISSION POLICY:
 
WE DO NOT ACCEPT UNSOLICITED SCRIPTS.
We do accept a one-page treatment and 10-page dialogue sample for review either through an agent or with a letter of recommendation from an artistic director. The treatment should include:

• A brief synopsis  of the plot line
• Number of actors  required
• General  description of the set
• Any special  production requirements

If the submission is a musical, a CD or tape can accompany the script. If there is not an SASE for materials, it will be assumed that they may be recycled when we are finished with them. We have a very small new works staff and you’ll only hear back from us if we have questions or would like to see a full script.
 
Our strong emphasis is on historical plays -- real stories about real people, usually though not always in the Midwestern United States.

Please email or mail your submissions to:
History Theatre
Attn: Bob Beverage
30 E Tenth Street
Saint Paul, MN 55101