Hellerween is back for the 5th year in a row, and we're excited to announce that it is MOVING! This year, we will be partnering with WOMPA to bring you an immersive, spooky experience October 21, 22, and 23, 2026 (Wednesday-Friday nights).

Playwrights!

Heller is now accepting submissions for Hellerween 2026! Whether you're a new or seasoned writer, we would love to read your work. Deadline for script submissions is August 15th.

Submit electronically to: hellershorts@gmail.com

Requirements:

1) Plays must incorporate some aspect related to the spirit of Halloween--scary, creepy, etc. Plays must not have been previously produced; workshop productions are acceptable. Adaptations of copyrighted works are not permitted

2) Playwright(s) may be of any age, race, color, background, or gender identity. We love theatre that reflects the world.

3) Playwrights must be a current resident of Oklahoma or a bordering state (Kansas, Arkansas, Missouri, Texas, Colorado, or New Mexico)

4) Playwrights must be able to zoom or come to Tulsa for at least one rehearsal to meet the director and cast; Heller cannot support travel, however, selected playwrights receive $10 (ten dollars) per performance, October 21, 22, 23

5) Plays must be submitted without the author's name anywhere on the script; send a separate sheet with all contact information:

Title, Author Primary mailing address, Email address(es), Phone number(s)

6) Plays must be written in standard Dramatists Guild format, approximately 8-10 pages (10 minute runtime)

7) Plays should be written with reasonable production requirements in terms of cast size (a maximum of 6 speaking roles, please). Technical requirements: think in terms of minimalist theatre: a few chairs, a table, rather than a full set requiring windows, doors, and a massive sculpture on the wall.

A playwright may submit no more than two different plays

9) Heller does not accept writing created in whole or in part by generative AI.

10) No plays for young audiences, please

Six short plays will be selected and will be performed six times per night simultaneously at WOMPA while the audience rotates through the building. The spaces being used this year are:

The Back Lane

The Terrace

The Lounge

The Inner Tube

The Gallery

and one loft.

WOMPA is open 9-5 Monday-Friday to the public at 3306 Charles Page Blvd Tulsa, OK 74127. Playwrights are invited to stop by anytime to see the spaces in question to get the creative juices flowing. We'll organize a walk-through tour soon as well, so keep an eye out for that announcement as well as auditions, workshops and more!