MAJESTIC THEATER RECEIVED A NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS GRANT TO SUPPORT NEW PLAY ABOUT SHAYS’ REBELLION!
The Majestic Theater is pleased to announce it is the recipient of an FY 2026 grant award of $15,000 from the National Endowment for the Arts. This funding will support a new play about Shays’ Rebellion in commemoration of Freedom 250 Network, the public-private partnership leading the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration.
Shays' Rebellion (1786–1787) was an armed uprising of farmers in western Massachusetts, centered around towns including Springfield, Northampton, and Great Barrington. Led by Revolutionary War veteran Daniel Shays, the rebellion was sparked by high taxes, mounting debt, and aggressive court actions that resulted in farmers losing their land and being imprisoned for unpaid debts.
The rebellion reached its peak in January 1787, when the insurgents attempted to seize the federal arsenal in Springfield, Massachusetts. The attack was repelled by the state militia, and the uprising soon collapsed. Although the rebellion was ultimately unsuccessful, it exposed the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and helped build support for a stronger national government, leading to the Constitutional Convention later that year.
The Majestic Theater is inviting submissions from playwrights interested in developing an original full-length play about Shays' Rebellion—a defining yet often underrepresented event in American history that began in Western Massachusetts.
Rooted in historical research and community engagement, the commissioned play will explore the rebellion through the voices and lived experiences of those who shaped it, creating a work that is both historically grounded and theatrically compelling. Developed in conjunction with the national America 250 initiative, the project seeks to reflect on our nation's past, honor the contributions of those whose stories have too often gone untold, and invite audiences to consider the enduring themes of economic hardship, civic responsibility, power, resilience, and the future we hope to build together.
“The National Endowment for the Arts is proud to support opportunities across the country for Americans to experience and participate in the arts,” said Mary Anne Carter, chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts. “As we celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary this year, it is a moment to recognize the important role the arts continue to play in our lives, communities, and heritage.”
"The Majestic is honored and grateful for this opportunity from the National Endowment for the Arts,” stated Terence LaCasse, the managing director of the Majestic Theater. “Telling a familiar story in a new way allows us to breathe new life into a pivotal moment in American history."
About the Majestic Theater/Theater Project
The Theater Project is a non-profit company that Founding Producer Director Danny Eaton founded in 1991. Since March 1997 it has been in residence in West Springfield's historic Majestic Theater, a venue originally built in the early 20th century that has repeatedly been named "Best Place to See Theater" and “Best Live Theatre Company” in regional newspaper polls. For additional information, visit www.majestictheater.com.
About the National Endowment for the Arts
Established by Congress, the National Endowment for the Arts is an independent federal agency that is the largest funder of the arts and arts education in communities nationwide and a catalyst of public and private support for the arts. By advancing opportunities for arts participation and practice, the NEA fosters and sustains an environment in which the arts benefit everyone in the United States. To learn more, visit arts.gov.
SUBMISSION INFORMATION
Playwright Commission Opportunity: A New Play About Shays' Rebellion
The Majestic Theater invites submissions from playwrights interested in developing an original full-length play about Shays' Rebellion (1786–1787)—a defining yet often underrepresented event in American history that began in Western Massachusetts. Supported by a National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) grant, this commission will bring to life the true story of Daniel Shays, the thousands of farmers, veterans, and residents who joined the uprising, and the profound impact their actions had on the young nation.
Rooted in historical research and community engagement, the commissioned play will explore the rebellion through the voices and lived experiences of those who shaped it, creating a work that is both historically grounded and theatrically compelling. Developed in conjunction with the national America 250 initiative, the project seeks to reflect on our nation's past, honor the contributions of those whose stories have too often gone untold, and invite audiences to consider the enduring themes of economic hardship, civic responsibility, power, resilience, and the future we hope to build together.
About the Commission
The selected playwright will spend approximately one year researching, writing, and developing a new full-length play in collaboration with the Majestic Theater's Artistic Team. Throughout the process, the playwright will work closely with Producing Artistic Director Sue Dziura and Dramaturg Dan Bullen, participating in regular conversations, script development sessions, and dramaturgical support as the work evolves.
The project is designed to be highly collaborative. Research will be enriched through conversations with local historians, educators, artists, and community members, allowing the playwright to engage deeply with the people and places that shaped this pivotal moment in American history.
A small curatorial committee representing a diverse cross-section of theater artists, historians, educators, and community members will review submissions and select the commissioned playwright.
What We're Looking For:
We are seeking a playwright who is excited by the challenge of transforming historical events into compelling theater. Rather than simply recounting history, we hope to commission a writer who can uncover the human stories within Shays' Rebellion, creating vivid characters and emotionally resonant drama grounded in historical truth.
Applicants should demonstrate:
Excellence in dramatic writing.
An interest in history, biography, or stories inspired by real events.
A collaborative spirit and openness to feedback.
Strong organizational skills and the ability to meet deadlines.
Curiosity, imagination, and a desire to engage meaningfully with community history.
Playwrights from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
Have had at least one full-length play fully produced.
Demonstrate the ability to complete projects on schedule.
Be available to collaborate regularly with the Majestic Theater's Artistic Team throughout the commission period.
Be willing to participate in weekly meetings (in person and/or via Zoom) over approximately twelve months.
Be interested in conducting research and engaging with community members as part of the writing process.
Commission Process
Following selection, the playwright will embark on an approximately year-long development process that includes research, outlining, drafting, revision, and script development.
Working alongside Producing Artistic Director Sue Dziura and Dramaturg Dan Bullen, the playwright will receive ongoing artistic support while maintaining their own creative voice. Throughout the process, the Majestic Theater will facilitate opportunities to connect with historians, educators, and community members whose perspectives will help inform and enrich the work.
As the script develops, the Majestic Theater will host staged readings with professional actors, giving the playwright the opportunity to hear the work, receive feedback from the artistic team, historians, community members, and audiences, and continue refining the play throughout the commission.
The goal is to create a powerful new American play that honors the history of Western Massachusetts while speaking to audiences through timeless themes of community, democracy, resilience, and the complexities of the American experience.
Submission Materials
Please submit the following:
Cover letter describing your interest in the commission
A 1–2 page proposal outlining your artistic vision for the project
Résumé or curriculum vitae
One sample of a previously produced full-length play
Production history (or equivalent evidence of at least one fully mounted production)
Two professional references
Compensation
This is a paid commission made possible through the generous support of the National Endowment for the Arts. Commission fee and project details will be discussed with finalists.
How to Apply
Please submit all application materials as a single PDF (when possible).
Submission Deadline: August 20, 2026
Email submissions to:
Sue Dziura Producing Artistic Director Majestic Theater
Email: sue@majestictheater.com
Subject Line: Shays' Rebellion Playwright Submission – Your Name
Questions regarding the commission may also be directed to Sue Dziura at the email address above.
About the Majestic Theater
The Majestic Theater is a professional producing theater in West Springfield, Massachusetts, whose mission is to create and maintain performance opportunities for Pioneer-Valley-based theater artists and professional productions for local audiences at accessible prices. Through this commission, the Majestic seeks to foster the creation of a significant new American play that celebrates the rich and complex history of Western Massachusetts.
The Majestic Theater is committed to creating an inclusive artistic environment and welcomes submissions from playwrights of all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences.