Native Theater Project (NTP) develops and collaboratively produces plays by Native playwrights, and hires Native artists to tell those stories. Native Theater Project also partners with tribal nations, community organizations, and other theaters to offer career development, leadership programs, and performing arts education programs.
About Bag&Baggage and NTP:
To achieve Bag&Baggage’s mission to expand the cannon, we will work in meaningful relationships with Native artists and Native communities. Native Theater Project is our ambitious partnership to begin doing just that! As a starting point, Bag&Baggage is committed to producing two plays by Native writers, and hiring Native artists in leadership positions.
This work began last year with the world premiere of Diné Nishłį (i am a sacred being) Or, A Boarding School Play by Blossom Johnson which featured robust partnerships with Native led organizations in Portland including Barbie's Village, NAYA, and the PSU Native American Student & Community Center. Bag&Baggage has now become the new home for the Arts Learning Project for Native Youth and will continue to support NTP as it expands and grows into it's own independence by 2027!
Submission Request:
Native Theater Project invites submissions of plays of any length that tackle the topic of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives / MMIW / MMIWG2S. Plays may be produced or unproduced plays.
Opportunity Details:
--Up to 15 plays will be recommended to the wider theater community through New Play Exchange in conjunction with the 2025 National Day of Awareness for MMIW (May 5th).
--At least 2 playwrights will receive $250, and a reading of their MMIR play. MMIR play readings will take place in conjunction with the 2026 National Day of Awareness for MMIW (May 5th).
To Submit:
Please upload your MMIR play using this link: https://form.jotform.
Deadlines and Notifications:
Regular deadline: March 31st
We are reading plays as they come in, and encourage you to submit as soon as you can. All plays received by March 31st will be read and considered.
Late submissions: Submissions received April 1st to April 15th will be read as organization capacity allows.
Notifications: Playwrights will be notified on a rolling basis beginning April 16th, and all playwrights will be notified by April 30, 2025.
CURRENTLY FUNDRAISING FOR
Co-Commissioning Program
Details coming soon! Contact us if your theater wants to collaborate in getting more Native work on stage.
Native Leadership Development Program
Funders welcome! Contact B&B Development Manager Barry Carman at barry@bagnbaggage.org!