Ithra short play contest

The Ithra Short Play Contest is an annual contest launched by Ithra’s Performing Arts Unit in 2021, serving as a broad platform for contemporary theater practices. The competition encourages original short plays and supports emerging directors, actors and theater practitioners from diverse backgrounds.

It fosters creativity, mentorship and professional growth, reinforcing Ithra’s role in enriching the cultural and artistic landscape of Saudi Arabia.

The 2026 edition will feature a curated program of performances and events presented over six days. The contest is structured across two tracks: Competition Track and Hosted Shows Track.

Each day features two theatrical performances: a contest performance and a hosted performance. The six-day contest concludes with an awards ceremony celebrating outstanding achievements, local talent, original storytelling, and cultural exchange.

Timeline

1

Submissions Open

April 27, 2026

2

Submissions Close

May 30, 2026

3

Shortlisted groups announcement

June 4, 2026

4

Workshops, Rehearsals, Technical Rehearsals

June - August, 2026

5

Live on stage at Ithra

August 10 - 15, 2026

Our Goals

Artists

We support and nurture talent in acting, directing and design by providing a supportive and professional work environment with high administrative and artistic standards. This allows artists to learn from each other and from experienced theater professionals, creating a supportive environment for theater practitioners to network and find support for their future.

Artists

Narrative Short Plays

We provide a platform for artists to tell their stories and a space for theater practitioners to showcase their skills to an audience. Our artists receive high-quality support to develop in their chosen field.

Narrative Short Plays

Audiences

We engage with audiences through our performances, panel discussions and workshops. At Ithra Competition, we believe that theater has the power to influence audiences, stimulate creativity and foster cultural exchange. Ithra Short Plays Contest also aims to inspire the next generation of audiences and instill a love of attending live performances.

Audiences

What We Are Looking For

  • Competition Track - Theater Directors (12 - Weeks Program):

The Competition Track highlights emerging Saudi talent in the performing arts, providing a professional showcase environment for amateur to semi-professional directors and actors. Focused on participants' experience level, the track promotes original storytelling and stagecraft while preparing young artists for industry-level experiences.

During the 2026 contest, the track will feature five original short productions, with one competition work staged per day to ensure a high-quality, focused contest experience for both audiences and participants.

 

  • Hosted Shows Track - Theater Groups:

The Hosted Shows Track is designed specifically for the professional performing arts community, providing a prestigious platform for Saudi and international artists to present high-caliber theatrical works. This track highlights established productions that have previously participated in competitions and festivals, offering the contest audience a global perspective on contemporary theater.

Performances in this track are non-competitive, emphasizing cultural exchange, artistic excellence and audience enrichment.

 

Ithra is pleased to invite theater professionals to apply for the Ithra Short Plays Contest 2026, which will take place from August 10 – 15, 2026.
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Participation Guide

Selection Procedures:

The contest's committee will evaluate and select the theater groups. The final list of shortlisted theater groups will be announced by June 04, 2026.

For more information or if you have any questions, please contact the Ithra Call Center at  8001221224  or send your inquiry via email to customercare@ithra.com 

In collaboration with

Testimonials

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Abdulilah Al-Sanani

“I was honored to attend the opening of the #Ithra_Short_Plays_Contest and to meet the wonderful organizers and my fellow theater artists. Thank you for the tremendous effort, and I wish you a successful and ongoing festival. #Ithra”

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Sami Al-Jamaan

“A moment of reflection… the joy and excitement of Saudi theater youth at the #Ithra Short Plays Contest.”

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Abbas Al-Haik

 “Theater is a collective art form, and to me, the most beautiful performances are those that rely on ensemble acting rather than individual stardom. This was perfectly achieved in the play ‘The Story May Be Long’ prepared by its director, Youssef Al-Harbi, based on Saad allah Wannous’s text ‘The Elephant, O King of Time.’ It was staged as part of the #Ithra_Short_Plays_Contest. From his clever adaptation and consciously condensed script, to his meticulous design of every detail of the performance—built on ensemble acting and the creation of dynamic stage formations that harmonized with carefully crafted lighting—Youssef Al-Harbi succeeded in delivering a show that reflected his academic expertise and his ability to direct both his production and his actors, who captivated the audience with wonder.”

FAQs

Common Queries about Submissions, Rehearsals and Performances

  • Teams may choose to enter an excerpt or abridgement of an established play of Ithra’s choosing as their selection.
  • Teams may choose to enter an original script for consideration.
  • Each team may hand in only two submissions. 
  • Ithra’s design team will be responsible for the design of sets, props, costumes and makeup; however, a design representative from each group will work with the Ithra design team to achieve its goals.
  • Each production can have a duration between 30 – 40 minutes.
  • Productions can have a maximum of six actors. 
  • Each team should be available for and take part in all workshops and designated rehearsal times in the weeks leading up to the competition.
  • Groups understand that they will receive no payment for their involvement in the Ithra Short Play Contest, but will be eligible for prizes and professional development opportunities.
  • By submitting and/or presenting your work to the Ithra Short Play Contest, the writer/creator of an original script thereby gives permission for the organizers to present the work at the contest.
  • Groups will abide by venue-specific regulations and understand that professional conduct is required at all times.

Policies for Last-Minute Changes or Withdrawals

  • If an individual or group is no longer able to attend due to another commitment, workshop or performance, they must notify the contest director and any other relevant team members with as much notice as possible.
  • Any changes to script or group cast and information should be submitted before June 29, 2026.

What is the Ithra Short Play Contest?

The Ithra Short Play Contest showcases short-form theater, with the aim of empowering Saudi talent. We welcome theater groups of any nationality who reside in Saudi Arabia to apply and share their talents and creativity before a live audience in the Ithra Theater in August 2026.

How does it work?

Stage 1: 

  • Playwrights will submit one or two original play scripts or a selected, established play script suggested by Ithra with a running time of 30 – 40 minutes (roughly 20 pages) for contest shows and 40 – 55 minutes for hosted shows.
  • Groups will register by completing and submitting the Group Registration Form no later than May 10, 2026. 

Stage 2: 

  • Scripts and groups will be reviewed by the contest coordinators and shortlisted. 
  • The shortlisted groups will be announced. 
  • Coordinators will contact the nominated theater groups to obtain approvals from the teams to produce the play and approval from the playwrights. 
  • Each director will be responsible for casting actors and running rehearsals. 
  • Production designers will be provided to work alongside the group’s scenic artist and designers. 

Stage 3: 

  • Directors, actors and production designers will participate in a one-week workshop program in the weeks leading up to the contest. 
  • Rehearsals will take place throughout the months of June – July 2026. 
  • Technical rehearsals will begin on beginning of August 2026 in the Ithra Theater. 
  • The 5 selected plays will be performed at the Ithra’s Theater from August 10 – 15, 2026. 

Will the plays be in Arabic or English?

We are accepting plays in Arabic for the contest track and play in Arabic or English for the hosted shows track.

What genre should the play be?

The contest is open to all genres, but the content must adhere to the cultural norms and sensitivities of the Kingdom.

Who can participate?

To be eligible to participate as a theater group, all group members must be 18 years old or older.

Is the contest only for Saudi nationals?

No, participation is open to all citizens and residing in Saudi Arabia for the contest shows track, and for everyone from inside and outside Saudi Arabia for the hosted shows track.

Where should I reside to be able to participate?

For groups participating in the contest track from anywhere in Saudi Arabia, theater groups must be able to travel to Ithra to attend workshops and rehearsals. Workshop and rehearsals dates will be announced once participants are selected, but they will take place during the weeks leading up to the competition.

Will Ithra bear the housing and transportation costs for participants?

Ithra does not cover accommodation and transportation costs for participants in the contest track. However, for hosted performances, accommodation, transportation and meals will be covered during the hosting period.

What will the participants receive?

  • Workshops in acting and directing and production and design.
  • Rehearsal space.
  • Designers responsible for creating the sets, costumes and posters for each group.
  • A technical support teams.
  • Venue for final training (technical and dress rehearsal) and venue for contest live performance.
  • Contest program and promotional material.

How many works can I submit to participate?

Theater groups can submit a maximum of two scripts and two directorial visions.

How do I know if I have been chosen to direct the play?

You will be contacted and informed on June 4, 2026, and accepted teams will be invited to participate during an open day.

What is the role of the theater group?

  • The theater group defines its artistic vision for the play.
  • Selection of actors and crew.
  • Attending training workshops.
  • Collaboration with designers.
  • Preparing the theatrical movement drawing.
  • Rehearsal management
  • Monitor the pace of production.
  • Supervising final technical exercises.
  • Presentation of the work in the Ithra’s Theater.

How much time does each group have to present the play?

The program will run from June to August 15, 2026, which is approximately 12 weeks.

When will technical rehearsals take place?

Participants are expected to attend technical rehearsals from August 1, 2026.

When will the contest take place?

The contest will take place from August 10 – 15, 2026.

How many award winners are there?

There are four awards distributed at the end of the contest:

  • Best Play
  • Best Actor
  • Best Actress
  • Audience Choice Award

Who can register as a theater group?

Anyone who has a background in the field of theater and short plays, and has an interest in the field.

How can I apply to participate as a theater group?

When applying as a theater group, registration must be completed through the theater group registration form by May 30, 2026.

How are the winners decided?

The winners will be based on the judges’ votes. The contest coordinators will form a specialized panel to evaluate the plays and determine the winners.

Over The Years

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