Murder Mystery - Contest
Murder Mystery
Script Contest:
The Subway Scare!
Our last SOLD OUT murder mystery “Who Killed Valerie Valentine” was by local playwright Aara Wise. You could be the author of our next wildly popular dinner theatre experience AND win a cash prize! No previous experience necessary — just start writing. You only need a love of mystery… and of course, a passion… for MURDER!
Submissions Due
Email your .pdf or word file to MurderMystery@TheTFAA.org
Finalists to Judge
Up to 10 scripts reviewed by TFAA board, then sent to Matt Morse
Winners Announced
Winning scripts produced by TFAA during the 2026 season!
From submission to the stage — here’s the full process and what you can win.
The Process
- Submit a .pdf or word processor file of your Murder Mystery script (or a robust outline) to MurderMystery@TheTFAA.org by June 30th, 2026 — be sure to include your name!
- Scripts will be read by TFAA board members and up to 10 finalist scripts will be sent to our guest judge by July 15th, 2026.
- Winners will be announced by August 1st, 2026.
$75
1st Prize
Your Murder Mystery will be produced by TFAA during our 2026 season!
$50
2nd Prize
Your Murder Mystery will be produced by TFAA in this or an upcoming season!
Script Guidelines
- It should include reference to or action on the NYC subway system to match our theme for the year.
- Have FUN! Absurd alibis? Mad motives? Droll deaths? Yes, please!
- Approximately 30–60 minutes total running time.
- Approximately 10–20 pages for outlines/largely improvised works, and more pages for a full script.
- Split into at least 3 scenes: an introduction, a conclusion, with action in between — actors in our Murder Mysteries are improvisors, so details can be left up to them or the directing team, but the story should make sense from beginning to end.
- The more audience participation the better!
- Rated PG-13, please! Older kids love to come to our shows with their families.
Everything you need to know before you submit. Read carefully — then get writing!
Who Can Enter
- You may submit multiple entries (if you DARE!).
- The Contest is open to any individual who is 18 years of age or older at the date of entry.
- Employees, officers, directors, contractors and agents — and their immediate families and household members — of TFAA are not eligible to participate or win any prize.
- Scripts written by up to four people may be entered. Cash awards will be split equally between all writers.
Terms & Conditions
- All prizes and awards are subject to change.
- Contest entrants retain all rights to their scripts.
- TFAA reserves the right to edit the script to fit time, casting, or other constraints. Permission from the author will be requested for significant changes.
- By entering, you represent and affirm that your entry is an original creative work and does not infringe, misappropriate, or violate the copyright, trademark, or other intellectual rights of any third party.
Matt Morse (he/him)
Matt Morse is a Midwestern-hearted, Manhattan-based writer and a friend of TFAA. He will judge our finalists and select the winning scripts for production.
Off-Broadway: Annie Brown’s 5th Grade Science Presentation at SoHo Playhouse. Regional: Skater Girls (Antagonist Theatre, Kernodle Award Finalist). NYC collaborations at Fresh Fruit Festival (Out, Outstanding Short Work, Drama 2024), The Makers’ Ensemble, The Secret Theatre, Forager Theater Company, and Apartment Players.
Additional productions at Left Coast Theatre Co., Stage Q Theatre, Antagonist Productions, Southeast Missouri University, and the University of Kentucky.
mattmorsewrites.com →