I was here over the summer looking for plays for a high school production I was directing, and everyone was so helpful I thought I'd post again for a little more help.

 

Well, after all the great suggestions, I still couldn't find what I was looking for exactly, so I decided to give writing a try.  I figured I would start writing a play, not be able to get very far, give up, and keep searching for scripts.  To my surprise, I found writing a lot less intimidating than I expected, and after many many hours, I had a script.  I did a very small and very quick workshop of the script with the students, finalized the script, and began rehearsals.  This was my fourth year directing the fall comedy at the school, and I was expecting the audience response to be comparable to that of the past few years.  Well, opening night came and the audience's reaction far exceeded my expectations.  Our second (closing) performance was also a hit.  This was by far the most successful of the six fall comedies the school has done thus far (both in terms of audience size and reaction).  I was extremely happy with how it all turned out.  Who knew that my struggle to find a play could turn into such a rewarding experience?

 

I have been urged to try to get the play published.  I put the script aside for a few months, but last week I began to fix a few things here and there and I put the play into standard script format.  I'm pretty much ready to start submitting to publishing companies, but I have a few questions.  I know that some of you here are published playwrights, so maybe you can help.

 

Aside from following the guidelines for each individual publishing company (most of which can be found on their websites), is there anything I definitely should and definitely should not do when submitting?

 

I have a DVD copy of the play, however, it was filmed and edited by the school's media class.  The students filming went a little crazy with the zoom, and the editing has odd cuts.  It's way below quality of even the average school or community theater DVD.  I would not want to submit the DVD in its current state to a publishing company.  Do you think it's better to not submit the DVD at all or to submit a DVD of highlight clips from the show reedited by myself?

 

Also, I have compiled a list of publishers that seem to publish for the school play market:

 

Big Dog Plays

Brooklyn Publishers

Contemporary Drama Service

Dramatic Publishing

Eldridge Publishing Company

Heuer Publishing

Pioneer Drama

Youth Plays

Samuel French, Inc. (OK so they don't accept blind submissions, but I can email and always dream, right?)

 

Is there anyone I seem to be missing?

 

Also, any other advice?

 

I know this was a long post, but thanks for any and all feedback.