Del Shores Foundation Writers Search

Overview

The Del Shores Foundation Writers Search aims to elevate and expose the unknown voices of LGBTQ+ writers in the Southern United States. Our goal is to celebrate specifically queer voices telling whatever stories they have to tell. This Writers Search is open to writers of stage plays, screenplays, short films and web series who currently live in the South and who identify as LGBTQ+. The Del Shores Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit with a mission to find and facilitate the development of new southern queer artistic voices through bringing together artists and working professionals, amplifying new work and connecting artists to platforms for the creation of the work. Del Shores is an openly gay and award-winning writer, director and producer originally from Texas. He has created successfully across studio and independent film, network and cable television and live theatre. His eight plays have led to five film adaptations and his southern, gay franchise Sordid Lives began as a play in 1996 and spawned a cult-hit film in 2000, a LOGO TV series in 2008 and a marriage equality-themed sequel in 2017. **SUBMISSION FEE WAIVERS AVAILABLE** Our Del Shores Foundation Writers Festival is presented annually with Winners and Finalists in all categories sponsored to attend. The weekend included private workshops for the writers with industry professionals, public panels and live stage readings of all three winning scripts featuring local actors. Our first festival was in Dallas, TX in 2022, followed by Atlanta in Out Front Theatre, then Terrific New Theatre in Birmingham, Alabama and this year at Pensacola Little Theatre in Pensacola, Florida. See information on our most recent festival here: www.delshoresfoundation.org/writersfestival2026 See an overview video here: https://youtu.be/nVayqy7PoeM?si=lw2QkPemSOcCpqOd

Last updated Sep 4, 2026

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• Filmmaker

  I felt so cared for as an artist throughout this festival. It was an incredible amount of fun, and I learned so much about writing and myself at the same time. I highly recommend this festival in every way!

• Filmmaker

  The Del Shores Foundation Writers Search is honestly one of the best festivals I've ever experienced. It truly was an incredible experience, and I can't recommend it enough. If you're part of the LGBTQIA+ community, living in the South, and are a playwright or screenwriter, you should definitely consider submitting!

• Filmmaker

  I cannot overstate this enough. If you get the opportunity to go, DO NOT PASS ON IT. Queer community, as we all know, is indescribably important, especially in hard times--even more so in the Southern US. This festival was a gorgeous and poignant reminder that we are here for each other, and we are here to stay. I made so many friends that I know without a doubt will be with me for life. If you don't submit, you will regret it!

• Filmmaker

  The Del Shores Foundation Festival was truly one of the most meaningful and affirming experiences I have had as an emerging playwright. From the moment I arrived, I felt genuinely welcomed, supported, and—honestly—completely spoiled. Every detail of the weekend reflected an extraordinary amount of care. Del Shores has created something incredibly special: a space where emerging writers are not only celebrated, but treated as artists whose voices and stories matter. His humor, openness, knowledge, and discernment created an environment that felt both comfortable and creatively energizing. It is rare to encounter a festival that feels so joyful while also taking the work of its playwrights so seriously. Emerson, the Foundation’s Executive Director, was equally remarkable. He managed an impressive number of moving parts with warmth, organization, and consistent attention to detail. He made the entire weekend feel seamless while still taking the time to check in with everyone and make each writer feel valued. I left the festival feeling inspired, encouraged, and even more committed to my work as a playwright. The special guests interested with the participants in such a meaningful, intimate way. I had access to theatre professionals, show runners, and filmmakers in a way that made them feel like colleagues. The Del Shores Foundation is creating a genuine pipeline for emerging artists and new stories. I am deeply grateful to have been part of it and cannot recommend the experience highly enough.

• Filmmaker

  I absolutely recommend writers to submit their work to the Del Shores Foundation Writers Search. They are extremely supportive and truly care about the success of queer writers.

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