hot summer night
DCP’s Armour After Dark: Hot Summer Night
About the Event:
Hot Summer Night is a bold, intimate evening of live performance presented as part ofDavidson Community Players’ Armour After Dark series.
This curated showcase celebrates solo performance in many forms — including poetry, storytelling,
and personal narrative.
We are looking for poets, spoken-word poets, monologists, one-person shows, storytellers, and performance artists for one night of original voices and dynamic storytelling in a late-night cabaret-style atmosphere.
Poets, Spoken-Word Poets, Monologists, One-Person Shows, Storytellers, & Performance Artists Wanted!
Deadline to Submit Works for Consideration: March 31, 2026
Below please find answers to the most frequently asked questions
Who is this event for?
Hot Summer Night welcomes poets, spoken-word artists, storytellers, monologists, and solo performers at all stages of their creative journey. Both emerging and experienced artists are encouraged to submit.
Do I need professional performance experience?
No. While we welcome seasoned performers, prior professional experience is not required. We value sincerity, originality, and a clear connection to the work.
What kind of work are you looking for?
We’re looking for solo pieces that center voice and story — including poetry, personal narrative, monologues, and performance-based storytelling.
Is there a specific theme?
There is no required theme. Artists are invited to submit work that feels true to them and appropriate for a live, shared performance setting.
How long should my piece be?
Pieces are typically short-form. We’ll ask for an estimated length with your submission, and final timing will be confirmed with selected artists.
Is this event family-friendly?
This is an after-hours performance intended for adult audiences.
What does “possible publication” mean?
Selected works may be considered for publication related to the event.Participation in the live performance constitutes consent for inclusion in related publications.Artists retain full ownership of their work and grant permission for non-exclusive publication in connection with Hot Summer Night.
Please note: You must own the rights to your work in order to perform or be published.The Book of Hot Summer Night is scheduled to be available for purchase at the performance.
Please note: You must own the rights to your work in order to perform or be published.The Book of Hot Summer Night is scheduled to be available for purchase at the performance.
How many works can I submit?
Poets, Spoken-Word Poets, and Monologists please send up to three works. All others please send a maximum of two short works.
Do I have to perform my own work?
No! There will be actors available to read the works of a select group of writers.
Do I need to be local to participate?
No. We ask performers to be available to present their work live at the Armour Street Theatre; however, a select group of writers may have actors perform their work.We welcome submissions from both local and regional artists and value a wide range of backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences.
How and when will artists be notified?
Artists will be notified by email after the submission deadline. We appreciate your patience during the review process.
How many performances will there be?
As of now, there is one scheduled performance on July 14, 2026. There may be an additional performance that night.
Please note: There is no compensation for performance or publication, including royalties.
We are committed to creating a thoughtful, inclusive performance space
Davidson Community Players (DCP) is a nonprofit theatre organization dedicated to producing engaging, high-quality performances and fostering creative community connections in the Lake Norman region.
