Frequently Asked Questions
Do you offer group discounts for schools, book clubs, etc.?
Yes, we offer 20% for a group of 20 or more. Please contact us at info@tennesseewilliams.net for more information. If you have a group smaller than 20, let us know. We’ll work with you on a discount! We especially encourage writing groups, book clubs, schools, and travel clubs to attend together.Does the Festival arrange meetings with agents or for manuscript submissions?
The Festival does not arrange for meetings with agents, but our programming occasionally includes short manuscript pitch sessions, agent coaching sessions, and writer’s craft sessions with publishers. Please check the schedule closer to the next Festival for details about specific events.
Does the Festival recommend any hotels?
The Hotel Monteleone is our official Festival host hotel. This historic hotel in the French Quarter has long been a favorite of numerous writers, including Tennessee Williams, and holds a Literary Landmark designation. Festival attendees book at a special Festival rate available by CLICKING HERE.
Visit hotelmonteleone.com for more information about the hotel itself or call 866.338.4684 or 504.523.3341.
How can I be a presenter/panelist/performer?
The Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival accepts proposals for participating in our Festival from May 1 through October 15 for the next spring’s Festival.
Most of our programming is confirmed through publishers whose authors have new books launching close to our festival dates. Published authors, however, may send proposals, but we encourage them to first look through last year’s program (available on our website at www.tennesseewilliams.net) to familiarize themselves with our literary programming, namely our writer’s craft sessions and literary discussion panels. Please note that we do not offer author or vendor tables.
After reviewing our programming, submit a proposal by mail that includes the following:
- Two copies of your completed book (galleys, ARCs, or manuscripts are fine). We will not consider electronic submissions of your book, and we do not accept books that are available only in electronic format.
- A press kit and/or link to a press kit/website with your bio, list of previous publications, reviews, etc. and high res author photo.
- Possible topics which you are available to discuss and/or specific writing workshop material you’re available to present.
- Details about your ability (or your publisher’s ability) to fund your own travel to New Orleans to promote your book. Note that we are a non-profit organization, and while we do offer a small honorarium for your participation, we do not pay speaker fees and have a limited travel budget.
Mail proposals to our office at:
Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival
Attn. Paul Willis
938 Lafayette Street Suite 514
New Orleans, LA 70113
LGBTQ authors are encouraged to also submit proposals as outlined above to our LGBTQ Literary Festival, Saints and Sinners, which will be held the same weekend as TWFest. Visit our Saints + Sinners website to familiarize yourself with our programming: www.sasfest.org
For music, theatre, culinary, or other proposals, email the following at info@tennesseewilliams.net:
- Full name and contact info
- Link to your website
- Sample work
- Full proposal of your idea for a panel, workshop, or performance
Our program fills up quickly, so it’s better to submit your proposal as soon as possible, no later than October before the next Festival date.
How can I become a Festival intern?
Festival internships are available year-round and cover a wide variety of skill levels and college majors. We work closely with our interns’ schedules to accommodate work and school responsibilities. Internships are available for the full Festival cycle (fall through spring semester), single semesters, and summers. You are NOT required to participate in coursework that requires an internship. Internships are unpaid.
Typical majors associated with Festival internships are communications, marketing, arts administration, hotel/restaurant/tourism, graphic design, English, creative writing, journalism, and other majors related to working in a non-profit arts organization.
The Festival seeks assistance with:
- Marketing
- Publicity
- Patron Management
- Writing and Editing
- Event Planning
- Graphic Design
- Box Office Management
For more details and a full application, email us at info@tennesseewilliams.net.
How can I get more involved?
Become a Friend of Tennessee! Our Friends, in addition to making a crucial contribution to the Festival, enjoy special benefits such as discounts, advance ticket-buying abilities, exclusive party invitations, and Festival passes. Click SUPPORT US and JOIN to become a member.
Also, we have lots of volunteer opportunities around Festival time in March. Click on SUPPORT US and VOLUNTEER for more details. We also accept a limited number of interns for specific non-paid positions. Email info@tennesseewilliams.net for further details.
How much are tickets and how do I buy them?
We typically run a few discount specials on our VIP tickets, and all tickets will go on sale online by early February.
We offer a variety of ticket packages:
VIP Pass ($600) – Admits you to the opening night event, all 8 writer’s craft sessions, over 25 panel discussions, the scholars conference, breakfast book club, literary walking tours, food events, music events, tribute reading, and theater events! You also receive an invitation for 2 to our Donor Party held the Friday night of the Festival at The Historic New Orleans Collection.
Literary Discussion Pass ($100/$70 Student) – Access to all literary panel discussions, the scholars conference, and the staged reading of the winning one-act play.
One-Day Literary Discussion Pass ($40) – Entry to a full day of literary panels for a single day of the Festival.
Single Writer’s Craft Ticket ($25) – Admittance to one Writer’s Craft session
Single Literary Discussion Ticket ($10) – Admits you to one literary discussion.
Theatre Events – Individual tickets range between $15-$40, depending on the production.
Walking Tours ($25 to $50) – Per person, per tour. Prices vary based on type of tour.
Scholars Conference Pass ($20) – For a full day of events at our Scholars Conference on Friday during the Festival.
Special Events – prices vary from $20-$75, depending on the event. These include Opening Night, Tribute Reading, Books & Beignets, Drummer & Smoke, and culinary and cocktail events.
Tell me more about Tennessee.
Playwright Tennessee Williams was born on March 26, 1911, in Columbus, Mississippi. After college, he moved to New Orleans, a city that would inspire much of his writing and that he considered his “spiritual home”. On March 31, 1945, his play, The Glass Menagerie, opened on Broadway and two years later A Streetcar Named Desire earned Williams his first Pulitzer Prize. Many of Williams’ plays have been adapted to film starring screen greats like Marlon Brando and Elizabeth Taylor. Williams died in 1983.
What is the history of the Festival?
In 1986, Louisiana was in the middle of an extended economic slump. Concerned by the low morale and failing sense of community pride wrought by years of financial hardship, a group of New Orleanians pooled their varied skills to produce an event that would celebrate and share the enormous wealth of cultural traditions that enrich this unique region. The Festival was named to honor the special bond between New Orleans and Tennessee Williams, whose creative genius came to full flower in our city. Williams thereby exemplifies the long history of fertile relationships between artists (especially writers) and Louisiana. From a modest beginning (about 500 audience members enjoyed two days of entertainment), attendance has increased to over 12,000 audience seats filled and programming has expanded to five days and nights of activities, as well as a host of special events. For a longer history of the Festival, click HERE.
What is the weather in New Orleans like during late March?
In March, New Orleans has an average high temperature of 73 degrees Fahrenheit, and an average low around 55. The weather can vary that time of year, so check the forecasts closer to the Festival. Rain is not uncommon, so come prepared with an umbrella or raincoat. Venues tend to be chilly, so we advise you to bring a sweater or jacket.
When and where is the Festival?
Thomas Lanier Williams III—or as he’s better known, Tennessee Williams—was born on March 26th, 1911. The Festival is on the weekend of March closest to Tennessee’s birthday.
The Festival is held at various locations in the inimitable French Quarter in New Orleans, Louisiana. Most locations are within easy walking distance of one another. Other events are held in various parts of the city, easily accessible by car, streetcar, or city bus. Neworleansonline.com is an excellent resource for information about the city.
Who’s coming to the Festival this year?
Check our Speaker Page for updates for the upcoming Festival. We typically post new program information for the March Festival in December and add to it frequently, so check back often. Also, sign up for our newsletter and follow us on social media for updates on the Festival @twfestnola. The newsletter link is at the bottom of our homepage.
