Spring 2026 Workshop Writers Intensive
The Workshop Theater
APPLICATIONS CLOSE: January 5, 2026 at 11:59pm. EST (or until 120 scripts are submitted)
INFO: The Workshop Intensive is a weekly, virtual writer’s group that runs for 10 weeks, with four writers, and two facilitators/dramaturges. Writers submit an unproduced play, along with a statement of rewrite goals, and are then selected by the artistic staff. The script can be a first draft, only partially finished, or something that has been worked on many times. We are agnostic as to form and content. Writers may only submit one (1) play per application cycle.
WHEN IS IT?
7:00PM-9:00PM EST via Zoom
Tuesdays - March 3 - May 12 (with April 7th off)
Wednesdays - March 4 - May 13 (with April 8th off)
Thursdays - March 5 - May 14 (with April 9th off)
HOW DOES THE INTENSIVE WORK?
It is a weekly, virtual writer’s group that runs for 10 weeks, with no more than 4 writers. Each weekly session will last two hours, with a pair of writers presenting for one hour (including discussion). Writers will alternate so that each writer presents every other week, for a total of four times. There will be two moderators/facilitators/dramaturgs to run the intensive.
HOW DO I APPLY?
Writers must submit a pdf draft of a full-length script (or as much of one as the writer has), a statement of their rewriting goals, and their day of the week availability.
Please be sure to login to a Google account to upload submission materials.
WHAT’S EXPECTED OF ME?
Be present at all 10 sessions.
Set aside time to address rewrite ideas between sessions.
Read the other three scripts before the intensive starts.
Be willing to read (act) each other’s work, as needed.
Provide a digital headshot and a brief bio (200 words or less) for The Workshop website
Read and sign our Code of Conduct
WHAT’S THE CATCH?
No catch. The Workshop Intensive is free to any playwrights with a script they want to work on. Special Consideration will be given to BIPOC Playwrights.
NOTE: Previous Intensive participants must wait one (1) cycle until they apply again (ie: Fall 2025 participants cannot apply for Spring 2026, but can apply for Fall 2026)
Please contact info@workshoptheater.org with questions.
workshoptheater.org/intensives/apply
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2026 Writers Retreat for Emerging LGBTQ* Voices
Lambda Literary
DEADLINE: $30
APPLICATION FEE: January 8, 2026 at 11:59pm ET
INFO: The Writers Retreat for Emerging LGBTQ Voices is the nation’s premier LGBTQ writing residency. It is the only multi-genre writing residency devoted exclusively to emerging LGBTQ+ writers. The Retreat is an unparalleled opportunity to develop one’s craft and find community.
The 2026 Writers Retreat will take place from August 1-8, 2026. As we did in 2025, we are holding our Writers Retreat online. This format allows for us to continue building our organizational resources while offering the same high-quality programming that remains accessible to folks who may not otherwise be able to attend in-person programs. Not only that, but the Virtual Retreat was a hit in 2025! Fellows and Faculty reported the Lambda Literary Virtual Retreat model was “one of the more accessible and inclusive retreats of its kind available to writers, and is driven forward by leadership who are dedicated to supporting queer artists and their development” (Sam Heyman, 2022/2025 Fellow).
TUITION, SCHOLARSHIPS, + FINANCIAL SUPPORT:
Tuition for the 2026 Virtual Retreat is set at $1,100.
Accepted fellows will no longer have to fundraise for their own tuition–Lambda Literary will provide financial support to those who need it. We are working hard to make our spaces as accessible as possible, and those who cannot pay their own way should not have to expend more time and energy just to attend. With this new plan, Lambda Literary will be offering financial support to make sure every accepted writer can attend, regardless of financial status.
Find all available scholarships, financial support information, and other opportunities in the application form.
RETREAT DATES + LOCATION
The 2026 Writers Retreat will be held virtually from August 1-August 8, 2026.
APPLICATION DETAILS:
You may apply to more than one workshop, however, each application must be submitted separately and requires an additional fee. The fee for each application is $30.00 and is processed through Submittable's online portal. If you wish to pay by cash or check please contact retreat@lambdaliterary.org.
A limited number of application fee waivers are available for QTBIPOC** members of our community who have never attended the Writers Retreat before.
To inquire about a fee waiver, email retreat@lambdaliterary.org confirming your eligibility as:
A member of the QTBIPOC community
Someone who has never attended the Retreat before.
You do not need to provide any other identifying information. Waivers are given out on a first-come-first serve basis. Secure yours sooner rather than later!
To Apply, Please Prepare
1. An artistic/biographical statement (max 500 words).
2. a writing sample matching the genre of the workshop you’re applying for:
A writing sample in .DOC, .DOCX, or .PDF format.
For prose please double space and use a 12 point font.
For Screenwriting please use standardized scriptwriting format.
The sample you apply with does not have to be the same sample you plan to workshop at the Retreat.
Page limits per workshop:
For Fiction, Nonfiction, Romantic Fiction, Speculative Fiction, and Young Adult Fiction: 15 pages maximum. This maximum applies to cross-genre samples as well as samples in verse.
For Playwriting and Screenwriting: 15 pages maximum from a full-length work, short play/script, or piece of theatre/film. This page limit includes dramatis personae/cast list/setting/description.
For Poetry: 8 pages maximum
3. Optional, not required for acceptance:
Any publications of your work during the past two years, including anthologies, literary journals, magazines, websites, and books.
Any other writing conferences, retreats, and workshops have you attended.
Some scholarships, financial support, and additional opportunities require a scholarship statement (max 500 words).
APPLICATION REVIEW + STATUS NOTIFICATION:
Applications are reviewed in three stages by a panel of retreat alumni and Lambda staff. Reviewers are given comprehensive guidelines and a rubric to evaluate each application for craft, inventiveness, voice, and form. Within that, we strive to serve a variety of writers with varying backgrounds, ages, sexual orientations, genders, religions, races, ethnicities, socioeconomic statuses, and localities.
In the first round of review, the top 50 fellowship candidates in each genre are identified. In the second round, the top 30 fellowship candidates in each genre are identified. In the third round of review, the genre-specific faculty member makes final decisions and chooses 12 fellows and 5 waitlist applicants out of the top 30 pool. Writers Retreat faculty make the final determinations regarding accepted and waitlisted applicants. All applicants will be notified of their application status in April 2026.
lambdaliterary.org/emerging-writers-retreat/
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Latine Playwright Fellowship
Chicago Latino Theater Alliance
DEADLINE: January 9, 2025
INFO: CLATA is proud to launch our first-ever Emerging Latine Playwright Fellowship, a brand new six-month program created to support early career Latine/a/o playwrights living and working in the greater Chicagoland area.
Three fellows will be selected, each receiving a $3,000 stipend to support the completion of a new play.
APPLICATION GUIDELINES:
Playwrights must identify as Latino/a/e/x.
Playwrights must have resided in the greater Chicagoland area for more than 18 months.
Playwrights must not have had more than one of their plays professionally produced or published in the past.
Applicants must not be enrolled in a degree-seeking program during the fellowship period.
Applicants must be at least 21 years old.
Playwrights are expected to participate in all of the workshops, events, and production process included in the fellowship. (Between January and end of May).
Language of submission: New projects may be written in English or Spanish, or be bilingual.
Length and format requirements: Plays must be limited or adapted to a total of five (5) readers, with a length of fifty (50) to seventy-five (75) pages and a running time between 60 and 90 minutes maximum.
Submissions are limited to one project per playwright.
APPLICATION PROCESS & MATERIALS:
Resume
Artist Statement (750 words)
What kind of work are you interested in making at this moment in your career, and why does it feel urgent to you now?
What questions, ideas, or concerns do you consistently explore in your writing?
How does this fellowship specifically support your artistic goals at this moment, including the community-building aspect of the program?
Work samples: A full-length play or an excerpt from a work in progress (minimum 25 pages and maximum 75 pages for full length plays).
clata.org/en/programs/Fellowship-Program
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Sunlit Residency: Summer '26
Sunlit Residency (Ithaca, NY)
DEADLINE: January 10, 2026
PROCESSING FEE: $25
INFO: A residency for social justice, human rights and the arts in Ithaca, NY.
This residency honors the legacy of anthropologist Dr. Sue-Je Lee Gage, pioneering scholar of Amerasians in South Korea, change maker, beloved teacher and mentor whose talents and interests spanned the fine arts, the humanities, and the social sciences. Scholars, artists, writers, and activists are invited to apply for short-term residencies in her former home in Ithaca, New York, to pursue projects related to the passions and interests that motivated Dr. Gage's work for social justice, human rights and the arts on a broad scale.
Residents are responsible for their own transportation to and from Ithaca, New York.
All household amenities, including wi-fi, will be provided.
All questions and queries regarding the residency may be addressed to Sunlitresidency@gmail.com.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
Please complete the Application Form. Also email the following as Microsoft Word or pdf attachments to Sunlitresidency@gmail.com:
Project Description: Submit a statement (max. 1500 words) describing your proposed work, how it aligns with the goals of the Sunlit Residency, current stage of the project, goals for completion while at the Residency, and a schedule for how you plan to utilize your time while at the Residency.
Work Samples: Scholars and creative writers are requested to submit two samples of written work. Artists are asked to submit two fine art samples, or representations thereof. Activists are requested to submit a brief (about 250-300 word) description of past activities relevant to the proposed project, or other evidence of such activities.
Updated Curriculum Vitae
A Confidential Letter of Reference: The letter should be emailed directly to Sunlitresidency@gmail.com by a professional colleague and/or supervisor who is familiar with your project and your goals.
Processing fee of $25: Payment should be made via our donation page on the website.
forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage
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call for New Plays 2026
Carnegie Mellon University Press
DEADLINE: January 12, 2026
ENTRY FEE: $25
INFO: Carnegie Mellon University Literary Press is accepting submissions of finished full-length plays (60-120 min. running time) to be published in our drama series.
Carnegie Mellon University Press celebrates innovative storytelling in dramatic writing. We particularly welcome submissions from emerging playwrights.
Please note: Musicals and musical librettos will not be considered and should not be submitted.
HOW TO SUBMIT:
Playwrights will need to upload the following to our online submission platform and pay the $25 entry fee.
Complete script of a full-length play (60-120 min. running time)—please remove your name and other identifying information from this manuscript
Short description (150 word max) of the submitted play—please remove your name and other identifying information from this document
Brief (300 word max) playwright bio that includes your name and the title of the play submitted
Link to your playwright website, if available
FAQ:
Who can enter? There are no limitations on entrants with respect to age, nationality, place of residence, professional status, or affiliation with Carnegie Mellon University. No organizer, judge, reader, or their relatives may submit.
What can they submit? Entries must be previously unpublished, full length (60-120 min. running time) plays in English; only one entry per playwright.
Is there an entry fee? Yes. A $25 fee helps us cover the costs of production and publication of the selected works.
How do I enter? Entries are only accepted via our online submissions platform.
When is the submissions period? The window for submissions will open on December 1, 2025 and close January 12, 2026.
Who will judge the entries? The editorial board of Carnegie Mellon University Press.
Can my play have been already produced? Yes, we will consider both produced and unproduced plays.
Will any submissions be published? A maximum of three plays will be published by Carnegie Mellon University Press in 2027.
When will Carnegie Mellon University Press announce their selection? June 2026.
cmupress.submittable.com/submit
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June Bingham New Playwright Commission
Live & In Color
DEADLINE: January 15, 2026 at 11:59 pm EST
INFO: This commission opportunity provides resources and support toward the creation and development of a new play by early-career women/femme and/or non-binary storytellers.
We define “early-career” as artists who have written pieces previously, or have engaged in writing via books, film, TV, etc. but have not had theatrical work that has been extensively professionally produced by commercial or non-profit organizations and have less than two full-length pieces that have been published in print. If you have questions about your eligibility or any portion of the application, please email Junebinghamcommission@liveandincolor.org.
The opportunity will culminate in a 60- 90 minute 2-person play that will be workshopped and presented as a reading for an audience at L&IC’s Fall Retreat in Salem, CT, in September of 2025.
The total fee for this Commission will be $3,000; housing, meals, and travel for the retreat are also provided. Schedule and deadlines will be at the discretion of the commission recipient and the program director.
This application is designed as the first of a three-round selection process that will be conducted virtually. Please fill out the form below to the best of your ability. Please note that this opportunity is open to all early-career writers who identify as cis-femme, trans-femme, and/or non-binary.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:
The Play must be able to be performed with 2 actors.
All submissions should include:
Short (5-page max) writing sample/excerpt in PDF format
1 page artistic statement in PDF format describing your influences, perspective and style, and addressing how this piece you hope to create fits- or doesn't fit- within your body of work and what impact you hope this piece might have on communities or audiences.
Resume/CV in PDF format
liveandincolor.org/june-bingham-new-playwright-commission
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UCROSS FELLOWSHIP FOR NATIVE AMERICAN ARTISTS
UCROSS Foundation
DEADLINE: January 15, 2026
APPLICATION FEE: $0
INFO: Our dedicated fellowship supports the work of contemporary Native American visual artists, writers, and performers. Selected fellows are offered a four-week residency, which includes uninterrupted time, private studio space living accommodations, meals prepared by our professional chef, a stipend, and the experience of the majestic High Plains. The Ucross Fellowship for Native American Artists also includes an award of $2,000 and the opportunity to present work publicly, such as a featured exhibition in the Ucross Art Gallery, a reading, or a performance.
The fellowship began in 2018 by supporting Native American visual artists, thanks in large part to a grant from The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts. Following the success of the first two years, in 2020, the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) granted Ucross funds to continue the program for visual artists and expand its reach to include Native American writers. In 2024, the NEA granted Ucross additional funds to include Native American performers.
ELIGIBILITY: Residencies are open to Native American writers who meet the criteria below. They must:
Be a practicing contemporary writer who is currently producing works in one or more of the following genres, including but not limited to FICTION, NONFICTION, POETRY, DRAMA, SCREENWRITING, PLAYWRITING, and HYBRID FORMS;
Be an enrolled member of a state-recognized or federally-recognized Tribe, Pueblo, Nation, Native Community, Political Entity, or Alaskan Native Village.
FICTION WORK SAMPLE: Your writing sample should represent the genre in which you plan to work while in residence. Writing samples should be double-spaced and include your full name. * Appropriate sample: 20 pages of fiction, which could be a novel excerpt, a story, several stories, or a combination.
NONFICTION WORK SAMPLE: Your sample should represent the genre in which you plan to work while in residence. Writing samples should be double-spaced and include your full name. * Appropriate sample: 20 pages of nonfiction.
POETRY WORK SAMPLE: Your sample should represent the genre in which you plan to work while in residence. Poetry submissions may be single-spaced and should include your full name. * Appropriate samples: 10 pages of poetry.
PLAYWRITING WORK SAMPLE: Your sample should represent the genre in which you plan to work while in residence. Writing samples should be double-spaced and include your full name. * Appropriate samples: One complete play (documentation of production may be included, if relevant), noting the 20 pages that you would like the reviewers to read.
SCREENWRITING WORK SAMPLE: Your sample should represent the genre in which you plan to work while in residence. Writing samples should be double-spaced and include your full name. * Appropriate samples: One complete screenplay (documentation of production may be included, if relevant), noting the 20 pages that you would like the reviewers to read
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: Ucross Foundation acknowledges with respect that it is situated on the aboriginal land of several Indigenous communities, including the Cheyenne, Crow, and Lakota nations. Indigenous people continue to live in this area and practice their teachings and lifeways. Today, this region remains an important place for many Indigenous peoples. As a Wyoming institution, we recognize and respect this historical context and are working to build reciprocal relationships with the Native nations on whose lands we are situated. In partial fulfillment of that commitment, Ucross established Fellowships for Native American Visual Artists in 2017, Writers in 2020, and Performers in 2024.
https://ucrossfoundation.submittable.com/submit
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CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: THE REBEL’S ZEITGEIST
Black Writers for Peace and Social Justice
Deadline: January 15, 2026
INFO: Black Writers for Peace and Social Justice is excited to announce a call for submissions for our quarterly digital publication, The Rebel’s Zeitgeist.
We invite Black writers from around the world to submit their original poetry, short fiction, essays, book reviews, short plays, and music reviews for consideration for our Spring 2026 issue. Our journal is dedicated to amplifying voices that explore themes of social justice, radical resistance, and the revolutionary liminal spaces that shape identity.The Rebel’s Zeitgeist seeks to publish work that challenges the status quo, offers new perspectives on systemic injustices, and celebrates the rich diversity of the Black experience. The Spring 2026 issue's theme is, "Beyond the Bearing of Witness." Contributors will be those who have work that speaks to the nature of resistance and the fight for liberation. We will be accepting poems, essays, and short stories.
We welcome writers Synnika Alek-Chizoba Lofton and Khari Dawson as guest editors of this issue. Synnika Alek-Chizoba Lofton is an award-winning poet, educator, and publisher. Lofton is the author of more than 35 collections of poetry and more than 177 spoken word albums. His poems have appeared in Clock House Journal, Revenge, UpStreet, Experience Reality Magazine, Quay, Dissident Voice, The Skinny Poetry Journal, Mid-Atlantic Review, and Blue-Collar Review. In 2024, his poem “To Honor Her Bold Walk” was nominated for a Pushcart Prize. Khari Dawson is a multi-genre writer and musician based in Maryland. Published in multiple publications, including the 2025 Jan/Feb issue of POETRY magazine, she has enjoyed support for her work through grants and fellowship opportunities with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts’ Art Under a Minute program, the Martha’s Vineyard Creative Writing Institute, and the Smithsonian exhibit project, “Gen Z Speaks: A Right to the City.” She is a 2024 Watering Hole Poetry fellow.
We are particularly interested in pieces that:
Poetry: Captures the essence of resistance and resilience through evocative and powerful verse.
Short Fiction: Tells compelling stories that highlight struggles and triumphs in the fight for justice and equality.
Essays: Provides insightful analysis and commentary on contemporary social issues and historical events impacting Black communities.
Book Reviews: Critically examines works by Black authors, focusing on themes of social justice and transformative change.
Short Plays: Presents dramatic works that engage with revolutionary ideas and the complexities of identity.
Music Reviews: Analyzes and discusses music and artists that push through conventions with sonic innovation and creativity.
We welcome submissions from both emerging and established writers who are passionate about using their craft to promote peace and social justice. Each piece should reflect a commitment to these ideals and contribute to the ongoing dialogue around equity and liberation.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:
Format: Submissions must be in digital format (Word or PDF).
Length:
Poetry: Up to 3 poems, not exceeding 100 lines in total.
Short Fiction: Up to 5,000 words.
Essays: Up to 3,000 words.
Book Reviews: Up to 1,500 words.
Short Plays: Up to 20 pages.
Music Reviews: Up to 1,500 words.
HOW TO SUBMIT: Send your submission to submissions [at] blackwritersforpeace.org with the subject line “Submission: [Category] – [Your Name]”.
Guest editors will be announced in 2026.
blackwritersforpeace.org/literary-journal
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Monson Arts RESIDENCY
Monson Arts
DEADLINE: January 15, 2026
APPLICATION FEE: $25
INFO: Monson Arts’ residency program supports emerging and established artists and writers by providing them time and space to devote to their creative practices. During each of our 2-week and 4-week programs throughout the year, a cohort of 5 artists and 5 writers are invited to immerse themselves in small town life at the edge of Maine’s North Woods and focus intensely on their work within a creative and inspiring environment. They receive a private studio, private bedroom in shared housing, all meals, and $500 stipend ($250 for 2-week programs). The Abbott Watts Residency for Photography offers access to the photography studio and darkroom of Todd Watts in nearby Blanchard, adjacent to the former home of Berenice Abbott. Click here to read more about this unique opportunity specifically for photographers.
Applications for a residency at Monson Arts are open to anyone at any stage of their career, working in visual arts, writing, and related fields (i.e. audio, video, photography, woodworking, movement, screen and playwrights). Open calls for residency applications currently take place 3 times throughout the year with deadlines on January 15, May 15, and September 15. Each application period corresponds to specific residency offerings 3-6 months out.
Residents’ studios are located in newly renovated Main Street buildings that have been designed specifically for visual artists and writers. All of our studio spaces are outfitted to be as flexible as possible so that we can accommodate a variety of creative practices. Our visual arts studios are spacious and light-filled with large work tables and sinks. Shelving and portable storage carts are available as needed. Access is available to woodshop and metal shop facilities in nearby buildings for any fabrication needs. Our writing studios are comfortably furnished with work tables, office chairs, bookshelves, and reading chairs. For those working in time and sound based media: apply to the Writing category if quiet contemplation would be best for your project or the Visual Arts category if you need room and the opportunity to make and play sounds out loud.
Residents live in newly renovated historic homes throughout town, within walking distance to studios and everything that downtown Monson has to offer. These are mostly 3 bedroom structures that are fully furnished and comfortable all four seasons of the year. Houses all have shared kitchens, bathrooms, and common areas with laundry machines, telephone, and other amenities as well. Wifi is available in all of our buildings through high speed fiberoptic service.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE:
Up to 5 images / 5 minutes of media OR 5 pages of writing examples
A letter of intent for your time at the residency
C.V. or Resume (limited to 6000 characters)
Two reference names
2026 SPRING RESIDENCY SCHEDULE:
3/30 – 4/23 – Residency – (With Abbott Watts Resident)
4/27 – 5/21 – Residency
*5/26 – 6/5 – Residency – (With Abbott Watts Resident) 2 week residency (Tuesday start for memorial day)
monsonarts.slideroom.com/#/login/program/87435
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Creative Opportunity Fund
A.R.T. / New York
DEADLINE: January 20, 2026 at 5:00pm ET
INFO: The Creative Opportunity Fund provides general operating support grants of $2,000-$5,000 to small professional theatres with budgets under $500,000 working throughout New York State.
Applicants to the Creative Opportunity Fund are NOT required to be members of A.R.T./New York. The Creative Opportunity Fund is a regrant of a New York State Council on the Arts program. A.R.T./New York regrants NYSCA funds, and all applicants and grantees will interact with A.R.T./New York as their grantmaker.
The grant aims to distribute flexible funding to support theatres throughout the state with capacity building and stabilization and to increase funding opportunities for theatres that have been left out of mainstream funding opportunities because of barriers associated with racial, economic, disability, and sexual identity and/or geographic location. Payments are made via electronic or paper check, depending on the grantee’s preference.
ELIGIBILITY:
To be eligible for the Creative Opportunity Fund, applicants must:
Be a theatre company based in New York State with a New York State address that has presented or produced public programming for at least two years
Applicants should be theatre companies and/or collectives, though they can have a wide range of organizational structures including - but not limited to - 501(c)3, fiscally sponsored, or unincorporated artist collectives.
NYSCA has informed us that any application submitted on behalf of a for-profit Limited Liability Company (LLC) or Domestic Business Corporation, regardless of whether or not they are fiscally sponsored by a registered 501c3 nonprofit, will not be eligible to be considered for funding.
Have live or virtual performances open to the general public (free or ticketed) in New York State in 2026
Have annual expenses totaling $500,000 or less for its most recently completed fiscal year
Not have applied directly to NYSCA’s theatre programming for 2026 funding, regardless of whether or not the application was funded
Currently and previously pay artists, or commit to allocating at least 50% of any funding awarded through the Creative Opportunity Fund to providing compensation to artists.
INFO SESSIONS: A.R.T./New York will provide a pre-recorded info session and one virtual info session for the NYSCA - A.R.T./New York Creative Opportunity Fund. The info sessions are led by A.R.T./New York staff and will review the grant, eligibility criteria, and application process. Attendees are encouraged to review the grant website and application prior to attending the info session.
Click HERE to watch our pre-recorded info session.
Click HERE to sign up for our virtual info session on Thursday January 8, 2026, 4:30PM - 6:00PM
We highly recommend new applicants attend an info session before submitting their application. However, it is not required to attend one before you can apply.
Automatic captioning is available on all virtual info sessions. ASL interpretation, live captioning, and other accessibility services are available upon request for all info sessions. Please contact our grants team at grants@art-newyork.org at least 5 business days in advance.
OFFICE HOURS: A.R.T./New York staff will be offering technical assistance in the form of virtual "office hours.” All applicants will be able to schedule a 25 minute session, during which A.R.T./New York staff will be happy to discuss your responses to the questions in the grant application, look over potential work samples you're considering, talk through questions on your budget and/or budget notes, and answer any other questions regarding the grant and your application you might have.
art-newyork.org/creative-opportunity-fund
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Core Writer Program
Playwrights’ Center
DEADLINE: January 22, 2026 at 11:59pm CT
INFO: The Core Writer program is a three-year appointment designed to support a diverse group of playwrights who demonstrate a sustained body of work, commitment to their craft, and distinct artistic vision. The program is available to committed professional playwrights nationally and offers significant resources intended to further a playwright’s career.
The Core Writer program annually gives 25-30 of the most exciting playwrights from across the country the time and tools to develop new work for the stage. Each year, Playwrights’ Center selects four to seven new writers to join this group, as four to seven other writers wrap up their three-year term. All Core Writers receive play development workshops with the Center, in collaboration with prominent directors, actors, dramaturgs, and designers. All writers are paid for their workshop time, and Core Writers who are not local are provided travel to and housing in the Twin Cities for their workshops.
Core Writers are eligible to be included in our formal season of public readings: the PlayLabs Festival, the Ruth Easton New Play Series, the In the Lab Series, and the Fridays@4 Series. Core Writers are also promoted by the Center and provided opportunities through an extensive network of colleges and universities, cultural institutions, and producing theaters.
Each term is three years; Core Writers may reapply for additional terms. At the end of the term, all Core Writers will become Affiliated Writers of Playwrights’ Center.
Playwrights’ Center IS currently accepting applications for the Core Writer program.
ELIGIBILITY:
Applicants must be over the age of 18 and must reside in and have the legal right to work in the U.S. This program is highly competitive and is designed for committed professional playwrights who are pursuing playwriting as their primary career.
Students enrolled in a full-time educational program are not eligible. Playwrights’ Center Staff who are directly involved in administering fellowship programs are not eligible. The Core Writer term will be July 1, 2026-June 30, 2029. At least one slot each year is reserved for a Minnesota writer.
Playwrights who have benefited from the Core Writer program include: Christina Anderson, Trista Baldwin, Benjamin Benne, Lee Blessing, George Brant, Sharon Bridgforth, Erin Courtney, Lisa D’Amour, Mashuq Mushtaq Deen, Larissa FastHorse, Emily Feldman, Barbara Field, Marcus Gardley, Franky D. Gonzalez, Sarah Gubbins, Dipika Guha, Karen Hartman, Jeffrey Hatcher, Samuel D. Hunter, C.A. Johnson, Daniel Alexander Jones, Sofya Levitsky-Weitz, Martyna Majok, Mona Mansour, Melanie Marnich, Maron McClinton, Winter Miller, Daaimah Mubashshir, Qui Nguyen, AriDy Nox, Dan O’Brien, Kira Obolensky, Stacey Rose, Andrew Rosendorf, Jen Silverman, Mat Smart, Susan Soon He Stanton, Victoria Stewart, Alice Tuan, Joe Waechter, Ray Yamanouchi, Rhiana Yazzie, Lauren Yee, and Karen Zacarías.
pwcenter.org/programs/core-writer-program/
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2027/2028 residency program
the cell theatre (New York, NY)
DEADLINE: February 2, 2026 at 11:59PM ET
INFO: the cell’s artist-in-residency is a selective program that develops new works by artists from across all disciplines throughout an annual cycle. Chosen applicants receive space, funding, guidance, and other developmental resources. Depending on the project, artists will have access to production staff and technical support. For publicly ticketed presentations, marketing and box office services will be provided. Projects can range in scope from readings to developmental workshops to productions.
The length of the residency may be anywhere from 1-5 weeks and the residency stipend ranges from $1000 - $5000 depending on project requirements.
Located at 338 West 23rd Street in the heart of Chelsea, the cell is a 501 (c) not-for-profit that occupies a four-story townhouse with intimate workshop spaces, an elegant full-length gallery floor, and a dynamic performance space. Our theatre is flexible, has full audio/visual capabilities, and includes access to a backyard reception area as well as a green room for performers.
To get a better idea of the range of performance spaces at the cell, click on the link below:
www.thecelltheatre.org/the-space
the cell exclusively develops new work and will only consider projects that have not been professionally produced and have supporting submission materials (e.g. a finished draft of a script, footage, designs, budget, collaborators, and/or a creative portfolio.)