Playwrights Lab 2025

Dates

Application Deadline: October 23, 2024

Program Dates: April 21 – May 03, 2025

Overview

The newly reimagined Playwrights Lab 2025 program offers an inspiring, interdisciplinary, and inclusive environment for both emerging and established playwrights, dramaturgs and creators of new theatrical work. We invite playwrights to develop compelling new work, with urgent narratives across all genres. Join us during this pivotal time when the theatre community is facing both crisis and renewal and where playwrights are the foundation for leading the way forward. 

Description

Twenty Canadian writers will participate in a two-week residency gaining invaluable experience under the guidance of expert faculty. This residency provides a unique opportunity to refine your craft and connect with fellow playwrights. Emerging playwrights will receive hands-on instruction and practical feedback. Established playwrights will have more self-directed time to work on their projects. Participants will benefit from:

• Thematic Teaching: Explore key themes and techniques.
• Q&A Sessions: Engage in discussions with faculty.
• Seminars: Attend insightful seminars on various aspects of playwriting.
• One-on-One Workshopping: Receive personalized feedback and support.
• Studio Space: Playwrights will be offered a workspace suited to the nature of their creative projects.
• Dramaturgical Sessions: Develop your work with expert dramaturgical guidance.
• Apprentice Dramaturgs will receive mentorship from the faculty, and the ability to audit sessions where appropriate.

Faculty will offer constructive feedback, share ideas, and address the challenges of writing for contemporary theatre. 

Requirements

• Playwrights at all stages of their careers who are looking to dedicate time to developing their scripts. 
• Plays and ideas with a clear goal for production and a well-defined plan for the residency. 

This year’s Lab features three application streams:

• Emerging Playwrights: For writers with less than 5 years of practice and fewer than 2 professionally produced plays. Emerging playwrights will receive hands-on instruction and practical feedback.
• Established Playwrights: For those with significant experience who are looking for dedicated time to work on their projects.
• Apprentice Dramaturg: For those interested in receiving mentorship from faculty and the opportunity to audit sessions where appropriate.

Please identify your preferred stream in your application.