Public Theater Emerging Writers Group accepting applications

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If you have specific questions, please email EWGquestions@publictheater.org after reading the below sections.  Please pay close attention to the Frequently Asked Questions section below. No phone calls please.

Playwrights participating in the Emerging Writers Group will:

• Receive stipend of $7,500
• Participate in a biweekly writers group led by The Public’s New Work Department
• Receive at least one reading at The Public in the Emerging Writers Group Spotlight Series Reading Series
• Participate in master classes led by established playwrights
• Observe rehearsals for productions at The Public
• Receive an additional stipend for theater tickets to productions at other theaters
• Receive complimentary tickets to Public Theater shows, invited dress rehearsals and other special events
• Receive artistic support and professional development guidance from the literary department and artistic staff

Requirements for Eligibility

• Cannot have professional representation for playwriting including, but not limited to, agent, manager or lawyer.
• Cannot be a full-time student at any point during the duration of the program.
• Cannot be enrolled in any academic playwriting course during the duration of the program.
• Must not have had productions in New York other than those using the showcase code or in an off-off Broadway theater with 99 or fewer seats. (If your New York show used a higher contract tier than the showcase code, you are not eligible to apply. If your New York show received a festival production in a theater with more than 99 seats and did not use an Equity contract, you are eligible to apply.)
• Must live within 90 minutes to The Public Theater via car or rail.
• Must be able to attend evening meetings at The Public Theater every other week in 2020 and 2021 as well as other events throughout the year, such as master classes, retreats, observerships and other special events at The Public.
• Regular attendance is mandatory and therefore applicants should view the program as a two-year-long commitment.
• Must be available for an in-person interview in early March 2020.

If you are unavailable for an in-person interview or have a limited conflict in regards to attending biweekly meetings, please make note of such conflicts on the Application Form. We will try to accommodate such situations on a case-by-case basis.

For further clarification of Requirements for Eligibility, please see the Frequently Asked Questions section below.

Application and Deadline

Deadline is November 29, 2019. 

Materials must be postmarked November 29 or received at the theater or emailed by Midnight EST of November 29.

Criteria and Selection Process

The Public Theater will select the strongest candidates based on the overall strength of the applicant’s play submission, artistic statement, and interview.

The Public will look for candidates from diverse backgrounds who show tremendous artistic promise and talent, as well as responsible and dedicated individuals who are serious about a career in the theater.

The selection committee will be comprised of Oskar Eustis, Jesse Cameron Alick, Jack Phillips Moore.

Time Table

• Application Deadline: midnight EST November 29, 2019
• Finalist interviews: Early March 2020
• Notification: Mid-Late March 2020
• Program start date: April 2020
• Program end date: End of March 2022

All applicants will be notified of their status by email by the end of March 2020. Applicants without email addresses will be notified by mail. Please do not call or email to ask your status. Please rest assured that if we would like to interview you, we will contact you, so you need not call or email to inquire.