Deadline: January 20, 2022
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, and attributes of artistic merit.
The program is available to committed professional playwrights nationally and offers significant resources intended to further a playwright's career. Playwrights who have benefited from the Core Writer Program include: Christina Anderson, Trista Baldwin, Lee Blessing, George Brant, Carlyle Brown, Kristoffer Diaz, Larissa FastHorse, Marcus Gardley, Marvin Gonzalez deLeon, Idris Goodwin, Jeffrey Hatcher, Sherry Kramer, Carson Kreitzer, Martyna Majok, Melanie Marnich, Qui Nguyen, Kira Obolensky, Jen Silverman, Susan Soon He Stanton, Alice Tuan, and Rhiana Yazzie.
The Core Writer program annually gives 25-35 of the most exciting playwrights from across the country the time and tools to develop new work for the stage. 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 and housing to Playwrights’ Center for their workshops. Core Writers are eligible to be included in our formal season of public readings: the PlayLabs festival and the Ruth Easton New Play 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. Applicants must reside in and have the legal right to work in the U.S. It is not required for an applicant to have had professional productions in order to apply.
However, please note that 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. The Core Writer term will be July 1, 2022-June 30, 2025.