Deadline: December 18, 2025 at 11:59pm EST
With the support of The New York Community Trust and the Jerome Foundation, the Van Lier New Voices Fellowship provides substantial support to two BIPOC playwrights under the age of 30. You can read more about what the Van Lier New Voices Fellowship provides here.
About the Application Process
Applications open October 23rd, 2025 at 10:00am EST.
Applications close December 18th, 2025 at 11:59pm EST.
Applicants may only apply once per application year.
There are two rounds of review. Each application is thoughtfully reviewed by a broad reader pool of industry professionals, Van Lier Fellowship alumni, and Rattlestick staff. Each application is reviewed in the first round by at least two different readers. A semi-finalist pool will be identified and moved on to the second round. These applications will be reviewed by at least two different readers, as well. Applicants advancing to the finalist round will be notified in February/March 2026.
Finalists are selected through two rounds of consideration and are required to reconfirm their eligibility (see eligabilty requirements below). Six finalists are granted an interview with a selection panel, including representatives from Rattlestick Theater.
Two playwrights will be awarded the Van Lier Fellowship in May 2026.
Eligibility
An Eligible Van Lier Fellow:
Is between the ages of 18 - 30 in May 2026. Why? The New York Community Trust, which carries out Edward and Sally Van Lier’s legacy of arts appreciation, specifically benefits arts groups and training programs to provide education, training, or other support to young artists under 30. The Van Lier New Voices Playwriting Fellowship falls under the umbrella of these predetermined age parameters and is legally obligated to fulfill this goal.
Identifies as a BIPOC individual.
Resides in, or within a 30 mile radius of, New York City (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, or Staten Island), or Minneapolis, MN. Or, plans to relocate to the NYC or Minneapolis area permanently by May 2026.
Is not enrolled as a full-time or part-time student in any degree-granting program from May 2026 to May 2027.
Demonstrates exceptional talent in playwriting and theater-making, with a deep appreciation for the collaborative nature of the creative process.
Expresses why this is a particularly timely opportunity for their participation in the Van Lier New Voices Fellowship.
Note: Current Rattlestick Theater staff, board members, and review panelists are not eligible to apply.Questions? Email vanlier@rattlestick.org! No phone calls please.