Deadline: February 6, 2026
SUBMISSION FORM
In "A Room of One's Own," written in 1929, Virginia Woolf says, “fictitious women are too simple — contrary to the living, breathing, complex women of real life, (they) are almost always depicted only “in their relation to men.” With the ROO Residency, Bechdel Project hopes to take one more step toward creating a culture of stories with complex women who are not simply depicted in relation to men.
Residency Description, Eligibility & Timeline
In "A Room of One's Own," written in 1929, Virginia Woolf says, “fictitious women are too simple — contrary to the living, breathing, complex women of real life, (they) are almost always depicted only “in their relation to men.” With the ROO Residency, Bechdel Project hopes to take one more step toward creating a culture of stories with complex women who are not simply depicted in relation to men.
The ROO Residency is a two-year residency that supports the creation of a new work for the stage or screen. Projects must center women, and highlight untold, or underrepresented, narratives and perspectives.
The 2026/27 residency offers:
Financial Support: $5,000 of funding to fuel the creative process.
An Artistic Home: Access to the Bechdel Project's vibrant spaces in Brooklyn and Germany for writing, workshops, and readings. Bechdel Project is a "whole being" inclusive space with built in practices and community culture to support artists who: are caregivers (from littles, to elders, and in between), work multiple jobs, prioritize their mental health and well being or have specific access needs.
Curated Mentorship: Tailored guidance from the Bechdel Project team, including monthly check-ins, dramaturgy, producing, logistical, and fiduciary support.
Community Connection: Opportunities to engage with a network of feminist artists and creators.
ELIGIBILITY
- The residency is open to writers over the age of 18.
- The residency is open to feminist writers (of any intersection) whose work centers women, non-binary or underrepresented genders through a feminist lens and whose proposed script passes the Bechdel Test. Global Majority and LGBTQ+ writers are especially encouraged to apply.
- The residency is open to writers in any area of the world and in any stage of their careers; however, priority will be given to those whose needs most align with our provided resources.
- We do not accept scripts that have already been produced or that are currently in pre-production. We do consider and are eager to read incomplete scripts!
APPLICATION TIMELINE
January 12 - Applications Open
February 6 - Applications Close
March 10 - Finalists Selected
March 17-24 from 7-9:30pm EST - Finalist Interviews (Finalists are required to attend 1 virtual interview)
March 30 - 2026 Residency Recipient Announced