Eligibility

This program is open to Canadian playwrights writing in English at all stages of their careers who are looking to dedicate time to developing their scripts. This year’s Lab features two application streams: Emerging Playwrights: For writers with less than 5 years of practice and fewer than 2 professionally produced plays. Established Playwrights: For those with significant experience who are looking for dedicated time to work on their projects.

Number of Participants

19

Deadline

November 26, 2026 06:59 UTC

Selection Results (Announcement Dates)

January 06, 2027 07:00 UTC

Duration

May 10, 2027 - May 22, 2027

Costs

• CA$65.00 application fee

Facilities

Library, Shared Studio

Housing

Private Room

Meals

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Public Programs

Discussion, Group Dinners, Mentors, Readings, Seminars, Visiting Professionals, Workshops

Disciplines

Playwriting

Program Description

The Playwrights Lab is a two-week residency supporting the development of new theatrical work in a generative, artist-centred environment. The Lab gives playwrights dedicated time, space, and resources to experiment, rewrite, and explore their work with experienced faculty. Community is central to the residency. Through facilitated conversations, shared inquiry, and informal exchange, participants learn from mentorship and one another while pursuing their own creative process. The result is a dynamic and supportive environment in which new work can take risks, evolve, and deepen. Led by experienced experts in new plays, the Lab fosters risk-taking and innovation and is a catalyst for meaningful artistic breakthroughs. Through dedicated time, expert mentorship, and collaborative exchange, playwrights will: support new play development; learn from lectures and Q&As; prioritize artistic process; cultivate dramaturgical practice; and, build artistic community.