The newly reimagined Playwrights Lab 2025 program offers an inspiring, interdisciplinary, and inclusive environment for both emerging and established playwrights, dramaturgs and creators of new theatrical work. We invite playwrights to develop compelling new work, with urgent narratives across all genres. Join us during this pivotal time when the theatre community is facing both crisis and renewal and where playwrights are the foundation for leading the way forward.
Description
Twenty Canadian writers will participate in a two-week residency gaining invaluable experience under the guidance of expert faculty. This residency provides a unique opportunity to refine your craft and connect with fellow playwrights. Emerging playwrights will receive hands-on instruction and practical feedback. Established playwrights will have more self-directed time to work on their projects. Participants will benefit from:
- Thematic Teaching: Explore key themes and techniques.
- Q&A Sessions: Engage in discussions with faculty.
- Seminars: Attend insightful seminars on various aspects of playwriting.
- One-on-One Workshopping: Receive personalized feedback and support.
- Studio Space: Playwrights will be offered a workspace suited to the nature of their creative projects.
- Dramaturgical Sessions: Develop your work with expert dramaturgical guidance.
- Apprentice Dramaturgs will receive mentorship from the faculty, and the ability to audit sessions where appropriate.
Faculty will offer constructive feedback, share ideas, and address the challenges of writing for contemporary theatre.
Requirements
- Playwrights at all stages of their careers who are looking to dedicate time to developing their scripts.
- Plays and ideas with a clear goal for production and a well-defined plan for the residency.
This year’s Lab features three application streams:
- Emerging Playwrights: For writers with less than 5 years of practice and fewer than 2 professionally produced plays. Emerging playwrights will receive hands-on instruction and practical feedback.
- Established Playwrights: For those with significant experience who are looking for dedicated time to work on their projects.
- Apprentice Dramaturg: For those interested in receiving mentorship from faculty and the opportunity to audit sessions where appropriate.
Please identify your preferred stream in your application.
Collaborative groups of no more than two co-writers are welcome to apply but both parties must attend the full program to be considered.
Eligibility
Applicants must be 18+ at the time of the program start date.
Applications are open to Canadians and Permanent Residents only. Under the Jay Treaty in North America, Indigenous candidates are encouraged to apply.
- Only plays written in English are eligible for the Lab at this time.
- Plays that are commissioned by other theatres or producers are able to be accepted into the program but please include written permission from the commissioner stating that they support your application.
- If you are working on an adaptation to stage, please upload your signed permission or contract from the rights holder to work on the piece.
- For plays that are scheduled for premiere: provide information about the production, including dates and creative team.
- Playwrights who have attended the Lab or Retreat in the past 2 years or any other Banff Centre residencies in 12 months preceding the Lab are not eligible to apply.
Inclusivity Statement
We welcome applicants of all ages (18+), backgrounds, gender identities and expressions to apply. Artists from historically underrepresented and equity deserving groups are especially welcome.
