Posted by Tarragon Theatre
National Young Playwrights Unit
Applications now open!
The National Young Playwrights Unit (NYPU) is a paid virtual training experience for young artists (aged 18-28) who are curious and passionate about playwriting. This program offers a group of dedicated young creators a rigorous and supportive context in which to develop some of their first works.
We are particularly encouraging people from equity seeking communities to apply. We are committed to cultivating a brave space where we minimize the harms we see in the world in order to achieve success, joy, and excellence in our participants!
If you have any questions about the National Young Playwrights Unit, please don’t hesitate to contact the Education and Community Engagement Manager at education@tarragontheatre.com.
What the Local YPU offers:
- Virtual playwriting sessions with lead facilitator Paula Wing and assistant dramaturg Jonnie Lombard provide an opportunity for guided material generation
- Explorations of plot, theme, character creation, scene study, dramatic action and beyond through creation, discussion, revision, and critique
- Guided prompts facilitating the completion of the first draft of your new play
- Dramaturgical support will span the duration of the NYPU
- Guest facilitation from playwrights Nathaniel Hanula-James and Jeff Ho
- Participants will be connected with various theatre professionals and Tarragon staff
- Participants will be given FREE tickets to Tarragon shows when in Toronto
- Each play will receive workshops with a professional director and actors.
- An excerpt of each play will be featured in-person at Tarragon Theatre’s Play Reading Week.
- Support in applying for travel and professional development grants to attend workshops and Play Reading Week in-person.
PLEASE NOTE: Workshops with actors and final outcome in Tarragon’s Play Reading Week will take place in-person at Tarragon Theatre. Playwrights can attend virtually, but are encouraged to apply for travel grants should they wish to join in-person.
What to Submit:
– A letter of intent (max 1pg single-spaced) including the following:
- What is the project you hope to explore in the program?
- What is your experience with playwriting and theatre creation?
- How do you hope the program will support you in your artistic journey?
- Please share anything else you feel is important about yourself.
- Please include your name, pronouns, age and a phone number.
– An artistic sample of the script you intend to develop in the program. Max 5 pages, formatting can be up to applicants’ interpretation.
– Participants will be paid a $500 honorarium
– Please submit via email to: community@tarragontheatre.com with the subject line National YPU 2025
For questions about the program, application process, or accessibility please contact Heather at education@tarragontheatre.com
DEADLINE: January 12, 2025
All applicants will be notified by February, 2025