The Seedlings Project - Playwriting Unit
Call for Applications
In the first phase of the project, we contacted all eligible applicants who had applied for the 19th Annual Women's Work Festival and selected 3 of them to keep working on their plays through the Seedlings Project. Now, we are seeking two enthusiastic and dedicated IBPOC women and gender-diverse playwrights based one in Newfoundland (outside of St. John's) and one in Labrador, to participate in the first edition of this project. 

We are looking for individuals with:

  • A compelling story they are eager to tell through the medium of theatre, and a strong desire to learn the craft of playwriting. Previous experience in playwriting is not required, but previous experiences writing any genres or participation in theatre projects is an asset, OR;
  • Newcomers with experience in writing for the stage in their home countries and a desire to develop their writing for Canadian audiences.​

Eligibility for Playwrights:

  • Identify as a woman or gender-diverse.
  • Identify as Indigenous, Black, or a Person of Colour (IBPOC).
  • Be based outside of the St. John's metropolitan area in Newfoundland and Labrador (for one position) or reside in Labrador (for the other position).
  • Be available for all online meetings and workshops below:
    • May 19 - Class - Introduction to Playwriting - evening (time TBD) NDT
    • June 21 and 22 - Playwrights Work & Play Book Club #1 - 4 hours daytime (time TBD) NDT
    • July 19 and 20 - Playwrights Work & Play Book Club #2 - 4 hours daytime (time TBD) NDT
    • August 16 and 17 - Playwrights Work & Play Book Club #3 - 4 hours daytime (time TBD) NDT
    • September 5 - Dramaturgy Workshop - part 2 - 6 - 9 pm NDT
    • September 7 - Dramaturgy Workshop - part 2 - 11 am - 1 pm NDT
    • September 20 - Play Book Club #4 and Rough First draft due - 4 hours daytime (time TBD) NDT
    • October - November - Playwrights work 1-1 with dramaturges - Specific schedules for these individual sessions will be arranged directly between the playwrights and their assigned dramaturges assisted by the Playwriting Unit Coordinator.
    • December 8-12 - Dramaturgical Workshop week (with lead dramaturge, actors, and playwrights) - Specific schedules for these workshops will be arranged in accordance with playwrights' and dramaturge's availability.
    • December 12-14 - Public readings - 7 pm - 9:30 pm (location TBD)​
  • Be available to travel to St. John's for the final public reading (travel and accommodation support will be provided).​
*All meetings will be online or hybrid, except for the dramaturgical workshop and public readings.
*As we understand that during the project, the availability of participants can change, we are aiming to have full attendance, if possible.
*Playwrights will also be required to do a quick check-in meeting with the Playwriting Unit Coordinator monthly or as needed. Additional meetings with a dramaturge may also be needed/required. These appointments will be scheduled with the playwright.

Time Commitment for Playwrights:

  • Attend monthly meetings: one meeting will focus on writing and feedback, and the other will be our Play Book Club, dedicated to discussing local plays.
  • Attend classes and workshops;
  • Read four published plays to discuss with the group (as part of the Play Book Club) and realize the activities proposed.
  • Deliver one rough first draft, which is due in late September. Another draft is due in late November/early December for the final workshop with actors and a public reading.
  • Maintain regular communication with the Playwriting Unit Facilitator and Coordinator.
Deadline for Applications: May 7, 2025. 
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The participants selected will be contacted by May 12.
We strongly encourage all eligible individuals to apply and look forward to discovering the exciting new voices that will emerge from The Seedlings Project!
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For more information, contact Ana Pitol, Playwriting Unit Coordinator at [email protected].