As the national association of playwrights, composers and lyricists, and the only organization devoted solely to the interests of artists writing for the theater (and with over 6,000 members), the Guild and its Council have created the Fellows Program to nurture the next generation of American dramatists. Our program is unique, not only in the kinds of opportunities it offers, but also because it brings together both playwrights and musical theater writers to discuss their work and common interests.

The Dramatists Guild Fellows program is designed for those theater writers who have completed a graduate program and are no more than five years past that program, or have comparable experience in organized writers’ workshops or other pertinent experience. Each year, we select a group of new theater writers for a program which provides continued support and training. The nine-month program includes group sessions with theater professionals, and, where possible, one-on-one mentoring, and opportunities to become interns or observers with dramatists involved in professional productions.

The program encourages playwrights, composers and lyricists to apply. This eleventh season, we hope to select five playwriting fellows and five musical theater fellows. The musical theater fellows should apply as creative teams where possible and applicable; those who write both music and lyrics would apply alone as a “self-contained” writer.

Twice a month we hold critiques, in which Fellows are encouraged to present their own work and discuss it with professionals as well as peers. These sessions are intended both to sustain a sense of community among Fellows and other Guild members and to allow Fellows to explore creative and business issues, drawing on the professionals’ experience. If possible, the Fellow (or team) will also work with a mentor in one-on-one meetings to discuss the Fellow’s ongoing projects and creative concerns. In order to properly take advantage of these unique opportunities, it is expected, but not mandatory, that applicants have New York residences for the duration of their Fellowship. 

2012 Applications are now open.